How to prepare your skin for the first rays of sun?
The sunny days are finally here and who doesn't like to feel the gentle warmth of the sun on their skin after the long winter months? However, before rushing outside to joyfully welcome these first rays, a little pause is necessary to think about your skin. Preparing for the sun isn't just about finding the perfect spot on the beach; it starts well before, at the heart of your daily routine. So, how can you optimally prepare your skin for the first rays of the sun? Let us guide you step by step in this preparation.
SUMMARY
- Why should you prepare your skin for the sun?
- Actions to adopt to prepare internally
- And what does it look like in your bathroom?
I) Why should you prepare your skin for the sun?
Although the sun is good for our morale because it brings us joy, vitamin D, and a nice tanned complexion, it can also turn into an enemy for your skin.
But then why? Because ultraviolet (UV) rays have beneficial effects but also serious disadvantages. There are different types of UV with distinct effects. On the one hand, UVA represents the majority of UV rays that reach the earth's surface. They penetrate deep into the skin, reaching the furthest layers of the epidermis. They are mainly responsible for premature skin aging, leading to wrinkles and dark spots. Overexposure can degrade collagen and elastin, weakening the skin's structure.
On the other hand, there are UVB rays, which are less numerous than UVA rays and which are much more energetic: they can therefore cause more immediate damage, such as sunburn. UVB plays a major role in cellular damage to the epidermis.
Finally, UVC is the most dangerous of UV rays, but fortunately the majority of them are filtered by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth's surface. However, with the degradation of this ozone layer, even minimal exposure to UVC can have serious consequences for the skin and overall health.
Unprotected exposure to these rays can therefore lead to accelerated skin aging and brown spots, not to mention the risk of sunburn and much more serious sun damage.
Preparation is essential, but when should you start preparing? Well, as soon as the first sunny days appear, especially after a winter spent far from the sun. So you have to start in April! Although you shouldn't bare a thread, according to the saying, it's the ideal time to prepare your skin for the exhibition in May. The skin needs time to adapt and strengthen itself in the face of overexposure to the sun.
II) Actions to adopt to prepare internally
To ensure your skin looks its best under the sun, preparation starts from within to lay the foundations for radiant, sun-resilient skin.
A diet rich in antioxidants:
The unsung heroes of sun prep reside on our plate. Choose foods rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E which play a crucial role in strengthening the skin against UV damage. To do this, add ingredients like carrots, tomatoes, spinach, salmon, tuna, apricot, and melon to your menus because they are full of these life-saving antioxidants. These new habits not only help you protect your skin but also encourage a gradual and healthy tan, while strengthening the natural defenses against sun damage.
Hydration:
Drinking water has never been more crucial than when preparing for sunny days. Sufficient hydration, at the level of 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, guarantees supple and resilient skin. This prevents dryness and prepares the skin to better manage sun exposure, in addition to facilitating an even tanned complexion.
Food supplements to perfect your preparation:
To give your skin a boost, integrate specific food supplements into your routine. Some are specially formulated to prepare the skin for the sun, boosting melanin production (for a faster and longer-lasting tan) and strengthening protection against oxidative stress caused by UV rays. For example, Urucum prepares and protects your skin from the sun thanks to its richness in beta-carotene and antioxidant. Likewise, look for products with selenium, zinc, and additional antioxidants, like lycopene and astaxanthin, which are known for their ability to improve skin's resilience to the sun. However, remember that these supplements in no way replace sunscreen, it is only a support to strengthen the skin from the inside and not a substitute.
With these three pillars of internal preparation your skin will be better equipped to face the first rays of the sun. That said, the preparation doesn't stop there. The next step takes place in your bathroom, where appropriate beauty products will complete your shield against the harmful effects of the sun.
III) And what does it look like in your bathroom?
Now that you're well hydrated and stocked up on antioxidants, let's move on to the bathroom, where a few key products are essential to perfect your sun preparation.
- Sunscreen, your new best friend:
If you had to remember only one thing, it would be this: sunscreen is essential. Choose a product with a high protection factor (SPF), 50 or more, for optimal protection against UVA and UVB on the face and body. And this, even during the first exhibitions in April! Apply generously before going out and don't forget to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.
- A weekly face and body scrub:
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead cells and promotes an even tan. Opt for a gentle body scrub once a week. To do this, choose our Exfoliating Shower Gel to gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin in a single gesture. Avoid doing it just before exposure to avoid sensitizing your skin to UV rays. Concerning the face, in order to get new skin, apply our Exfoliating Peel 1 to 2 times a week for enzymatic and/or mechanical exfoliation. Its Jojoba Beads gently eliminate impurities and dead cells without irritating the skin and causing micro-scratches.
- Hydration, THE beauty gesture not to be neglected:
Hydration is the key to healthy skin ready to face external aggressions such as the sun. Contrary to what one might think, it is not only a step to be favored after the exhibition but also before!
To do this, apply our SOS Nourishing Body Lotion daily to your body after showering. Result ? Supple, comfortable and regenerated skin. For your face, opt for our Soothing Radiance Gel, morning and/or evening, it boosts hydration mechanisms and strengthens the skin's hydrolipidic barrier.
Preparing for the first rays of sunshine is therefore a beauty ritual that begins well before summer to welcome the sun while preserving the health and beauty of your skin. So, ready to shine? Your skin will thank you.
