Most sunscreens take a while to soak into your skin and start working, so wait 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before going outside. [1] X Expert Source Margareth Pierre-Louis, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 May 2020. Repeat this process a couple of times per week and you’ll start to notice your skin tone gradually deepening. Skin cells produce melanin as a way of protecting their DNA from UV damage. As you’ve probably noticed in sunnier seasons, exposing your skin to more UV radiation spurs on the production of melanin and your skin gets darker. [2] X Trustworthy Source Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute Research center dedicated to promoting optimal health through cutting-edge nutrition research and public outreach Go to source
Don’t attempt to get a serious sunburn to “start” your tan. This habit is a myth and will slow your progress toward a gradual tan. Sunburned skin can develop skin cancer and early signs of aging. [4] X Expert Source Margareth Pierre-Louis, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 May 2020. Remember that since melanin production is a sign of skin cell damage, there’s not a “safe” way to get a suntan.
Sunscreen doesn’t stop you from tanning, but it will help protect you from burning.
Drinking plenty of water will prevent you from becoming hydrated. Dehydration plus overexposure to the sun can lead you to feel very ill. You won’t be worrying about your tan if you get rushed into the emergency room for an IV drip. [7] X Research source
The use of tanning beds is strongly discouraged by dermatologists and doctors since they can cause skin cancer. Technically, though, they do emit UV rays that will encourage melanin production and darken your skin tone over time. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Many of these foods also contain Vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps support the production of melanin. Mix dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and some lettuce varieties into your diet. Despite their color, these foods also contain beta-carotene. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Cooking these vegetables won’t decrease the amount of beta-carotene you ingest, so feel free to get creative in the kitchen. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
These foods have antioxidant properties, meaning they can help protect your skin from cell damage while encouraging balanced melanin production. [16] X Research source To get the highest vitamin levels from fruits and vegetables, eat them raw.
Use moderation and eat these foods a few times a week to reduce your overall consumption of fat and mercury.
Work beta-carotene-rich foods into your diet before turning to supplements. Consult your doctor to see which, if any, supplements are right for you.
Alternatively, the tablet can be dissolved in a bath and taken topically.
Note that Melanotan-II is not FDA approved. [20] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source It is typically sold online. However, sale and consumption are banned in the U. S. , Europe, and Australia. [21] X Research source Dermatologists warn against taking these injections due to the unknown long-term effects. [22] X Research source Melanotan II was designed as an erectile dysfunction treatment. Be aware of the hormone’s ED-related effects. [23] X Research source
