Spirulina: its benefits for a perfect tan
It’s a safe bet that you already know about spirulina. You know, it's this super food that's full of protein , vitamins and minerals . A true ally of the skin thanks to its numerous active ingredients, spirulina is ideal for preparing the skin for the sun.
Why is spirulina your precious tool for enjoying the sun and enhancing your tan? How does it protect your skin and to what extent? This is what we will see in this article.
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is a cyanobacteria present on Earth for more than 3 billion years. Traditionally harvested from the surface of freshwater lakes, spirulina has indisputable benefits for the body thanks to its incredible nutritional composition. It contains :
• Proteins: between 60 and 70% of its composition.
• Vitamins: A, B, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B12, D, E, K. Just that!
• Beta-carotene: It is of particular interest to us today because it is involved in the tanning process.
• Trace elements and minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, chromium, zinc or selenium.
• Phycocyanin: support for the immune system and antioxidant.
• Gamma-linoleic acid: an essential fatty acid.
Spirulina: what are its benefits for better tanning?
Due to its high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, spirulina has a large number of benefits for the skin: it slows down premature skin aging linked to free radicals and promotes radiance and suppleness of the skin.... But what interests us here is its action for better tanning!
Spirulina contributes to tanning
Beta-carotene , which is part of the carotenoid family, is a natural pigment precursor of vitamin A. It is found in a large number of fruits and vegetables such as apricot, melon, carrot or pumpkin, which gives them their orange hue.
Recognized for its antioxidant properties, beta-carotene has the particularity of activating the synthesis of melanin, the agent responsible for skin color.
Thanks to its high natural beta-carotene content - it actually contains ten to fifteen times more than carrots! - Spirulina thus helps to activate and prolong the tan.
Spirulina helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays
As we have just seen, beta-carotene accelerates the production of melanin. It is this which by darkening the skin will protect you from UV rays.
How's it going ? UVA and UVB are, as you know, responsible for the formation of wrinkles, unsightly brown spots and potentially cancerous skin lesions in the long term. It is these UV rays that are responsible for sunburn when they penetrate your skin.
However, the more tanned your skin is, the less UV rays can penetrate it, so you are better protected.
Little tips for your tan
To perfect your tan and make your office colleagues swoon at the start of the school year, follow these important tips:
• apply sunscreen when you go out and reapply it regularly, because consuming spirulina does not prevent sunburn;
• limit your time exposed to the sun;
• exfoliate your skin: once a week for your face and twice a week for your body, in order to rid your epidermis of dead cells;
• moisturize your skin, several times a day if necessary: this is essential for a perfect tan.
How to consume spirulina?
Dosage and Dosage
To be effective, spirulina must be taken for at least 2 months. You can consume it in food supplements, in the form of powder, capsules or flakes, but it is in tablets that you will most often encounter it.
When used to obtain a perfect and long-lasting tan, a dose of 2 to 3 g/day is recommended.
This dosage can go up to 5 or 6 g/day, to be adapted according to your diet and your needs (pregnant women, children, athletes, vegetarians, dietary deficiencies, etc.).
Never exceed 10 g/day, whatever your lifestyle and diet. You may experience some side effects, as with anything consumed in excess!
Consume spirulina!
In order to get a great tan for the summer, start your treatment 1 month before your exposure to the sun.
Continue it throughout the exhibition, all summer for example, then 1 month after the end of the exhibition.
Thus, you benefit from the benefits of spirulina to prolong your tan, even after your return from vacation.
Adverse effects of spirulina
Consumption of spirulina can cause some side effects in certain people.
To avoid them, it is advisable to start your treatment with 1g/day , then gradually increase the daily dose until the desired dosage.
Contraindications of spirulina
Consumption of spirulina is not recommended for people with phenylketonuria, excess uric acid or iron, or those with pre-existing allergic conditions.
Spirulina is an ally for tanning your skin
As you have seen, spirulina brings you many benefits.
It is a mine of antioxidants, minerals and beta-carotene. The latter maintains the beauty of your skin, prevents premature skin aging and promotes tanning. In short, spirulina only wants you well.
But be careful, don't forget to apply sunscreen and limit the duration of exposure to the sun.
See you in September for a sublime tan!
