4 tips to prepare your skin for the sun

The sunny days have returned! But before exposing yourself to the sun, here is some advice to help you protect your skin.

Hydrate your skin

Even though moisturizing cream does not protect skin from the sun, unlike sunscreen, it can, in a certain way, help limit its ravages. The more your skin is exposed to the sun, the more it dries out. And as it dries out, it becomes more vulnerable to UV rays. By nourishing it with a good moisturizing cream, you are helping it reconstruct its protective layer. To choose the formula that best suits you, don’t hesitate to consult your Brunet cosmetician.

Exfoliate your skin

Aesthetically, exfoliation is an important step before exposure to the sun. It allows the skin to shed dead cells that accumulate and can prevent a uniform tanning. That being said, it’s essential to be careful and never forget to apply sunscreen, because exfoliation removes the “fine protective layer” on the surface of your skin, which makes skin more vulnerable to UV rays. It is therefore recommended that you wait a few days between exfoliation and sun exposure. Also, as fine skin tolerates exfoliation less well than thicker skin, it is preferable to choose an exfoliator adapted to your skin type. When in doubt, consult your cosmetician.

Make sure your diet is rich in carotene and vitamin E

Thanks to their antioxidant properties, foods that are rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids, such as lycopene, could improve your skin’s protection against UV rays. The best sources of carotenoids are carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, squash, broccoli, mangos, apricots, kale, peas, tomatoes and melon. Vitamin E contained in vegetable oils, almonds and nuts also provides protection from the sun. Don’t hesitate to add these sun foods to your menu! Also remember that foods that are rich in carotenoids add an orange tinge to your skin, which gives you a natural glow. However, the properties of these foods in no way replace a protective layer of sunscreen!

Expose yourself to the sun progressively

One of the best ways to prepare your skin for the sun is to engage in numerous short exposures. The first time you go out in the sun should not last for hours and hours. Otherwise, you risk getting a mean sunburn, which could lead to skin cancer. Also, keep in mind that tanning is not good for your skin. It actually consists of a defense mechanism deployed by the skin against excessive sun exposure, so don’t forget to apply a high-level sunscreen. Ensure that it covers a large spectrum and that it filters UVA and UVB rays. To learn more about sun protection and precautions to protect your skin, consult your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist.

Good to know

Sessions at the tanning salon do not prevent sunburns.
Contrary to a popular belief, tanning bed sessions do not protect you from sunburns. Furthermore, the use of a tanning bed before 30 years old considerably increases your risk of contracting skin cancers, particularly melanoma.
Self-tanning products have no protective value for your skin.
These products do not protect against the harmful effects of the sun because they do not induce the production of melanin, a pigment that protects your skin from UV rays. If you use self-tanning products to give your skin a glow, choose products that contain a solar filter or use them conjointly with another form of protection (sunscreen, hat, etc.).

Certain products or changes in your lifestyle may not suit you. Always consult your pharmacist or a healthcare professional to evaluate the options that work best for you.