After long months of winter, summer finally arrives and with it the desire to get a tan. And although sun exposure is one of the main sources of vitamin D, it is important to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
However, there are some foods that can help you get a natural tan. In this gallery, we look at five foods that stimulate melanin production, act as antioxidants, improve skin elasticity and more.
Remember, however, to protect your skin with a sun cream suitable for your skin type. Also, drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated is another way to maintain a healthy, long-lasting tan.
Carrots are a source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is a pre-cursor of vitamin A, which helps protect the skin from UV rays, increasing melanin production and the degree of tanning.
Fish rich in omega-3 such as salmon can help increase melanin production, improving the tan, but also protecting the skin from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Spinach is a good source of chlorophyll which, according to one study, assists in skin photoprotection by slowing down the damage of sun exposure.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage and also improves elasticity and softness.
Catechin, an antioxidant found in green tea, has anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties, which can help prevent sunburn and improve tanning.