Healthy and Nutritious Foods for Tanning.

A bronzed skin doesn't just depend on sun exposure. There is also said to exist a certain tan diet. In fact, eating “tan foods”, rich in specific nutrients, is a natural way to optimize your sun-kissed complexion.

Nutrients for a tanned complexion.

The main allies of tanning are molecules belonging to the carotenoid family: beta-carotenes, alpha-carotenes, lycopenes and zeaxanthins. Biologically speaking, beta-carotene is converted into retinol, the active form of vitamin A, in the intestinal mucosa. The presence of retinol in the blood stimulates melanogenesis, the synthesis of melanin. The other carotenoids have not yet been shown to stimulate tanning. Nevertheless, like beta-carotenes, they all have antioxidant properties.

For your information, a self-tanning cure involving the daily intake of a capsule containing 7 mg beta-carotene lasts 100 days. We can therefore extrapolate and assume that you'll start to achieve a tanned complexion after consuming around 700 mg of beta-carotene.

It's also advisable to include copper-rich foods in your meals. This trace element is a co-factor of tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin production. If we look at the mechanism, tyrosinase is responsible for activating tyrosine, an amino acid, into melanin. For a luminous, tanned complexion, tyrosine consumption is also recommended.

Antioxidants to protect the skin.

For a beautiful, even tan, don't hesitate to fill up on antioxidants. By donating an electron, these molecules are able to neutralize the free radicals generated in excess by the body following prolonged exposure to the sun. Free radicals are unstable species that damage DNA, cells and proteins, and can cause skin disorders such as sunburn and hyperpigmentation. So, to avoid skin reddened by the sun, opt for a diet rich in vitamins A, C and E, polyphenols and trace elements such as zinc, copper, and selenium.

Foods with a high water content.

For a hydrated, tanned complexion, we recommend foods with a high water content. This reduces the risk of skin dryness caused by exposure to the sun. Dehydrated skin is more vulnerable to UV rays, and more likely to develop sunburn rather than a tan.