With summer around the corner and the UV index rising, you may be tempted to spend your first days of sunshine sunbathing to get your first tan. This a mistake, as your skin is not used to direct sun exposure, having spent the winter months tucked under layers of clothing. Consequences of early exposure quickly appear: sunburn, dry skin and even premature skin aging.

So, to avoid getting sunburnt on your first day, here are the best tips to prepare your skin and get ready for summer...

Scrub & cleanse regularly

Removing dead skin is essential for a long-lasting tan. Before exposing yourself to the sun, exfoliate your skin once or twice a week on damp skin. During the winter months the surface layer of your skin builds a layer of old, damaged, and dead skin cells. Spring is the perfect time to exfoliate away old skin cells and other unwanted debris in order to reveal a younger and more vibrant appearing skin layer. Gently exfoliating the skin once per week will create the perfect springtime glow and cleansing everyday will help remove sebum, dust and sunscreen residues. We love the exfoliating range from our beauty partners LaGaia Unedited. 

Eat colourful food

You may not know it, but eating brightly coloured fruits and vegetable can help get your skin ready for summer, UV exposure and boost your natural tan as they contain high levels of beta-carotene. Carrots, watermelon, tomatoes, red peppers, pumpkins, apples & beets – are brightly-coloured and very nutrient-dense. The more of these nutrient-dense whole-foods you eat, the happier and healthier your skin will be. Root vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants, beta-carotene (provitamin A) that strengthen skin and boosts cell regeneration. Green leafy vegetables and mushrooms are also rich in Niacin (Vitamin B3) important to keep your skin soft, healthy and glowing. Healthy oils contained in salmon, avocados and vegetable oils are a great source of Omega 3. 

Protect and Moisturise your skin

Hydration is key for a plump, toned and healthy skin, in winter and throughout the year. Hydrated skin is able to retain moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. But remember, your skin mostly drinks from within… and for that reason drinking plenty of water is the best way to hydrate your skin. 

A well hydrated and oxygenated skin copes better to UV-induced oxidative stress and maintains a healthy summer glow. Complement hydration with a good skincare routine to help maintain moisture within your skin. On hot summer days, our After Sun Solution is the perfect skin tonic and non-oily moisturiser. Applied daily, it helps restore and maintain healthy skin pH, moisture and plumpness. Your skin will feel refreshed and delicately hydrated without an oily film. 

Most importantly, wear a good natural sunscreen daily as UV index increase and day get longer. We recommend wearing our SPF30 nourishing sunscreen throughout spring (scrubbing once a week) and to switch to our SPF50 vegan sunscreen ready for the hot summer months. Don’t forget sensitive areas and the top of your hands.

Expose your skin progressively

No, exposing yourself all afternoon to the sun at its first appearance will not make you tan faster or get your skin ready for summer… On the contrary, you will certainly get a sunburn that will deprive you of tanning for a few days. Thus, the best way to avoid burns is gradual exposure.

Allow your skin to build up melanin (your natural skin pigments) by exposing yourself to small levels of sun exposure at first and gradually increasing exposure. In other words, build your tan! During the first few days, it is best to have a short exposure of about fifteen minutes with sun protection, and outside the hottest hours of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). 

Is your skin summer ready?