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Why do you get tanned
Tanning is a physiological and natural process that depends on a defense mechanism of our skin against the sun’s rays. UV-B and UV-A rays, in fact, act on the skin causing erythema and burns or penetrate the dermis degrading the cells and causing skin aging or even more serious damage.
To defend the skin from the risks of the sun, the melanin, a pigment that helps to determine the color of the skin and the coloring of hair and eyes. Some skin cells, called melanocytes, synthesize this pigment in two main forms: eumelanin and pheomelanin, in proportion that vary from person to person. In addition to giving color to skin, eyes and hair, melanin is a substance that protects cells from potential sun damage, arranging itself around the nucleus and neutralizing free radicals. When the skin is exposed to the sun, UV rays degrade melanin by stimulating melanocytes to produce in larger quantities. This process, known as melanization, requires from 48 to 72 hours depending on the phototype and it is the mechanism behind tanning.
How long does the tan last
As we have seen, melanin is the pigment responsible for tanning and, although it is always present within our cells, it is produced to a greater extent when you are exposed to the sun. As a result, melanin production will return to normal levels after the holidays and the tan will slowly fade away.
The skin is indeed a organ that is constantly renewed: the outermost layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, is made up of dead cells which are progressively eliminated and replaced by new cells. This life cycle requires about 28 daysi when the skin is young but slows down as the skin ages. Since it is a physiological process, it is therefore not possible keep your tan beyond a certain limit. However, it is possible to avoid losing your tan prematurely by avoiding certain behaviors during and after exposure to the sun.
Maintain a tan
To be able to keep your tan as long as possible is important take care of the skin adequately before and during sun exposure. Rashes and burns, in fact, not only cause discomfort and pain but also make sure that the tan is lost sooner, with the premature detachment of the stratum corneum cells.
Preparing the skin for the sun and taking care of the skin during exposure to the sun means guaranteeing them the right hydration and adequate sun protection. It is therefore essential to hydrate the epidermis before, during and after sunbathing both through the application of nourishing creams and thanks to a diet that provides sufficient quantities of liquids, therefore rich in water and fresh fruit and vegetables.
For protect the skin from rashes and sunburn it is then essential to apply one regularly sunscreen with a filter suitable for your skin type and environmental conditions. Protective creams help the skin to protect yourself from sun damage, giving the melanocytes time to produce melanin, the synthesis of which takes from 48 to 72 hours depending on the complexion and age. For the first exposures it will be necessary use a high solar filter, limit the time spent in the sun to a few minutes a day and avoid the hottest hours, i.e. between 10-11 and 15-16. When the skin is already tanned, you can expose yourself for longer and it will be possible to use creams with a lower sun filter.
The natural defenses of the skin can also be supported thanks to natural supplements with antioxidant action, that is, formulated with ingredients able to counteract free radicals and prevent skin aging. Among the anti-aging substances we find, for example, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and beta-carotene.
Finally, after the holidays it is possible to resort to glitter body oils and creams self-tanners which do not serve to preserve the tan but which contribute to enhance the color of the skin.
What not to do
If you want to keep your skin tanned for a long time it is necessary avoid all those actions and behaviors which cause premature detachment of the stratum corneum cells.
Some methods of removing unwanted hair, for example, eliminate dead skin cells and, with them, the golden glow gained during the holidays. Instead of using wax or razor, better then opt for electric epilators which act by hooking and tearing the hair without adhering to the skin.
For the same reason scrubs should be avoided, even the most delicate ones, and acid-based exfoliating treatments, which serve to promote skin cells. Attention also touse of hard sponges during the bath and shower: it is better to opt for soft sponges and avoid loofah or other aggressive materials.
To cleanse and remove make-up you can use cotton pads instead, or even soft sponges in silicone or microfibre, washable and reusable.
Obviously it will not be possible to keep the tan intact beyond the physiological cell turnover, but with these precautions the skin will keep its summer complexion longer.
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