The return of the sun lifts our mood, boosts our energy and allows our body to synthesise precious vitamin D. But exposure that is too sudden or prolonged, without preparation, can weaken the skin: sunburn acute inflammatory reaction that promotes skin cancers, premature skin ageing as collagen and elastin fibres break down and wrinkles increase, dehydration…
The good news is that it is possible to prepare your skin naturally and gently, so that you can enjoy the sun more fully while protecting it. Here are our 5 simple tips to start adopting right now.
DIET: PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR THE SUN FROM WITHIN
Preparing your skin for the sun starts on your plate. Diet plays a key role in naturally preparing the skin for sun exposure.
From spring onwards, try to fill your plates with fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, such as carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes and peppers. These fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that help the skin and the whole body protect itself from oxidative stress caused by UV rays and pollution, while also promoting a beautiful complexion.
Also think about essential fatty acids, especially omega 3 and 6. They contribute to the healthy function of the skin barrier, which is essential for keeping the skin supple, resilient and well hydrated.
GRADUAL EXPOSURE TO STIMULATE TANNING
Forget long and direct exposure from the first sunny days or from the first day of holiday in the sun. The right approach is to go gradually. Start with short periods of 10 to 15 minutes outdoors, avoiding the hottest hours.
This allows the skin to gradually produce melanin. This natural pigment helps protect the skin from UV rays, although it does not replace proper sun protection. Then gradually increase the exposure time so the skin can adapt without shock.
EXFOLIATE FOR AN EVEN TAN
From spring onwards, exfoliating once a week, on both face and body, is ideal for preparing the skin properly. By removing dead skin cells, you help your skincare products penetrate better and achieve a more even tan. The skin feels smoother, softer and above all less dry. Balanced, well-hydrated skin is more resilient when facing external aggressors.
Well-exfoliated skin is also less prone to ingrown hairs after hair removal, and keeps its golden glow for longer.
👉At Siprès, we recommend
· “Garden Stroll” Body Scrub for the body
· Radiance Face Exfoliant for the face
Use them every week up until 2 to 3 days before going on holiday or before sun exposure, even in your own garden.
The Garden Stroll Body Scrub and the Face Exfoliator are both formulated with a balm texture that transforms into a cream on contact with water, for gentle exfoliation while keeping the hydrolipidic film well nourished. Both are also made in Belgium, with care and precision, using upcycled powders made from French plum pits and grape seeds. A particle size below 300 microns is used in the Face Exfoliator to give you a mechanical scrub that does not irritate the skin.
PLANT OILS RICH IN BETA-CAROTENE: YOUR BEST ALLY
Our two star natural ingredients for preparing the skin for the sun are 100% natural plant oils: sea buckthorn oil and French carrot macerate.
- sea buckthorn oil
- French carrot macerate.
Rich in beta-carotene provitamin A and antioxidants, these two oils help boost melanin production, protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and stimulate collagen production anti-ageing effect.
In other words, they help brighten the complexion and support the natural tanning process, while helping preserve skin elasticity.
You will find them in
· our Radiance Oil Serum, perfect for brightening the complexion and preventing skin ageing
· our Summer Dry Body Oil, ideal for hydrated skin and a beautiful tan all summer long
These two treatments are also precious allies after sun exposure to soothe the skin and prolong the tan.
SUNSCREEN: ESSENTIAL EVEN WITH PREPARED SKIN
Applying sunscreen remains essential in case of prolonged sun exposure. The best way to protect yourself well from the sun is to choose a sunscreen you genuinely enjoy using. If the texture is sticky, leaves a white cast or smells unpleasant, you are more likely to skip it…
So take the time to find a sun protection product that feels pleasant to apply and that you will want to use regularly, especially during longer periods of exposure.
Q&A
A varied and balanced diet is generally enough.
No. Proper sun protection remains essential.
IIdeally 3 to 4 weeks before prolonged exposure.