Summer is here, and with it the return of the sun! This is the time when you want to bask in the sun and take on some color! A radiant complexion, a golden tan and a healthy glow, we all dream of it! It is possible, but you will have to be vigilant because the skin is a particularly fragile organ.

If the sun provides physical and moral well-being, it can also be dangerous. By exposing yourself to UV rays, you run certain risks. Indeed, each sunburn depletes your sun capital and causes your skin to age. Not to mention the risk of allergy and that of cancer... To avoid these inconveniences, it is therefore essential to prepare your skin well a few weeks before and during sun exposure.

In this article, follow our advice to properly prepare your skin for the harmful effects of the sun and have a radiant tan!

The sun capital is comparable to an energy reserve in which the body draws with each new exposure to the sun. It determines the skin's ability to maintain and protect its internal structures and its proper functioning against UV attacks.

Variable according to the individual, our sun capital is defined from birth and deteriorates over time, until exhaustion, more or less quickly depending on the experience and behavior in the face of the sun.

Sunburn quickly consumes this credit. According to recent studies, 80% of the sun's capital can be exhausted before the age of 16, so it is essential to protect it from childhood and adopt responsible behavior in the face of the sun.

The sun gives rhythm to our biological cycles and intervenes in our psychic balance, the

sleep, mood, it would strengthen our immune system, and it would act on the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. However, if beauty is associated with tanning and the good-looking effect provides physical and moral well-being, the sun can be dangerous.

In the event of too much exposure, UVA and UVB rays will damage our skin and create solar erythema, more commonly known as “sunburn”. This reaches its maximum intensity after approximately 24 hours. It is not a real burn but an inflammatory reaction of the cells. Indeed, UVB rays destroy our cells, which results in redness. Then the cells are detached and peeled.

Aging due to the so-called “actinic” sun is an aging that differs from chronological aging. The first difference is that it induces premature aging. UVA and UVB are responsible for the production of free radicals. These molecules initiate chain reactions that alter DNA, proteins and lipids.

In addition, aging due to the sun is completely unstructured: wrinkles appear in a totally anarchic way. The wrinkles are deeper and much more numerous, the skin quickly loses its elasticity. Pigment spots also appear.

Melanin is the body's defense against potential aggression from the sun: it filters and absorbs UV rays.

However, is not sufficient to ward off the harmful effects of the sun such as the appearance of spots which are due to localized hyperpigmentation of the skin. Pigment spots result from an irregular distribution of melanin which accumulates to form colored spots.

Before exposing yourself to the sun, here are some simple tips that will help you prepare your skin to protect it and optimize your tan.

This is the first step to take before tanning! The drier the epidermis, the more porous it becomes, it is therefore necessary to moisturize your skin well because otherwise it is more sensitive to the attacks of the sun.

To preserve your sun capital, get into the habit of using sunscreen or suntan oil to protect your skin and avoid sunburn. The sun is aggressive everywhere, not just at the beach. It is absolutely essential to protect your skin from UV rays and free radicals using sunscreens with an SPF index of at least 30 to 50.

Finally, don't forget to take care of your skin after your exposure with an after-sun care, which will allow you to hydrate, soothe your skin, and prolong your tan.

One of the easiest things to do to prepare your skin for the sun is to eat a balanced diet and have colorful plates. From May, promote seasonal and colorful fruits and vegetables. The more colorful the fruits and vegetables are, the more they are rich in antioxidants. This allows you to refuel:

• Antioxidants , to create a protective barrier and repair dead skin cells. In this way, it is not only the skin that is protected from oxidative stress, but also the whole organism.
• Of vitamins to deeply moisturize the skin and fight against skin aging by reducing oxidative stress.
• Essential fatty acids that promote healing, suppleness and tone of the skin. They reduce allergic and inflammatory reactions, prevent skin aging and improve skin hydration.
• Of there beta-carotene to activate the tan, which is found in carrots, tomatoes, oranges, apricots and green vegetables.

Rich in vitamins, minerals and plant extracts, food supplements provide our body with what it lacks to fight more effectively against the attacks of the sun.

They are particularly recommended for fair and sensitive skin to reduce the risk of sunburn. You can start your cure as early as May or 1 month before going on vacation.

This unique and complete duo combines a tanning, protective and soothing action, to enjoy the benefits of the sun while protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. Formulated for sensitive skin, L'Éclat-Total activates and enhances the tan thanks to plant extracts rich in carotenoids. It also protects the skin from photoaging thanks to powerful antioxidants whose effectiveness is clinically proven.

The Active Sun Complex allows you to have a beautiful golden complexion while avoiding overexposure to the sun. This innovative 100% natural formula acts in three steps: it naturally pigments the skin thanks to carotenoids, it activates and prolongs the tan and protects the skin from damage caused by the sun's rays.

• The plant extracts of apricot and carrot are naturally rich in carotenoids and thus promote a natural tan.
• Astaxanthin and beta-carotene, precursors of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for good skin health, it participates in the renewal of skin cells and promotes skin color during tanning.
• Copper contributes to the production of melanin and promotes optimal skin pigmentation.

The Soothed Skin Complex is designed to calm and soothe sensitive and reactive skin. It contains powerful natural active ingredients to fight against skin damage induced by the sun's UV rays.

This formula contains SOD (SuperOxyde Dismutase) from the pulp of Melon de Provence. This active ingredient has patented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antioxidant power is 37 times more concentrated than pure melon. It reduces the cytotoxicity induced by UV rays and preserves the skin from skin alterations caused by the sun. Its effectiveness is proven by clinical study.

The Active Sun Complex contains a powerful pomegranate extract patented and scientifically tested for its anti-aging effects on the skin. This extract is very rich in punicalagin polyphenols (titrated at 30%), it helps regenerate skin cells, tighten skin texture and prevent the formation of wrinkles. Pomegranate also helps to significantly reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots linked to overexposure to the sun.

In vitro tests have proven the effectiveness of our ingredient for the protection of the skin against UV rays. Our pomegranate extract has demonstrated:

• Protection of tissues against oxidative damage caused by UVB
• Increased production of pro-collagen and hyaluronic acid
• Regeneration of oxidized cells after exposure to UVB