How can you prepare your skin for summer (and get a great tan)?
Summer is approaching, and with it comes the desire to enjoy the sun and get a nice tan. But to ensure your skin is ready to handle the summer heat and soak up the sun’s rays without suffering any damage, you need to follow a proper skincare routine. Here are the key steps to properly prepare your skin for the sun and tanning.
Why is it important to prepare your skin for the sun?
Taking care of your skin before the warmer weather arrives isn’t just about getting a nice summer tan. Above all, it’s essential for preserving the health, youthful appearance, and beauty of your skin over the long term.
In fact, skin that is properly prepared for sun exposure is naturally more resistant to environmental stressors and less prone to sunburn, dehydration, dark spots, and premature aging (wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity, etc.). It also tans more evenly and retains its tan longer.
Prepare Your Skin for the Sun and Tanning in 5 Steps
1. Exfoliate your skin regularly
The first step in properly preparing your skin for the sun is to exfoliate it once or twice a week. This helps remove dead skin cells that dull your complexion and prevent an even tan.
Use a Gentle Scrub on rough areas such as the elbows and knees on your body, and the sides of your nose and chin on your face. Be careful, however, not to exfoliate right before prolonged sun exposure, as this could make your skin more vulnerable.
2. Moisturize daily
Hydration helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, thereby increasing the skin’s resistance to the sun, while reducing dryness caused by heat. In addition, well-hydrated skin tans better and retains its tan longer.
Every day, apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type. For your body, choose a very moisturizing and nourishing body lotion, especially if you have dry skin.
And above all, don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day: staying well-hydrated from the inside is essential for keeping your skin supple and radiant.
3. Pay attention to your diet
Preparing your skin for the sun also starts from the inside. A diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene promotes a radiant complexion and helps stimulate melanin production to speed up tanning.
Include foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, apricots, kiwis, mangoes, and spinach in your meals.
If you'd like, you can also take sunscreen supplements, starting 2 to 3 weeks before you begin sun exposure.
4. Protect Your Skin Before Summer (and All Year Round)
Even if you’re not on vacation yet, and even if you don’t live by the sea or the ocean, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen during the day, before every outing. UV rays are present year-round and can damage your skin, even when the sun isn’t shining or is hidden by clouds.
Make a point of getting into the habit of applying a high-SPF sunscreen to your face and exposed areas every day. This helps protect your skin’s natural sun protection, reduces the risk of dark spots, and prepares your skin for safe tanning.
5. Gradually expose yourself to the sun
To avoid sunburn and an uneven tan, expose yourself to the sun gradually.
Start with short exposure sessions of 15 to 20 minutes on the first few days. Avoid the hottest hours between noon and 4 p.m., and be sure to protect yourself with a hat and sunglasses as well.
This method of gradual sun exposure allows the skin to get used to the sun and tan more evenly.
🌞 Skin that's ready for summer!
Preparing your skin for summer means adopting a simple yet comprehensive skincare routine: exfoliation, moisturizing, a healthy diet, daily sun protection, and gradual sun exposure. This way, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the benefits of the sun and achieve a radiant, long-lasting tan while preserving the health and beauty of your skin.
