Brazilian Glow: Ultimate Guide to Achieving a Perfect Tan
Hi! It's 2024, and this is my first actual blog post ever (not just a recipe post). I know what you're thinking: Who's even starting a blog at this time and age, right?! Welp, that's me. I needed one more outlet for my spinning mind. Anyway, let me get to the actual point of this post: tanning naturally, with the power of the sun, in a (hopefully) healthier way!
Let me give you a bit of context about me and my experience with tanning. I'm a Brazilian and grew up with everyone around me tanning. Like really, for some women in Brazil, it is a true “ritual”. In that “ritual”, they combined tanning and bleaching body hair (which I tried and, for the love of God, won't be doing it again). So, given all the damage that the sun can cause, we learned from generation to generation how to tan naturally while reducing the damage caused by the sun. Actually, before I move on, just one quick disclaimer:
“I am not a health expert. I do work with research and can understand academic papers, but it is in STEM, not dermatology or health related. What I learned was passed on to me by my own doctors and family. So, consult with a doctor or health expert as soon as you can do so, especially because everyone’s body is different and reacts to things differently. ”
With that out of the way, let's go to the actual tips and products that I personally use:
1. Use sunscreen, even if you're also using tanning lotion
I know, I know, it sounds counterintuitive. However, you'll still be able to get a tan if you use sunscreen. It will take longer, but it will happen, trust me! If using tanning lotion or oil, apply sunscreen (preferably FPS30+) first, then the tan lotion or oil. Using sunscreen also helps you avoid sunburn, especially if you're in the lighter spectrum. Also, make sure to reapply every 2 hours; this rule is still valid! You can use spray if you don't like applying cream sunscreen over tanning oil. Here are some options for body and face:
I don't particularly use tanning oil, I like a more subtle tan, but Banana Boat is a popular brand among my Brazilian peers. So, here are some tanning oil options:
Now, this was all for the body. The face is much more sensitive and shows aging signs more quickly than the body. So, please DO NOT use tanning lotion or oil on your face. You can always use makeup later on to even any shade out later on. Make sure you are using sunscreen (I prefer using higher SPF in the face, like 50+), protecting your eyes (they can also be damaged by UV rays), and preferably using a hat to make shade to protect your beaaaautiful face, and hair, even more! Again, reapply every 2 hours. If you're using makeup, you can use powdered or stick sunscreen. I honestly prefer not to use makeup on the beach or pool, but you know, we sometimes make sacrifices for some good IG pics.
2. Prefer tanning before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM
The sun between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM is more likely to cause sunburn 1 and overall sun damage to the skin. Thus, it is better if you can tan outside of that window and be more careful (using higher FPS and/or protective clothing, staying in the shadow) during it.
What my grandma and aunts used to do is actually schedule a time in the morning, before 10:00 AM, to have a proper tanning session. After that, they would always use more protective clothing when going out between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. I also prefer to stay directly under the sun only in the morning. I just stay there like a lizard; sometimes, I even nap. Buuuut, I make sure I set up an alarm and then go back under the beach umbrella or tent. You might think you won't tan when under the shadow, but you can still get a bit of a tan, so win-win.
4. Include carrots in your diet
Carrot is rich in β-Carotene, a pigment that gives it its rich orange color. The β-Carotene is converted to vitamin A in our body and helps with melanin production (the pigment found in our skin; the more melanin, the darker the skin)2. But hear me out; don't go crazy eating only carrots or consuming β-Carotene supplements without consulting your doctor, PLEASE. Like everything else, it can be harmful if consumed in excess3.
My suggestion is to include carrot and other β-Carotene rich food in your regular diet, and maybe even have some carrot juice sometimes during the week. If you're planning a beach vacay, start adding these to your diet at least 1 month before. But I can't stress this enough: continue eating a balanced diet to get all the nutrients you need! Also, remember, it will help you get a beautiful tan, but it won't change your skin color!
Here is a carrot juice recipe looking yummm!
P.s.: I know, I know, the recipe is from a different blog but it does look great. I still have to work on my own recipe, I usually just blend or pass the carrots through the juicer and that’s it (but I do love carrots). So, I have to develop one for all preferences.
5. Prepare your skin before and after tanning
Before you tan, make sure your skin is moisturized, and avoid using skincare products that contain active ingredients such as retinol, lactic acid, and AHA's. These components can make your skin photosensitive, which is not ideal when getting yourself the sun exposure needed for tanning.
After your tanning session is over, take a shower and use light physical exfoliation (I like using a natural loofah or an exfoliating gel for this; not both at the same time). Then, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Moisturizing is a crucial step because it helps rehydrate your skin.
6. Hydration is key!
Like I said before, hydration is key. So drink lots of fluids, preferably water, throughout. Don't forget also to drink water during the tanning session itself! Sun exposure dehydrates you quickly. You can even get sun sick and dehydrated from direct exposure and in the shade when the sun is too strong. So, make sure you're keeping yourself properly hydrated. Alcohol and soda don't count, okay?!
7. Go one step further
Feeling like you need to really make your skin shine and glow, make use of glowing oils that will enhace your gorgeous tan. Let me share a product that will make you look like a golden goddess (great for IG pics; I tested it lol):
Bibliography
Reynolds, K. D., Blaum, J. M., Jester, P. M., Weiss, H., Soong, S. J., & DiClemente, R. J. (1996). Predictors of sun exposure in adolescents in a southeastern US population. Journal of Adolescent Health, 19(6), 409-415.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-melanin#takeaway
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-eating-too-many-carrots-turn-your-skin-orange/
Disclaimer
All the product links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I receive a small commission for each product sold through them.
