It’s June, we all feel like going to the seaside and dream of a relaxing holiday bathing in the sun. To avoid premature ageing and skin cancer risks, it is important to take care for a safe, sun-kissed glow and prepare your skin for the sun by following the below beauty routine.

We’ve put together some useful tips to follow to get ready for the sun:

1)EXFOLIATE: the very first thing to do is a proper exfoliation that removes the dead skin layer increasing the penetration of moisturisers and sunscreens enhancing their absorption. In addition, because you are removing the dull, dead skin cells it helps to make your skin look brighter and more radiant. It is important exfoliate the areas where the skin is thicker like elbows, knees and feet. The choice of exfoliants on the market is very wide however we find that the most effective body scrub is a natural bristle dry brush. The dry brush can also help aid in blood circulation and lymph flow and minimize cellulite and stretch marks naturally.

To exfoliate your face, you’d probably go for a gentler scrub; if you don’t have a favorite brand already you can go for a natural home-made alternative mixing some brown sugar with lemon juice and a spoon of honey.  

2)FEED YOUR SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT: there are several ways in which foods can affect your skin, protecting you against wrinkles, sunburn and skin cancer. Most of the mechanisms relate to antioxidants, anti-aging compounds in foods that fight skin damage in different ways. 

For example, carotenoids are antioxidants that give pigment to orange and red fruits and vegetables and go by names such as lycopene, lutein and beta carotene. The best sources of carotenoids are carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, squash, broccoli, mangos, apricots, kale, peas, tomatoes and melon.  Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can also protect against free radical damage caused from sun's UV rays.  Vitamin E is contained in vegetable oils, almonds and nuts.  If your diet is not rich enough in fruits and vegetables you can help yourself with a natural supplement, our favorite is Body from the Beauty Chef.  

3)MOISTURISING & HYDRATING:  Although these words offer a similar meaning, our skin actually needs both hydration and moisture to look smooth and moisturised.  Hydration is the amount of water in the deeper layers of your skin (in the Stratum Corneum). Our skin needs this hydration to stay plump and function properly so it is important especially with warmer temperatures to drink more water along with using a thermal water mist to soothe and calm dried skin. Finally, always remember even though moisturising 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 body lotion, you are helping it reconstruct its protective layer. 

4) EXPOSE 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 long. Keep in mind that tanning is not good for your skin. When in the sun don’t forget to apply a high-level sunscreen daily, no matter your location!