Preparing your skin for tanning.

Applying a sunscreen creates a protective shield against UV rays. It thus prevents UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage. Indeed, they are responsible for the excessive generation of free radicals in the skin cells, unstable species that attack DNA, but also cell membranes and certain proteins.

They can cause genetic mutations, trigger an acceleration of skin ageing (thickening of the epidermis, skin dryness, loss of elasticity, appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and brown spots, loss of radiance...), and lead to sunburn and skin cancers.

To supplement the protection provided by sunscreen, it is possible to incorporate into one's routine a antioxidant care, with for example vitamin C, ferulic acid or resveratrol for instance. These compounds help to neutralise free radicals by donating an electron to stabilise them and make them less reactive.

Any recommendations?

• Our Vitamin C serum (INCI: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) restores radiance to dull skin and prevents photo-ageing. It is applied morning and evening, on a face that has been previously cleansed and dried, before the moisturising cream and sun protection.

• We also have an entire range of sun care products (SPF 30 and SPF 50) for the body and face. They effectively protect against UVA and UVB rays thanks to a combination of organic and mineral filters. You will also findkaranja oil (INCI: Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil) in the sun protection for the face, a vegetable oil with antioxidant properties.

Dry skin is more sensitive to the sun's UV rays: indeed, the drier the epidermis, the more porous it becomes. In other words, if the hydrolipidic film on its surface is missing or weakened, the skin will therefore be more susceptible to sunburn. That's why it's important to hydrate it daily, morning and evening using skincare products suitable for your skin type.

Any recommendations?

For instance, use ourhydrating serumcontaining 3% ofhyaluronic acid(INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate). This treatment contains two types of hyaluronic acid: one referred to as "high molecular weight" and the other "low molecular weight". While the formerremains on the surface of the epidermis where it creates a protective film preventing the water present in the skin from evaporating, the latter, presented in the form of smaller molecules, penetrates deeper into the epidermis to strengthen and stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid naturally produced by the body. Their action allows both to instantly hydrate the skin, but also to keep it hydrated over time.

Continue then with the application of a moisturising cream to seal in hydration and protect the skin against external aggressions. With a light and non-greasy texture, our face moisturising creamwith 9 ingredients and our body moisturising creamwith 10 ingredients hydrate and nourish the epidermis with their minimalist formula.

To eliminate the dead cells that accumulate on the skin's surface and dull your complexion, a gentle exfoliation is recommended. This action should be performed three days before your sunbathing session. It will help to even out your skin, which will subsequently facilitate a uniform tan. However, it is advised against exfoliating your skin the day before sun exposure, as it may weaken the skin and increase the likelihood of sunburn.

Any recommendations?

• Composed of an exfoliating complex based on four AHAs and one PHA, our peeling mask eliminates dead skin cells to unclog pores and refine skin texture. It leaves the complexion unified and the skin texture smoothed. Over time, it helps to reduce the presence of blackheads. This mask should only be used in the evening, as it contains AHAs, which can potentially cause photosensitivity. The following morning, it is important to apply sunscreen.

• Formulated withsweet almond oil (INCI name: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) known for its nourishing properties, and super lavandin essential oil (INCI name: Lavandula Hybrida Herb Oil), recognised for its regenerative and healing virtues, our nourishing body scrub rids the skin of dead cells thanks to the micro grains of apricot kernels. Exfoliated and nourished, the skin is soft, supple and comfortable.

Preparing the skin for tanning also takes place at the dinner table. To combat free radicals, foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins E and C are recommended. These include radishes, grapes, apples, and blackberries, among others. Antioxidants are true allies in protecting the skin before exposure, to avoid sunburn, brown spots, and photoaging.

Foods rich in beta-carotene are also recommended. This nutrient is converted into retinol (the active form of vitamin A) in the intestinal lining. The presence of retinol in the blood stimulates the synthesis of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin browning. Foods particularly rich in beta-carotene that are beneficial for preparing your skin for tanning include carrots, tomatoes, melons, apricots, peaches, mangoes, broccoli, and spinach.

Do not hesitate to also turn to foods containing copper, such as lentils, almonds, and nuts. Copper is a tanning ally, as it is a co-factor of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis process of melanin. If we look at the mechanism, tyrosinase is responsible for the activation of tyrosine, an amino acid, into melanin. For a tanned and luminous complexion, the consumption of tyrosine is also recommended. It is mainly found in dairy products.

Please note : to prepare the body for tanning, you can also turn to dietary supplements. Like the foods mentioned earlier, these are generally rich in antioxidants or beta-carotenes. Dietary supplements often have the advantage of being more concentrated in nutrients than natural foods, which enhances their effectiveness.

• WILLIAMSON G. & al. Skin bioavailability of dietary vitamin E, carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, zinc and selenium. The British Journal of Nutrition (2006).

• HEVERTS H. & al. Vitamin A in skin and hair: An update. Nutrients (2022).