5 tips for protected and tanned skin!

Last summer was just not enough! The pandemic brought us long periods of confinement and numerous restrictions that did not allow us to enjoy the sun and heat as we would have liked. The population was less exposed to solar radiation and, therefore, in recent months, the need for supplementation with vitamin D has increased substantially. Few are the people who have values ​​considered normal for this vitamin (30-100ng/ml), which, by the way, is quite important for the normal functioning of the immune system.

This year, however, we are confident that the scenario can be a little different. The hottest days invite us to go out and, step by step, we are returning to our “old” habits. But is our skin ready to be exposed to the sun again with greater frequency and intensity? I'm sorry to say that maybe not… This is because, although we are all different and also have different skin phototypes (with greater or lesser sensitivity to the sun), our organism does not like sudden changes. Therefore, it is important to anticipate the arrival of summer and start preparing the skin to receive the sun in advance. As such, in order to prevent allergies, sunburn, or other complications, today I bring you five tips so that you can make the most of this summer and show off a natural, beautiful and lasting tan.

1. Drink lots of water

Moisturizing the skin is essential to maintain its firmness and elasticity. However, with the increase in sun exposure, the transepidermal loss of water also increases and, consequently, the loss of mineral salts. For this reason, the intake of a good amount of water per day is essential and must be taken into account throughout the year.

2. Moisturize and exfoliate your body

Skin hydration also involves the use of nutritive products that deeply repair the epidermis (creams, lotions, oils...). Before sun exposure, it is necessary to provide the skin with the necessary tools so that it is prepared to receive the sun's rays without becoming dry and/or damaged. In this context, exfoliation is also an important step, as it purifies the skin and eliminates dead cells on the surface.

3. Insert foods rich in beta carotene into your meals

Beta carotenes are pigments that enhance the tan since through them it is possible to obtain vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for the formation of melanin, which is known for protecting the skin from UV rays and for being the pigment responsible for our skin tone. Beta carotenes can generally be found in plant-based foods such as carrots, beets, spinach, sweet potatoes, and mangoes.

4. Discover the antioxidant properties of vitamin E

Vitamin E has a high antioxidant capacity, which protects the skin against the harmful effects caused by free radicals. Therefore, this is an excellent ally that helps prevent skin photoaging and mitigate the damage that ultraviolet radiation can cause to our DNA. This vitamin can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, kiwi fruit, grapes, and even egg yolks.

5. Invest in food supplements

Currently, there are numerous options at your disposal in order to ensure that your skin acquires a high tolerance to the sun and a dreamy tan. Combining technology with compounds that intervene in the synthesis of melanin and skin photoprotection is an asset for those who want to avoid skin damage caused by metabolic processes or external aggression.

Heliocare has different vegan formulations, presented in the form of capsules, which combine a set of fat-soluble vitamins with Nicotinamide and Fernblock Technology (Heliocare 360º D Plus Capsules) or which, for example, contain carotenoids such as Lycopene in their composition. and Lutein (Heliocare Oral Capsules). Ideally, it is recommended that these food supplements be taken at least 15 days before, during, and 15 days after sun exposure. Something that is also reflected in the food supplement BioActivo Carotene, designed to promote a natural tan and to help maintain the health of vision and mucous membranes.

Thus, this is an excellent alternative for those who want to ingest adequate amounts of the compounds mentioned, in a simple way, with quality and safety. For that reason, perhaps this is the most effective tip to prepare your skin for the summer and to ensure its healthy appearance and long-term care!

With the right tools, you can enjoy the summer without worries. I hope these tips have been useful to you and that, above all, they can be understood as complementary care to correct and responsible sun exposure. The use of sunscreen must never be neglected! Did you know that every year, melanoma causes the death of around 55,000 people worldwide? Take care and protect yourself. Avoid risky behavior and count on us! See you soon!

Dr. Andrea Moreira