Nothing says vacation more than a nice tan obtained at the seaside, in the mountains or while traveling. But then, how can you preserve your tan, and attack the back-to-school season with a complexion enhanced by the sun’s rays?
In addition to a suitable beauty routine and sufficient daily water consumption, we focus on diet to make our tan last as long as possible, or at least during the first weeks of September.
So seasonal foods perfectly meet the needs of our body according to the time of year. While it is well known that carrots promote tanning and prolong the action of the sun’s rays on the skin, there are in reality many other foods with the same virtues. These are foods rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which helps prevent skin aging, but above all activate melanin, the color pigment that gives us a tan. Thus, carrots, mangoes, melons, and dark green vegetables in general all contribute to maintaining an even and 100% natural tan. In cooking, to make the most of their nutritional effects, they are best eaten raw, in a salad, or as a dessert, accompanied by a little yogurt for example.
*Data from the Ciqual Table 2017
The carrot
© Eve Cardi
The ultimate beauty food, carrots are attractive due to their high beta-carotene content, namely 8290µg per 100g* (raw), making them the food that contains the most. Carrots are therefore major antioxidants that contribute to the overall health of the skin and stimulate melanin. In other words, the perfect combo! We serve our raw carrots as a starter or on an aperitif platter, accompanied by a homemade dip made with tzatziki, hummus or cream cheese.
Discover the recipe for Carrot salad with preserved lemon and herb yogurt
Lamb’s lettuce
© Akiko Ida
Like most dark green vegetables, lamb’s lettuce has a high beta-carotene content and thus stimulates the production of melanin in the body. Enough to start the new school year with a healthy glow. In its raw version, lamb’s lettuce enhances any salad or pizza in no time thanks to its delicate, slightly nutty flavor.
Discover the recipe for the Club sandwich with lamb’s lettuce and chicken
The watermelon
© Carrie Solomon
Watermelon is rich in carotenoids that help improve the skin’s reaction to significant exposure to the sun. And that’s a good thing because in summer, this fruit can be enjoyed without moderation, on beaches and beautiful summer tables. To make the most of its benefits, we serve it raw simply as a dessert, as its enticing look is enough to brighten up our plates.
Discover the recipe for Watermelon Granita
The mango
© Akiko Ida
Thanks to the many vitamins and natural colorants it contains, mango stimulates the assimilation of tanning and delays cellular aging. Result? Our skin keeps a beautiful, unified tanned complexion. In the kitchen, we savor it in the heart of homemade ceviche, mixed salads or simply in a plain version, enough to end the meal in style (literally).
Discover the recipe for Scallop, Mango and Chili Ceviche
Dried apricot
© TanyaSid / iStock
Rich in carotenoids, dried apricot stimulates the synthesis of melanin, allowing you to obtain and preserve an optimal tan. Like most dried fruits, it is rich in antioxidants that limit skin aging, triggered in particular by strong exposure to the sun’s rays. In the kitchen, it is featured in recipes with oriental flavors such as tagines, couscous or bulgur salads.
Discover the recipe for Rectangles with dried apricots, pecans and chia seeds
The melon
© Nathalie Carnet
Melon is one of the fruits that contains the highest level of beta-carotene, i.e. 2500µg per 100g* (raw). Added to this is a good dose of vitamin C, which helps maintain a healthy glow, while protecting the skin from cellular aging. A very interesting nutritional composition for this summer fruit that can be used in many savory and sweet recipes. As a starter, there is no need to look any further than the classic melon with raw ham, a legendary combo with many fans. For dessert, it is served in a tart version, or simply accompanied by an iced mousse.
Discover the recipe for Frozen Melon and Yogurt Mousse
The prune
© bhofack2 / iStock
In addition to its beta-carotene content, prunes also contain vitamin C and E, both of which act against skin aging. A perfect combo to maintain your tan in the weeks to come. For a sweet and salty mix worthy of the name, we serve it as a starter generously garnished with creamy goat cheese.
Discover the recipe for Chicken with dried fruits and cherry tomatoes