How to naturally prepare your skin for the sun

Summer is here and the holidays are just around the corner. But did you know that prolonged exposure to the sun can be harmful to the skin if it hasn’t been prepared for it? Now is the time to prepare your skin for the sun. Let’s look at a few natural tips to prepare your skin for the sun and keep your tan for longer.

PREPARE YOUR SKIN PROPERLY BEFORE EXPOSING IT TO THE SUN

1. EXFOLIATE THE SKIN TO PREPARE IT FOR THE SUN

To prepare your skin for exposure to the sun, remember to exfoliate regularly. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week will help get rid of dead skin and regenerate the cells of the epidermis. This will help give your skin a more even and longer lasting tan.

Exfoliate the body and the face. Be sure to exfoliate the face and neckline gently.

2. MOISTURISE YOUR SKIN BEFORE EXPOSING IT TO THE SUN

Moisturising is the key to good skin health. Remember to moisturise your skin properly throughout the year - especially before prolonged exposure to the sun. The ideal preparation for those who tend to forget to moisturise every morning is to start by moisturising the skin at least a month before exposing it to the skin. Moisturising improves the quality of the skin and allows it to tan more easily.

Also remember to moisturise the body and the face properly, especially to prevent spots caused by the sun. On your face, choose a product that suits your skin type. Remember to moisturise your hands as well - they are a frequently overlooked part of the body, yet the one most subjected to the effects of the sun.

3. HYDRATE INSIDE AS WELL TO GET A GOOD TAN

Hydrating the body also involves internal hydration. To prepare your skin properly for the sun, remember to hydrate the inside too. Ideally, you should drink at least 1.5 litres a day. Internal hydration enables the skin to hydrate more naturally.

If you don’t like drinking water, try adding some lemon juice to it. It’s a natural element that gives a tasty edge to your water.

4. EAT FRUIT AND VEGETABLES THAT CONTAIN BETA-CAROTENE FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Fruit and vegetables that contain beta-carotene will also help your skin get ready for the sun. When you think of foods that contain beta-carotene, you naturally think of carrots, but you can also find it in tomatoes, mangos, apricots, melons, spinach and red peppers.

One study has even shown that having a diet rich in beta-carotene in the long term will not only prepare your skin for the sun, but will provide protection against the sun and so help prevent sunburn. But be careful - it’s not a replacement for sun cream.

CARRY ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN DURING THE HOLIDAYS

1. USE SUN CREAM THAT SUITS YOUR SKIN

An essential element for beautiful skin and preventing sunburn is of course using sun cream. Used from the first day of exposure, it will protect your skin against the aggression of the sun and prevent unsightly sunburn.

Choose one with a factor that suits your skin type. The lighter and more sensitive the skin, the higher the protection factor you should choose. And don’t heed false rumours, such as you can’t get a tan with factor 50 sun cream.

2. DON’T EXPOSE YOURSELF TO THE SUN DURING THE HOTTEST HOURS

It is best to avoid the hottest hours when sunbathing. Even if you have prepared your skin properly, these are the times when the UV index is highest and most dangerous for the skin. So avoid exposing your skin to the sun between noon and 2pm, for example.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN AFTER SUNBATHING

1. HYDRATE YOUR SKIN EVEN AFTER COMING BACK FROM YOUR HOLIDAYS

To prolong your tan, carry on hydrating your skin properly, even after you get back. This step will maintain a quality tan that will last longer. So hydrate your skin in advance to prepare it for the sun, and carry on again afterwards.

2. EXFOLIATE TO PROLONG YOUR TAN

Contrary to received ideas, carrying on exfoliating after sunbathing will not damage your tan - quite the opposite. Dead cells caused by prolonged exposure to the sun are found in your skin and risk spoiling your lovely glow. So carry on exfoliating once you have started to prepare your skin for the sun when you come back from holiday as well.

How do you prepare your skin for the sun? Share your best tips with us!