Preparing your skin for the sun

Preparing your skin for the sun is essential to achieving a harmonious tan and preventing damage caused by UV rays. By adopting a complete beauty routine before, during and after exposure, you can effectively protect your skin while enjoying the benefits of the sun. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, deeply moisturize to maintain skin elasticity, nourish with antioxidant-rich active ingredients, and protect with UV protection products. Preparation in advance will enable you to enjoy a radiant, even and long-lasting tan, while limiting the risk of premature ageing. Anticipate and adopt the right beauty routines to ensure healthy, glowing skin all summer long. Discover our tips and advice on how to protect your skin naturally and achieve a luminous, long-lasting tan, without compromising your health.

Why prepare your skin before exposure to the sun?

Preparing your skin before exposure to the sun is not just about getting a beautiful tan. It's about strengthening the skin, moisturizing it and protecting it from damage caused by UV rays. UV rays are responsible for premature skin aging, dehydration and, in some cases, skin cancer. A well-prepared skin is more resistant and allows you to prolong your tan while minimizing the risk of damage.

Preparing your skin from the inside out

As with the general beauty of your skin, preparation for the sun begins with your diet. In fact, certain foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants help strengthen the skin and prepare it for tanning.

• Vitamin C and beta-carotenes: Foods such as apricots, carrots and sweet potatoes promote the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. They also provide protection against free radicals.
• Fatty acids and vitamin E: The omega-3s found in rapeseed oil, almonds and linseed help protect and moisturize the skin from the inside out.
• Green leafy vegetables: Spinach and broccoli, rich in antioxidants, help fight skin aging.

Combine a balanced diet with a healthy lifestyle (sleep, regular exercise, hydration) to maximize the benefits.

Acting from the outside - The exfoliation stage

Gentle exfoliation is essential to eliminate dead skin cells and reveal smooth, evenly tanned skin. Exfoliation also promotes cell regeneration, a key process for keeping skin young and radiant.

• For face and neck: Opt for a delicate milk or gel scrub to avoid aggressing sensitive skin.
• For the body: Use a scrubbing glove or "dry brushing" to tone blood circulation and improve skin texture.

Once a week is enough. Sensitive skins should space out exfoliation every 2 or 3 weeks.

Moisturizing & nourishing the skin

After exfoliation, moisturizing is a key step in maintaining skin elasticity and preventing sun-induced dehydration.

Carrot macerate and Aloe vera gel are key active ingredients for use before and after exposure to the sun. Enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, they stimulate melanin production, helping to achieve a natural tan while protecting the skin from the sun's harmful effects.

DIY recipe

Mix carrot macerate with a vegetable oil of your choice (jojoba, avocado) and a few drops of carrot CO2 extract and vitamin E for an ultra-protective, moisturizing treatment.

Sun protection

Sun protection is essential to avoid burns, premature aging and skin diseases. A hat, light clothing and a good sun cream are your best allies.

For natural protection, **Karanja oil** offers an SPF of up to 35 and can be used in combination with other oils such as jojoba or rosehip for a homemade sun care product.

Here's an easy DIY recipe:

Mix the following ingredients in a bottle:

• 30 ml Karanja oil
• 30 ml Jojoba oil
• 30 ml rosehip oil
• 5 drops Carrot CO2 extract
• 5 drops vitamin E

Apply this mixture to face and body before going out, in addition to your usual sun protection.

Keeping your tan and skin healthy

Once you've got a nice tan, you'll probably want it to last as long as possible. The key to prolonging a tan is moisturizing. After each exposure to the sun, apply Aloe vera gel to calm and refresh the skin. Then nourish deeply with a dry oil such as hazelnut or sesame oil, which doesn't leave a greasy film.

To enhance your tan, opt for a glittery oil to add a touch of sparkle to your skin.

Prolong the healthy-glow effect

Weekly exfoliation, followed by daily moisturizing, will help you maintain a tanned complexion for longer. If your skin starts to dehydrate, it's likely to peel more quickly, which will diminish your tan. Opt for nourishing skin care products such as Verbena or Frankincense & Geranium moisturizing milk, which prolong the radiance of your tan while strengthening the skin barrier.