However, did you know that prolonged exposure to sunlight can be harmful to your skin if you haven’t prepared it properly and protected it both internally and externally? Since spring is the ideal time to start preparing your skin for the sun, here are six easy steps you can take to ensure your skin is ready for sun exposure. And if your goal is a beautiful, well-maintained look and a tan, you’re in the right place—we’ll highlight which natural carotenoids are best for internal skin care.
Although many people do not pay attention to preparing their skin for the sun, the skin remembers, and the negative effects of harmful UV rays may only become evident after several years. Think about what you are doing to maintain your skin’s beauty and youthfulness, protect it from free radicals and allergies, and ease its adjustment to the sun? 
If you want to do everything you can to prepare your skin for the sun and provide it with all the necessary nutrients, here’s what you can start doing today!
Exfoliating your skin removes dead cells and regenerates the epidermal cells. Exfoliation is recommended year-round, and if you haven’t been doing it, you should start a few months before sun exposure. The best preparation for sun exposure includes gentle exfoliation once or twice a week. This will remove all dead skin cells, helping your skin achieve a more even and longer-lasting tan when you sunbathe. Don’t forget to exfoliate your entire body. Besides your body, make sure to include your face and pay special attention to the décolleté, which is usually one of the first parts of the body to be exposed to sunlight.
Skin hydration improves skin quality and allows for faster tanning. Proper hydration is key to having beautiful, well-maintained, and healthy skin. Before you start, it’s important to choose hydration products for your face and body that suit your skin type. Don’t forget to hydrate your skin every day throughout the year by choosing the right creams, serums, and other products. Increase hydration during the spring and summer months when your body generally loses more fluids that need to be replenished to maintain the skin’s glow and radiance. 
If you usually don’t pay much attention to hydration, make sure to focus on it before prolonged sun exposure. Ideal preparation for the sun for those who often forget about hydration should start at least a month before you plan to expose your skin to sunlight. In addition to hydrating your facial skin, don’t forget to hydrate your entire body, including your hands, which are often neglected but are most susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun—aging and pigmentation spots. Incorporate quality serums and mineral UV protection into your daily routine. These will help prevent skin pigmentation and sunspots. Apply UV protection creams generously, several times a day, and once again, don’t forget your hands. When applying sun protection, most people forget about their hands, which can quickly develop pigmentation spots that are difficult to remove later.
In addition to quality external hydration, it’s equally important to hydrate your skin from the inside. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water or unsweetened herbal teas daily, which, combined with the chosen creams, will provide the best results! Internal hydration is the only natural way to help replenish lost fluids and moisture in the skin from within. 
If water isn’t your favorite drink and you can’t imagine drinking up to 1.5 liters a day, try adding a bit of lemon juice, ginger, or mint to it. With additional herbal extracts, water will take on a pleasant taste and provide numerous nutrients that will positively affect the beauty of your skin.
The most well-known natural carotenoids that help prepare the skin for sun exposure are astaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene. You can find them in algae, fruits, and vegetables, thus giving your skin the best preparation for tanning.
Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants, characterized by its red-orange color, and is found in both plant and marine sources. The richest natural source of astaxanthin is the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which contains over 80 percent astaxanthin. Studies show that natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis penetrates all layers of the skin, thus protecting it from damage. 
Beta-carotene is a well-known nutrient used worldwide to prepare the skin for sun exposure. Taking beta-carotene before sun exposure will enhance tanning, prevent allergies, and reduce skin aging.
When thinking of foods rich in beta-carotene, you might first think of carrots, but it’s also found in tomatoes, mangoes, apricots, melons, spinach, and red peppers. One of the best natural sources of beta-carotene is the microalga Dunaliella salina, which protects against sunburn. Studies have shown that a long-term diet rich in beta-carotene not only prepares your skin for the sun but also provides sun protection and helps prevent sunburn. However, be cautious—beta-carotene is not a substitute for sunscreen. It is recommended to use both beta-carotene and sunscreen for the best skin protection and to achieve nourished, beautiful, and tanned skin.
Another important carotenoid is lycopene, which is most concentrated in tomatoes. It is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Lycopene helps achieve better skin tanning, protects the skin from sunburn, and shields against harmful UV rays. There are dietary supplements available that contain astaxanthin, beta-carotene, and antioxidants from natural sources. Before purchasing, check the composition. For even better sun preparation and achieving a beautiful tanned look, a combination of astaxanthin and beta-carotene is recommended, as they work synergistically to provide the best skin protection, protect cells from oxidative stress, prevent sun allergies, and give the skin a healthy, nourished, and tanned appearance. If you choose to use dietary supplements, it is recommended to start taking them at least 4 to 12 weeks before sun exposure. And remember—sunscreen is still essential.
Although many people neglect sunscreens, it is recommended to use them year-round. Sunscreens are one of the most crucial elements for maintaining youthful skin and their application will prevent sun allergies and possible sunburn. 
If you don’t use sunscreen year-round, try to start using it in early spring when the days become longer and sunnier. This will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent skin aging.
Choose a sunscreen with a protection factor that matches your skin type. The lighter and more sensitive your skin, the higher the SPF you should select. Ignore the myth that you can’t get a tan using sunscreen with SPF 50. Well-protected skin can still tan beautifully, and we’ll emphasize again that regular intake of natural carotenoids will guarantee your goal!
Whether you’re in the city or at the beach, in a city park or on the coast, never expose your skin to the sun during the hottest part of the day when the UV index is highest and thus most dangerous for your skin. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Many people believe that exposing their skin to the sun during the hottest part of the day will lead to a faster and better tan. However, the truth is quite different. If you expose your skin to the sun during the hottest part of the day, it is possible to get sunburned even with sunscreen. This can lead to peeling of the skin’s surface layer and only a short period of tanned appearance. Sunbathe moderately and gradually with a high SPF and supplements rich in natural carotenoids. This is the only way to achieve beautiful, radiant skin, prevent skin aging, and maintain a gorgeous tan long after the summer months. Prepare your skin for tanning and prevent unpleasant issues like redness, allergies, and premature skin aging. In addition to natural carotenoids from food or supplements, which are crucial for internal skin care, don’t forget about sunscreens with SPF. Regularly exfoliate your skin, apply moisturizing creams, and drink plenty of fluids. All these steps ensure the best preparation for tanning and a beautiful, tanned complexion. Sources: 1. Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in skin health, repair, and disease: a comprehensive review. Nutrients. 2018;10:522.
2. Yang Y, Kim B, Lee JY. Astaxanthin structure, metabolism, and health benefits. J Hum Nutr Food Sci. 2013;1:1-11.
3. Yuan JP, Peng J, Yin K, Wang JH. Potential health promoting effects of astaxanthin: a high-value carotenoid mostly from microalgae. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011;55:150-165.
4. Seki T, Sueki H, Kohno H, Suganuma K, Yamashita E. Effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance Journal. 2001;12:98-103.
5. Yamashita E. The effects of a dietary supplement containing astaxanthin on skin condition. Carotenoid Science. 2006; 10:91-95.
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