The sun is out, and with it the great temptation to expose oneself to the sun to get a beautiful golden tan and fill up on the vitamin D essential for the body. However, it's essential to take steps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Rather than relying solely on conventional, chemical sunscreens, there are other ways to prepare your skin for the sun and look after it naturally. Discover them below.
Keeping well hydrated
The ultimate skin care routine is, of course, to hydrate your skin by drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of spring or filtered water a day. Well-hydrated skin is more resistant and supple. So make sure you drink enough water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration. Please note that tea, coffee, herbal teas and other beverages do not count in this volume!
Fruits and vegetables also contribute to hydration, especially those richer in water, such as cucumbers, melons and watermelon.
Opt for a diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
Antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals generated by sun exposure, and strengthen the skin's resistance to UV rays.
Eat the "rainbow" by incorporating fruits and vegetables of different colors into your daily diet. In particular, include foods rich in carotenoids: carrots, tomatoes, apricots, berries and red fruits, peppers, melon...
Eat foods rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant found in avocados, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, as well as essential fatty acids found in oilseeds and seeds (flax, chia, hemp...), oily fish (sardines, mackerel...) or flax, camelina, hemp plants...
Gently exfoliate your skin
A light exfoliation stimulates blood circulation and restores the skin's radiance, notably by eliminating dead cells and promoting cell renewal through improved oxygenation. The result is smoother, more luminous skin and a more even complexion. Well-oxygenated skin is also more receptive to the benefits of the sun, promoting a more radiant tan and better absorption of sun protection products.
Apply a moisturizer
It's essential to maintain the integrity of the hydrolipidic film by caring for it from the outside. To do this, choose natural cosmetics that are non-toxic or irritating. For example, use carrot, raspberry or jojoba oil, which also offer light sun protection, or plant butters such as shea butter to nourish and soothe the skin.
Choose natural sunscreens
If you want to use sunscreen, opt for natural products that don't contain chemicals harmful to your body and the planet. Look for sunscreens with mineral filters based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and preferably without nanoparticles. These ingredients form a physical barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays without being absorbed by the skin.
And don't forget: sun creams don't prevent you from tanning! The right gesture: every 2 hours.
Avoid excessive exposure
Even with adequate preparation, it's important to limit your exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 10am and 4pm. Seek shade where you can, and use protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved UV protection.
Supplementation and natural active ingredients: Urucum, beta-carotene and omega 3
As a precursor of vitamin A, beta-carotene plays an essential role in vision, skin and the immune system. It is known for its antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals in the body and prevent oxidative damage. In the skin, it activates melanin synthesis and protects epithelial cells from the negative effects of the sun. Supplementation before and during the summer months is therefore advisable. However, smokers, pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take beta-carotene supplements.
Urucum is a South American shrub renowned for its high antioxidant content, including bixin, a molecule closely related to beta-carotene. It thus helps to support skin health by promoting a radiant complexion and attenuating the effects of ageing. It can be used in powder, capsule or cosmetic form.
Omega 3s provide suppleness, hydration and complete protection for the skin. According to a report published by ANSES in September 2015, the French population is largely deficient in essential fatty acids, including omega 3s, which have a considerable impact on health. In the diet, they are found in oily fish, oilseeds and certain vegetable oils (flax, camelina, hemp, walnuts, for example). Omega-3 dietary supplements are available in capsule form, based on fish oil or vegetable oils such as chia, linseed and perilla.
It is important to note that supplementation should not be used as a substitute for a balanced and varied diet. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regime to determine dosage and ensure it is suitable for individual needs.
Preparing your skin for the sun naturally is a holistic approach to healthy sun protection. By combining a balanced diet, adequate hydration, the use of natural oils and the adoption of appropriate protective measures, you can help strengthen your skin and minimize sun damage. Remember, sun protection is essential all year round, even on cloudy days!
Sources:
https://www.anses.fr/fr/content/avis-et-rapport-de-lanses-relatifs-aux-«-apports-en-acides-gras-de-la-population-vivant-en