The sunny days have finally returned… and with them, the happy days! There are plenty of reasons why we love the sun. The moderate exposure to sunlight actually boosts the level of serotonin, helping to improve the mood. It also provides vitamin D to the skin which is essential for binding calcium in bone. Finally (and maybe most of all), sun exposure can give the skin a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Yet, sun exposure can also cause skin damage and premature ageing. To make sure your skin makes the most of sun exposure while being protected, it is important to prepare it properly. Here is some advice.
TIP 1 – Before sun exposure, start stimulating your tanning ability
The sun emits UVA and UVB rays that are not filtered out by the planet’s ozone layer. As a consequence, they reach the skin tissue, stimulating one of the body’s natural defence mechanisms against UV rays – the synthesis of melanin. This phenomenon is what is responsible for skin coloration and tan.
Thing is: when the skin has not been exposed to the sun for some time, it has a very low level of melanin, which implies it is much harder for the skin to defend itself from the UV rays. To prepare your skin for sun exposure – at least one week before going on holidays, start stimulating your melanin synthesis and natural tanning to avoid sunburn and sun pigmentation. To do so, Décleor’s Aromessence Solaire Face Oil Serum (100% natural) is your perfect ally. This serum contains active ingredients such as Camomile and Geranium essential oils to boost the skin’s natural defences, as well as Carrot Essential Oil to stimulate melanin production. The Argan and Rose Essential Oils will also help reduce dehydration and preserve youthful-looking skin. Suitable for all skin types, apply this serum to the face and neck after cleansing, at least one week ahead of sun exposure and also during sun exposure underneath your protective sun cream, to ensure a perfect, glowing tan.
TIP 2 – Exfoliate your skin
Another good way to prepare your skin is to exfoliate your body before sun exposure to remove the dead cells that would prevent your skin from getting a uniform tanning.
For the face, Décleor’s Life Radiance Double Scrub contains three types of naturally exfoliating particles to remove dullness and restore radiance and vitality to the skin: Egyptian Luffa Fibres to gently buff away dead skin cells, Madagascan Cardamom Seeds to revive luminosity and Jojoba Beads to leave skin feeling soft and silky. For a milder face exfoliation, use Décleor’s Phytopeel Exfoliating Cream: with no exfoliating particles, it gently absorbs, eliminates impurities and renews your skin.
To exfoliate your body, use Décleor’s 1000 Grain Body Exfoliator. Enriched with Grapefruit Essential Oil and a combination of Pearl Sugar, Argan Shell and Orange Peel with Fruit Acids (Grape, Pineapple and Passion Fruit), our innovative gel turns into an indulgent oil during massage for easy application, and then turns into a milk upon contact with water for quick rinsing. Your skin is left feeling softer, smoother and refined, and your mind is invigorated, ready for holidays.
TIP 3 – Hydrate and nourish your skin
Hydrating your skin is very important after sun exposure but also before. A moisturising cream will not protect your skin from the sun, but it will help limit its damages. Indeed, dry skin is more likely to get sunburned as it is more vulnerable to UV rays. By deeply moisturising and nourishing your skin with a body lotion or cream before sun exposure, you will help to reconstruct its protective layer. Aroma Comfort Systeme Corps Moisturising Body Milk envelops your skin in a comforting and protective layer of moisture to not only re-hydrate the skin, but also improve skin elasticity and firmness enhancing the overall appearance of your skin.
Extra tip: before going on holidays, use Aroma Comfort Systeme Corps Gradual Glow Body Milk to intensely nourish your skin while gradually tanning your body. It contains naturally active ingredients like Magnolia Essential Oil to help protect your skin from free radicals and Narcissus Bulb to help prolong a natural or fake tan and preserve the skin’s youthful appearance. DHA – a sugar obtained by biotechnology – reacts naturally with amino acids in the skin to produce a gentle golden colour. Your skin will be perfectly prepared for the holidays: intensely moisturised with a radiant top-to-toe golden glow.
When your skin is ready to make the most of the sun – during your first days of holiday, it is important to expose your skin progressively – during several short exposures. The first time you expose your skin to the sun should not last more than one hour. And don’t forget: during sun exposure, it is important to protect your skin with the highest level of protection to keep it healthy, evenly toned, and younger looking and protect it from sun damages.
Enjoy your holidays!