Before and After Tips for the Perfect Tan

After spending entire days in the office or at home, you'll want to add some color to that pale complexion. Do you dream of the perfect tan without damaging your skin? Before you pack your bags for your next vacation by the ocean, prepare your body with a few simple steps that will help you to enjoy the sun without damaging your skin and to return home with an enviable tan.

One week before tanning, eat foods rich in beta-Carotene like carrot, peach, mango, papaya and tomato to help protect your skin from the sun and to stimulate melanin production, which is what gives skin its color.

Before you go out, complete exfoliation is highly recommended to remove dead skin cells; this will help you get an even tan and accelerate skin regeneration after tanning.

 Since you'll be exposed to heat, your skin will begin to dehydrate. Make sure to protect and hydrate the skin by eating fruits and veggies rich in vitamin C like oranges, red bell pepper, berries, broccoli, kiwi, cranberry and others.

Indulge in a face mask treatment made of natural ingredients before tanning to intensify color, and apply another one afterwards to help your tan last longer.

It's important to know how to choose sunscreen to protect your body from UVA and UVB rays. The lighter your coloring, the higher SPF (Sun Protection Factor) you'll need. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply every two hours, or every time you get in the water or dry off your skin. 

Don't wear makeup or perfume, which can leave stains when you're in the sun. Some waterproof eyeliner will be more than enough to give you a natural look.

Drink water before, during and after a sunny day at the beach to stay cool and hydrated throughout your vacation.

When you get back home from your trip, moisturize your skin with hydrating creams after showering to keep the skin young and healthy.

Now you know how to get an amazing tan while enjoying the sun! Get ready to visit some of the most popularbeach destinations in Mexico like Acapulco, Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta. The next step is deciding where to go.