During winter and spring, our skin is exposed to a multitude of external stressors, often becoming dull, tired, and lifeless. This leaves it unprepared for UV exposure and in need of extra care. Tanning is one of the best ways to highlight the beauty of the skin and the shape of the body. In pursuit of that perfect tan, we must pay close attention to our skin’s natural needs, supporting its hydration and structure with timely nourishment alongside traditional sun protection.
Natural elements like UV rays affect both the skin's structure and function. It’s essential to understand that ultraviolet (UV) light is divided into three categories based on wavelength: UV-A (400–315 nm), UV-B (315–280 nm), and UV-C (<280 nm). Prolonged UV exposure, whether from the sun or artificial sources (like tanning beds), is a major cause of dehydration and photoaging, leading to wrinkles, rough texture, loss of firmness, and uneven pigmentation.
Given this, we should support our skin from the inside, and our number-one ally is marine collagen. Beauty and youthfulness are not just about facial features but healthy, smooth, hydrated, and resilient skin. This is largely thanks to collagen, the essential protein in connective tissues. Collagen fibers form a strong internal framework, maintaining the skin’s shape while offering the elasticity needed to stretch and recover without forming wrinkles. In youth, collagen production is sufficient, but from our 20s onward, collagen levels decrease, leading to dryness, reduced elasticity, and fine lines. Regular collagen courses throughout life can support skin health and slow aging.
Why marine collagen? – Hydrolyzed marine collagen contains low-molecular-weight peptides, making it a highly bioavailable supplement. Marine collagen’s popularity owes to its effectiveness and the visible improvements it brings to skin health. Not only can it enhance appearance, but it also bolsters skin health against seasonal UV exposure, which degrades collagen. Studies show UV exposure activates enzymes that degrade collagen, leading to reduced firmness and structural changes in the skin.
Of course, UV is just one of many factors accelerating skin aging. Seawater, pool water, sand, heat, and dry air are all significant adversaries. But there is a solution: regular marine collagen intake replenishes the skin’s collagen and protects against dehydration, pigmentation, and potential damage from overexposure to the sun. In vitro and in vivo research has shown collagen peptides’ protective effects when taken orally, especially leading up to and during the summer season. Collagen minimizes water loss that can lead to new wrinkles, fortifying skin against photoaging.
Further research on collagen peptides confirms their impact on collagen fibers, including increasing their density and thickening the dermis. Oral collagen intake can also stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis, known for retaining moisture. Collagen helps stop water loss during sun exposure, maintaining elasticity and supporting skin’s natural defense mechanisms against dryness, redness, and burns.
Consuming 5 grams of collagen peptides daily, beginning at least 6–12 weeks before prolonged UV exposure, helps maintain hydration and enhances tanning. Hyperpigmentation is a common UV-induced condition, and studies confirm collagen’s effects in reducing these spots over time. After 8 weeks, visible reductions in hyperpigmented areas were observed, compared to no change in a placebo group.
It’s a misconception that creams alone can fully protect the skin from sun damage. While they’re essential, true protection involves internal support to maintain hydration levels at the cellular level. Dietary collagen is not easily absorbed, even from foods like bone broth, so the most efficient way to replenish collagen is through hydrolyzed collagen supplements.
To start preparing your skin for the summer season, begin taking collagen now. Not only will this help the skin adapt to sun exposure, but it’s also a holistic approach to wellness. Sun, salt water, and pool water can cause dryness in hair too. Collagen strengthens hair from the inside out, promoting growth and preventing brittleness.
So what’s the best investment in your skin and wellness this summer? Instead of relying on lotions or costly temporary treatments, make a commitment to internal collagen supplementation, which not only boosts appearance but rejuvenates the body’s internal systems. Youthful skin without wrinkles and healthy hair shouldn’t have to suffer from collagen-related conditions like joint pain. Begin the summer with a full-body SPA from within.
And a little bonus from us: 9 simple rules for achieving the perfect tan:
- Tan in the morning or evening. The best time for tanning is before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when the sun is less intense. Avoid prolonged exposure during peak hours for a healthier tan.
- Use a high-quality sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher that suits your skin, protecting against UV-A, UV-B, and infrared rays. Infrared rays can damage DNA and break down collagen, which your skin needs to maintain hydration.
- Prepare your skin for sun exposure. Exfoliate to remove dead cells and impurities, which not only benefits your skin but also helps ensure a more even tan.
- Pace yourself. Healthy tanning requires moderation. Melanin, which is produced in our cells, protects us from the sun but builds up slowly. Gradual exposure helps accumulate melanin, which is why avoiding excessive sun during the first days of summer or vacation is key.
- Cover up at the right moment. After a suitable amount of sun exposure, wear long sleeves and a hat to protect yourself from excessive rays.
- Don’t shy away from shade. While it's natural to want to enjoy the sunlight, finding shade after some time outdoors is a simple way to protect yourself.
- Hydrate your skin post-tan. Use an after-sun product or a moisturizer to soothe skin after sun exposure. Quality moisturizers (without artificial fragrances or unnecessary additives) can extend the life of your tan.
- Prepare your skin with regular marine collagen intake, at least 8 weeks before planned sun exposure. This regular consumption hydrates and fortifies the skin from within, ensuring it’s better prepared for the summer season.
- Support your skin from within. Ensure internal hydration and collagen protection with daily intake of marine collagen, like Col Du Marine™, to maximize your skin’s natural resilience against the sun.
