Key steps for skincare during summer

IT TOOK A LONG TIME, BUT SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE -- AND HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO FEEL THE SUN WARMING YOUR SKIN! WE'LL TELL YOU ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET READY FOR THE UV RAYS AND GET A PERFECT AND SAFE TAN.

THE FACE

Skin is more fragile when exposed to the sun, so you need to prepare and protect it as much as possible.

1. EXFOLIATE GENTLY

One month before sun exposure, you should add regular exfoliation -- one to two times a week -- to your beauty regimen to help renew your skin.

Use a non-abrasive skincare product so you don't wear or damage your skin's texture.
Don't expose your skin to direct sunlight after exfoliation; wait 1 to 2 days to let the cells regenerate.

For effective cleansing, we recommend Anne Semonin Exfoliating Mask: it eliminates dead cells without irritating the skin, cleanses, purifies the epidermis and makes your complexion glow.

2. ADD A SKINCARE SERUM TO YOUR REGIMEN

During this time it's important to hydrate your skin as much as possible. So it's time to include a special skincare serum in your regimen, if you haven't done so already.

With a formula rich in beta-carotene and macadamia nut oil, Phytarosa Serum prepares the skin for the sun, repairs and nourishes it all while helping your complexion glow.

A tip: To keep your skin from drying and protect it from the sun's harmful effects, apply 3-5 drops on your bare skin before applying your sunscreen.

3. PROTECT YOURSELF 7 DAYS A WEEK

Whether you're in a T-shirt in the city or in a bikini on the beach, your face is always exposed to the sun. So it needs to be protected with appropriate skincare products as soon as the sun appears.

Hydrate your face with an anti-UVA/UVB protective skincare product like Oligo Protect Cream with an SPF of 30. For even greater effectiveness, apply it over Glow skincare products with a cotton makeup pad. It contains tomato seed oil -- known for its anti-oxidant, anti-aging and post-UV-exposure reparation properties -- plus buriti oil which is ideal for heightening and prolonging your tan.

And don't forget to bring a hat and sunglasses, and to protect yourself even if it's cloudy. Overcast skies do not necessarily block UV rays.

THE BODY

Ah, those much-cherished swimsuit tan lines... we've been looking forward to them for months! But some precautions are required to make sure you’ve got a perfect tan without scorching.

1. EFFECTIVE EXFOLIATING

Exfoliating your skin is an essential step for removing dead skin accumulated during the winter; it also lets your skin absorb skincare products more effectively. A well-exfoliated skin guarantees a uniform, rapid tan.

Use the Invigorating Bath & Shower Gel everyday to smooth and tone your skin. Once or twice a week, use a Nude Body Scrub or Vitamin Rich Body Scrub. 1 to 2 weeks before sun exposure, treat yourself to a body skincare scrub at the Anne Semonin beauty salon.

2. GRADUAL EXPOSURE

Beware of old wives' tales! You won't tan any faster by sunbathing as soon as the sun first appears. Actually that's how you risk getting sunburned.

It takes a few days for melanin to get to your skin's surface and kick in its protective action, giving you that lovely bronzed colour / perfect tanned skin. Your skin has to get used to the sun gradually. Start by staying in the sun only 20 minutes and use a protective sun cream (ideally applied 1/4 hour beforehand). Then gradually increase your time in the sun. Finally, avoid sunbathing between 12 and 3 p.m., or cover your skin with a T-shirt or sarong.

3. HYDRATE AND STAY COOL

Before and while sunbathing, your skin needs a perfect summer skincare routine goes through maximal hydration to reinforce its barrier and compensate for moisture loss. Apply a moisturising milk to re-plump and deep-moisturise your skin. The Mémoires d’Été Moisturizing Body Lotion is well-named! Infused with lemon zest, grapefruit and mint, these scents evoke the sun-soaked orchards along the Mediterranean coast. So you can conjure up the summer holidays right from June.

A HEALTHY SKIN ALSO GO THROUGH YOUR PLATE

Skincare also starts from within, and some vitamin- and mineral-rich foods will boost your preparations for tanning.

1. LOAD UP ON BETA-CAROTENE

Also called Provitamin A, beta-carotene is known for its anti-oxidant properties that repair skin cells, but also for its natural pigment which gives you that celebrated healthy glow. Foods with beta-carotene are good for your skin, they include: raw carrot, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and sweet potato as well as citrus fruits, apricots, melon and mango. So don't hold back!

2. FILL UP ON ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Essential fatty acids help regenerate skin cells, so they're your best allies for strengthening your skin's natural defences before sunbathing. They also make sure your skin doesn't get too dry. Essential fatty acids can be found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel, but also in grape seed oil which contains natural antioxidants as well.

3. DRINK UP

Skin moisturises from the inside as well, and needs even more moisture when the sun starts to heat up. Actually, when you sweat you lose more water than usual, so you must remember to drink regularly between meals, and at least 1.5 litres per day.

Anne Semonin has two recipes to share with you for perfect juices with carrot, to nourish and protect your skin:

Wake Me Up:
2 oranges
1 carrot
Moko and Turmeric

Morning Glory
1 small beetroot
1 carrot
1 to 2 oranges
1/2 lemon

An added tip: To get the full benefit of the juice's properties, it's best to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.
The ideal moment? 15 minutes before breakfast. The energy provided by the vitamins promises a great day -- and a great summer!