PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR THE SUN AND GET TANNED

We know that the sun has many beneficial effects on our health. First of all, the sun determines our circadian cycles (the changes in the different systems of the body that occur daily and are defined by the light/dark cycle), which is fundamental to maintaining a good state of health. 

On the other hand, without direct sunlight, our bodies cannot produce vitamin D, a substance that performs a number of important functions in our bodies, starting with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food, both of which are vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. And while it is true that vitamin D can also be obtained from certain foods, such as eggs, milk and fatty fish, the truth is that it is very difficult to get adequate vitamin D from diet alone (instead a brief exposure is enough to reap all these benefits). 

It has also been shown that sunlight can improve our mood, lower blood pressure, strengthen our bones, muscles and even our immune system. 

Let's review the main benefits of the sun...

THE MAIN BENEFITS OF SUNBATHING

Vitamin D, essential for bones and teeth

Although the sun will never reach your bones, UV rays help to produce vitamin D in the skin, a vitamin that is very important for bone mineralisation, by promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine and preventing their loss to the kidneys.

Although most vitamins and minerals must be consumed in food, in the case of vitamin D our metabolism is capable of producing it in the skin and 5 or 10 minutes in the sun, two or three times a week is enough to recharge our vitamin D deposits.

Stimulate your defences

The sun is able to increase the number of white blood cells or lymphocytes, the cells responsible for the first defence against infection. This is why, in the winters following a holiday in the sun, we tend to suffer less from colds and flu. With constant exposure to sunlight, we can help strengthen our immune system.

Light boosts mood

UV rays increase the production of a neurotransmitter related to the feeling of well-being: serotonin, which is also involved in the regulation of sleep and body temperature.

It is therefore easier to see the brighter side of life in sunlight and less fatigue, depression and stress and it is not surprising that during the long winter months, when there is less sunlight, many people suffer from some form of depression resulting from low serotonin levels.

In addition, research suggests that direct sunlight can cause skin cells to produce endorphins, which also create a sense of well-being.

Improves sleep quality

We generally sleep better after sunbathing, because in summer the days are longer and we find it easier to wake up feeling rested despite having slept less hours. The explanation? The effect of UV rays on the hormone melatonin.

Melatonin levels in the blood are highest at night, when there is no light. In contrast, when there is light, melatonin drops and we feel more awake and active.

Sunlight regulates the circadian rhythm by telling the body when to increase or decrease melatonin levels. Therefore, the more exposure to daylight, the better the body will produce melatonin when it is time to go to sleep.

But despite the sun's many benefits, it should be noted that overexposure can also cause harm. Minimising prolonged periods of sun exposure and avoiding exposure during the hottest hours is the best way to avoid negative consequences such as sunburn, premature skin ageing, cataract formation in the eyes and the risk of skin tumours, especially melanomas.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY TAN IN JUST 4 STEPS

The long-awaited summer holidays are just around the corner? While we're looking forward to it, it's a good idea to prepare your skin before sunbathing so that your tan is not only even and beautifully toned but, above all, so that it doesn't damage your skin. To maximise all the benefits of the sun we must incorporate some infallible steps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier: Exfoliation, Moisturising, Sun Protection and After Sun.

1.      Exfoliation

The first step is exfoliation. With it, we remove impurities and dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin, cleansing it in depth and we will not only achieve an even tan but also a longer one.

For the face, always choose a gentle product that is suitable for your skin type (e.g. one that is suitable for sensitive skin).

Use a specific exfoliator for the body and apply it to damp skin, massaging gently in circles, paying particular attention to certain areas such as elbows and knees, where, in addition to dead skin cells, melanin accumulates and these areas frequently become darkened.

Do this first step at least once a week and get a purifying, peeling and soothing effect!

Sisley Exfoliant Moussant Energisant pour le corps

This is a foaming body scrub with a gentle texture that combines exfoliating micro-beads and plant extracts, a perfect combination to effectively remove dead skin cells and roughness. Apply it once or twice a week and get smooth, supple, glowing skin ready for the next step in your beauty routine. And remember, this will give you a more even and long-lasting tan in the summer too.

Clarins Beauty Flash Peel

The new Clarins Beauty Flash Peel is an exfoliating treatment for the face that treats all layers of the skin and works effectively when there is a lack of radiance, skin imbalance and visible wrinkles.

A Lightning Beauty Peel that removes dead skin cells, accelerates skin regeneration and restores radiance, suppleness and smoothness. It does this by taking advantage of the exfoliating properties of fruit acids which, although very successful, are also very gentle on the skin. So, while Glycolic Acid focuses on removing dead skin cells, Salicylic Acid purifies pores and fights blemishes. The result? With each application, you'll reveal a healthy glow, refined skin texture and get an instant anti-fatigue effect.

Unlike other peelings, this product does not require rinsing, as it works in a lower concentration. A spa at home? Here's a practical but equally effective exfoliating treatment! Apply 2 to 3 times a week in the evening.

2.      Hidration

The second step is Moisturising. A moisturised skin is important all year round and key during the summer, helping to mitigate water loss and the consequent flaking of the skin. Moisturised skin is more resistant to damage caused by the sun's rays and at the same time is softer, more elastic and tans more evenly. We should apply emollients as well as antioxidants to combat the free radicals generated by the sun's radiation. And of course, we mustn't forget to drink water throughout the day, so keep a bottle of water close to you at all times...

Biotherm Aquasource Hyalu Plump Gel

A gel-textured facial moisturiser for normal to combination skin that provides intense hydration to the skin, while helping to combat daily aggressions for radiant, more luminous skin.

Its skin-friendly formula features two powerful ingredients: Like Plankton, a 100% natural ingredient that helps defend, renew and strengthen the skin and hyaluronic acid for intense moisturising action.

Apply mornings and evenings to cleansed face and confirm the results!

Biotherm Oil Therapy Baume Corps

Another Biotherm moisturiser we love is the Oil Therapy Baume for the body, an emollient body milk that absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and naturally radiant.

It's formulated with a blend of three precious oils: rosehip oil, with regenerating and fortifying properties; passion flower oil, with nourishing and beautifying properties; and apricot kernel oil, with softening and smoothing properties.

For incredibly soft, nourished skin that will make you feel wonderful.

3.      Sun Protection is key

Another fundamental element to include in our daily routine is our sunscreen and not only when we go to the beach or the pool, and even under the umbrella!

Remember that everything is bad if it is in excess, so if you are going to be exposed to solar radiation for long periods, it is essential to protect the skin: the use of sunscreen is essential in terms of skin care, but it is not enough to apply it once a day because its protective action is affected by various factors such as weather, perspiration, water, etc.. This is why sunscreen should be applied every 3-4 hours and always bearing in mind that the hours when the sun is at its peak and radiation is at its strongest (10 am and 4 pm) its use should be more frequent.

Lancaster Sun Perfect Illuminating Cream SPF30

Lancaster's Sun Perfect facial range has been developed to provide broad spectrum sun protection while also helping to prevent and reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, thus functioning as an anti-ageing treatment.

Enriched with a natural radiance enhancer, it instantly brightens the complexion. Non-sticky, non-shiny and easy to spread, it leaves a velvety finish on the skin. Use it on your face in the morning and protect your skin while fighting spots and wrinkles.

Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Velvet Milk SPF30

Want golden skin with less time in the sun? Lancaster's Self-Tanning Body Lotion gives you beautiful golden skin without forgetting about protection.

With SPF30, it combines advanced Full Light technology that works against 100% of the sun's spectrum and thanks to its new Sun Repair system also helps repair skin from UV damage.

A sunscreen that goes beyond protection!

4.      After Sun

After sun cream seems to be reserved only for those who have suffered a sunburn or when the skin feels a little "sun overloaded", but this should not be the case: applying After Sun after sunbathing and even several weeks after your holiday will make a difference, and even lengthen your tan. After Sun is a specific compound that has essential nutrients, fatty acids, vitamins and in addition to moisturising, it soothes irritation, repairs minor damage, reduces swelling if any and refreshes the skin.

Lancaster Golden Tan After Sun Lotion

Lancaster's new After Sun cream has been specially created for those who want to prolong their tan while instantly repairing and comforting the skin from sun exposure. Made with naturally derived Buriti oil, Lancaster's Tan Activator Complex intensifies melanin production for a golden, even and long-lasting tan.

Suitable for sensitive skin, this soothing and refreshing lotion contains 86.6% ingredients of natural origin and can be applied to face and body, reducing the risk of flaking and leaving skin with an ultra-sensorial velvety finish.

What about you, do you want a golden tan?

Biotherm Lait Apaisant

A moisturising, regenerating and soothing after-sun body milk suitable for all skin types.

Helps soothe the skin and provides optimal hydration to maintain an even and long-lasting tan, relieves the skin from burns and excess heat resulting from excessive sun exposure. Enriched with trace minerals and vitamins B5 and E, it stimulates cell regeneration in sun-damaged skin.

Ingredients such as shea butter, apricot kernel, blackcurrant and essential seed oils nourish the skin to prevent dehydration for smoother skin.

The best suncare products? The ones you use! So, what we have to do is look for a texture that we like, that suits our lifestyle or the activity we are going to do. Nowadays we have many textures and products available, go to our website and discover the sun products that best suit you!