Reading time: 7 minutes · Updated May 2026
Summer is the time of year when skin is exposed to the sun for longer. Many people wonder how to achieve an even and long-lasting tan without compromising skin health, avoiding spots, redness, and that "tired skin" feeling that often accompanies the first exposures of the season.
The answer is not in a single action, but in a strategy that begins 2-3 weeks before sun exposure and combines nutrition, supplementation, and external cosmetic protection. In this guide, we explain what skin truly needs to face summer at its best, starting from the science of carotenoids and the Italian tradition of certified supply chain raw materials.
Why skin needs to prepare for the sun
Skin is not simply an outer layer: it is a dynamic organ that reacts to sun exposure through complex processes. When sunlight hits the epidermis, it activates the production of melanin, the natural pigment that gives color to a tan but also plays a role in the skin's natural adaptation mechanisms to the sun.
This process, however, requires resources. Skin uses vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to best manage exposure, and when these resources are scarce, undesirable effects can appear: uneven complexion, dryness, a feeling of "tight" skin, light or dark spots.
Preparing for the sun means supplying the skin with the substances it needs before, during, and after exposure. It also means consciously choosing which nutrients to supplement, avoiding fleeting trends and relying on ingredients that science has proven effective.
Carotenoids: nature's allies for tanning
Carotenoids are a family of natural pigments found in yellow, orange, red, and dark green fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the intense color of carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and many other plants. In our body, some of them concentrate in the skin and contribute to an even and luminous complexion.
There are four main carotenoids that affect the skin in summer.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is the best-known carotenoid. It is found in high concentrations in carrots, especially in varieties grown in volcanic and well-drained soils such as those of the Carota Novella di Ispica IGP, a protected designation of origin from southeastern Sicily. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
Lutein and zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that our body does not synthesize independently: they must be consumed through diet. They are naturally present in dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale) and egg yolk, but achieving effective doses through diet alone is difficult.
Clinical studies conducted in recent years have highlighted the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in skin health and luminosity, particularly in standardized formulations such as Lutemax® SKINGLO, a patented complex specifically developed for oral dermatological use.
Lycopene
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and red peppers. It is a powerful natural antioxidant, particularly concentrated in red peppers grown in Sicily, where strong solar radiation naturally increases its presence in the fruits. Lycopene contributes to skin protection from within due to its antioxidant action.
The role of antioxidants: vitamin C, zinc, and selenium
Preparing for the sun is not just about complexion. It is also about protecting cells from free radicals that sun exposure can promote.
Three micronutrients are particularly important, with authorized claims at the European level:
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Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for skin function and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
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Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, and to the normal function of the immune system.
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Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the normal function of the immune system.
The synergy between these three micronutrients and carotenoids is the scientific basis upon which modern supplements dedicated to preparing the skin for the sun are built.
When to start and for how long
One of the most frequent questions concerns the duration of intake. The answer depends on the biological mechanism: carotenoids do not act instantly. They are absorbed by the intestine, distributed by the bloodstream, and gradually deposited in tissues, including the skin. This process takes a few weeks to show visible results.
The general recommendation is therefore to start 2-3 weeks before the first significant sun exposure (beach holiday, first days of prolonged exposure in spring-summer) and continue for the entire duration of the season.
There is no benefit in "stocking up" in the few days before holidays: carotenoids do not accumulate quickly. It is a journey that requires consistency and yields the best results for those who plan ahead.
What to absolutely avoid
In preparing the skin for the sun, there are also some things to avoid, which are often spread due to carelessness or misinformation.
Do not replace cosmetic sun protection with oral supplementation. No food supplement can replace a good sunscreen with an adequate protection factor. Supplementation and external protection work together, not as alternatives.
Do not take huge doses thinking that "more is better." Beta-carotene at very high doses (above 50 mg per day for prolonged periods) can cause an orange discoloration of the skin (carotenodermia) which does not correspond to a tan. The doses of supplements notified to the Ministry of Health are designed to be effective and safe.
Do not improvise with untraceable products. The world of skin supplements is crowded with low-priced products made with unclear raw materials. Choosing a brand that declares the origin of its raw materials and uses standardized ingredients is an investment in your well-being.
Nutrition + supplementation: the winning synergy
A supplement is never a shortcut: it is a complement to a balanced lifestyle. To prepare the skin for the sun, it is useful to increase the consumption of:
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Colorful vegetables: carrots, red and yellow peppers, pumpkin, tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli
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Orange and red fruits: melons, apricots, peaches, strawberries, cherries, watermelon
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Sources of fresh vitamin C: citrus fruits, kiwi, yellow kiwi, raw bell pepper
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Dried fruit with vitamin E and selenium: walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts
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Oily fish and extra virgin olive oil, sources of fatty acids that contribute to general skin well-being
Targeted supplementation helps fill what diet does not always provide, especially for specific nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are difficult to obtain in effective doses through common nutrition.
Natugea's proposal for skin preparation for the sun
At Natugea, we have chosen to develop a supplement dedicated to preparing the skin for the sun, built around three patented ingredients from a selected supply chain:
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Lutemax® SKINGLO — the Omniactive patented complex of lutein (20 mg) and zeaxanthin (4 mg), supported by clinical studies on skin luminosity.
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Betalyc® — standardized dry extract of Carota Novella di Ispica IGP and red pepper grown in Sicily, a source of beta-carotene and lycopene.
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Agrumix® — Sicilian citrus extract standardized to 50% natural vitamin C.
To these are added zinc (10 mg) and selenium (55 µg) to activate European claims on protecting cells from oxidative stress and on the immune system.
The product is called Natugea Sun Protection and is available in packs of 60 tablets, with a recommended dosage of 2 per day and a one-month treatment duration.
Discover Natugea Sun Protection →
Frequently asked questions
How long before sun exposure should I start taking a tanning supplement?
Ideally 2-3 weeks before the first significant sun exposure. Carotenoids take time to be distributed and deposited in tissues, so they are not effective if taken only a few days beforehand.
Can I take a sun supplement even if I have fair or sensitive skin?
Yes, supplements based on carotenoids and antioxidants are designed to be taken by all skin types. However, it is important not to consider them a substitute for cosmetic sun protection with an SPF factor appropriate for your skin type.
How long should I continue taking it?
The recommendation is to continue throughout the exposure season, typically from May to September for those living in Italy. The best effect is achieved with consistency, not with occasional high doses.
Can I take a sun supplement if I am taking other medications?
Supplements based on carotenoids and antioxidants are generally well tolerated. In case of specific pharmacological therapies, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before starting supplementation.
What dose of beta-carotene is effective without risks?
The doses of supplements notified to the Italian Ministry of Health comply with established safety limits. Carotenodermia (orange skin discoloration) only occurs at very high and prolonged doses, well above those of products marketed as food supplements.
Conclusion
Preparing your skin for the sun is a strategy that rewards those who plan ahead. Three weeks of consistency, a good diet rich in natural carotenoids, targeted supplementation, and adequate cosmetic protection are the "kit" that skin appreciates and with which the best results are obtained — both in terms of complexion and general well-being.
At Natugea, we believe that well-being comes from the conscious choice of ingredients, the traceability of raw materials, and respect for the Italian tradition of vegetable phytocomplexes. This is the common thread running through all our supplements, and it is what we strive to convey with carefully developed products and certified raw materials.
Do you have questions about preparing your skin for the sun or about our Natugea Sun Protection supplement? Write to us at support@natugea.com. We are happy to answer.