How can you prepare your skin for the sun naturally and protect it well?

Écrit par Kevin Calatayud
Modifié le : 10 July 2025

The arrival of summer is often synonymous with sunshine and the desire to take advantage of the warm rays to achieve tanned, luminous skin. However, before exposing yourself to the sun, it's important to prepare your skin to avoid sunburn, premature aging and to ensure an even, healthy tan. Preparing your skin for the sun naturally involves several essential steps, combining beauty care, a balanced diet and adequate sun protection.

Indeed, the sun’s UV rays, particularly UVA and UVB, can have significant effects on the skin. These effects range from dehydration and oxidative stress to more serious damage such as sunburn and premature aging. By taking the right steps, you can not only protect your skin, but also promote a harmonious, long-lasting tan.

Why is it essential to prepare your skin before exposure ?

Understanding the effects of UV on skin health

Exposure to UV rays, whether UVA or UVB, has significant implications for your skin’s health. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, reaching the dermis and hypodermis, resulting in loss of elasticity and premature aging. These rays also stimulate melanin production, but the resulting tan is often short-lived and fades quickly.

UVB rays, on the other hand, are mainly absorbed by the epidermis and cause this skin layer to thicken. Although they stimulate longer-lasting melanin production, they are also the main cause of sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma.

Signs of sunburn and its consequences

Sunburn is a skin burn caused by overexposure to UVB rays. Signs include red, painful skin, blistering, and sometimes more serious symptoms such as fever and nausea.

These burns are not only painful, but also damaging in the long term. They accelerate skin ageing and considerably increase the risk of skin cancer. Repeated sunburns are particularly dangerous, as they multiply the risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

There are only advantages !

Although the negative effects of UV rays are predominant, moderate, controlled exposure can offer certain benefits. For example, UV rays stimulate the production of vitamin D, essential for healthy bones and a well-functioning immune system.

What’s more, in some cases, supervised UV exposure can improve skin conditions such as psoriasis or acne. However, these benefits must always be balanced against the risks, and appropriate protection remains essential to limit harmful effects.

Prepare your skin before exposure

prepare your skin for the sun food supplement

Choosing the right care for your skin

To prepare your skin for exposure to the sun, it’s essential to choose skincare products that reinforce its natural barrier and improve its balance. A product like [MY] Velouté Corps Douceur is particularly well-suited to this task. Thanks to inulin, a plant prebiotic derived from chicory, and oats, this velouté supports the balance and health of the skin’s microbiota, reinforcing the skin’s natural shield.

This enables the skin to retain water better, reducing its sensitivity. In addition, this product is rich in red algae extract, roucou seed and aloe vera, giving it revitalizing and antioxidant properties ideal for sensitive skin.

It protects skin from dehydration and revitalizes it, restoring suppleness and firmness. The broad spectrum of omegas 6 and 9 helps intensely nourish the epidermis, providing a cocoon of comfort for weakened skin.

Its whipped cream texture and light fragrance with notes of white tea make application a real pleasure.

Moisturize and exfoliate your skin

Moisturizing is an important step in preparing your skin for sun exposure. Use moisturizing products rich in active ingredients such as aloe vera, known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.

Moisturizing keeps skin soft and supple, reducing the risk of UV-induced dehydration. In addition to moisturizing, regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It also facilitates the absorption of skincare and sun protection products, making your skincare routine more effective.

Incorporating beneficial dietary supplements

Diet plays a major role in preparing your skin for exposure to the sun. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as tomatoes (rich in lycopene), carrots and apricots (rich in beta-carotene), chickpeas and seafood (rich in selenium), helps protect the skin from free radical damage.

In addition, specific dietary supplements can be beneficial. Starting a course of dietary supplements between 15 and 30 days before prolonged exposure to the sun can help strengthen the skin and reduce its sensitivity to UV rays.

These supplements can include antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, which help neutralize the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

And after sun exposure ?

Moisturize and soothe your skin after tanning

After sun exposure, it’s important to take care of your skin to rehydrate, soothe and repair the damage caused by UV rays. For this, the [MY] Tan Prolonger pack is the ideal solution. This pack includes two essential products for the well-being of your skin.

[MY] ESSENTIELS SKIN & HAIR is a dietary supplement based on a patented complex of oils rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, astaxanthin and vitamin E. These ingredients boost skin regeneration, limit inflammation and enhance radiance.

You can use it daily or apply a few drops to the face for an immediate healthy glow. [ MY] VELOUTÉ CORPS DOUCEUR is an ultra-nourishing body care product with extracts of red algae, roucou seed and aloe vera.

This velvety cream soothes, intensely moisturizes and helps skin regain suppleness and comfort after sun exposure. Its whipped cream texture and natural white tea fragrance offer a real moment of sensory comfort, allowing your skin to recharge and regenerate.

Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and prolong your tan

Exfoliation is an important step after sun exposure, as it removes dead skin cells and helps maintain healthy, radiant skin. Regular exfoliation helps remove sunscreen residues, salt and chlorine, which can irritate the skin, and promotes better absorption of skincare products.

It also helps prolong and intensify tanning while keeping skin soft and supple.

Observe skin changes and consult a professional if necessary.

After sun exposure, it’s essential to monitor skin changes for any signs of damage or problems. If you notice persistent redness, blistering, sun spots, or any other abnormal symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist. Skin health professionals can offer you personalized advice and tailored treatments to repair and protect your skin.

Preparing your skin for the sun: the essentials

Preparing and protecting your skin before and after exposure to the sun is essential to maintaining its health and radiance. It’s important to understand the effects of UV rays on the skin and to take preventive measures, such as using protective sun creams, moisturizing and soothing the skin, as well as incorporating beneficial dietary supplements. By choosing the right care products, such as [MY] Velouté Corps Douceur and the [MY] Prolongateur de Bronzage pack, you strengthen the skin barrier and repair UV damage.

Don’t forget to exfoliate regularly to remove dead cells, and to monitor skin changes for early intervention in case of problems. By taking these precautions, you’ll ensure a healthy, long-lasting tan, while protecting your skin from the risks associated with sun exposure. Don’t delay in incorporating these habits into your skincare routine for healthy, luminous skin.

FAQ

What foods should I include in my diet to boost my skin’s protection against UV rays ?

To protect your skin from UV rays, choose foods rich in antioxidants such as lycopene (found in tomatoes and watermelons), carotenoids (spinach, cauliflower), vitamin C (tomatoes, spinach), and vitamin E (polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as wheat germ oil). Astaxanthins, found in salmon and shrimps, are also highly beneficial.

In addition, green tea, as well as nuts and seeds, are excellent sources of antioxidants and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which help boost your skin’s health.

How can antioxidants help protect and prepare my skin for sun exposure ?

Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and polyphenols, play a key role in skin protection. They act by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV rays, thus reducing oxidative stress, preventing cell damage and slowing down skin aging.

To optimize this protection, apply a cream containing antioxidants every morning, in addition to an SPF 30+ sun cream. Combine this with a diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables to boost your skin’s defenses against the effects of the sun.

What precautions should I take before starting a course of supplements to prepare my skin for the sun ?

Before starting a course of supplements, it’s essential to monitor your vitamin D levels, especially during seasonal changes or if signs of deficiency appear. A varied diet and medical supervision are essential to maintain a balanced vitamin intake and avoid imbalances.

Consult a healthcare professional to determine the right doses for your needs, especially in cases of severe deficiency. This ensures optimal preparation of your skin, while avoiding the risks associated with overdosing.

How should I gradually expose myself to the sun to avoid sunburn and skin reactions ?

To avoid sunburn and skin reactions, start with short exposures of 10 to 15 minutes, especially at the beginning of the summer season. Gradually increase the duration of exposure, from 5 to 10 minutes a day, to allow your skin to adapt.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, apply generously and reapply every two hours or after every swim. Avoid exposure between 12pm and 4pm, and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for optimum protection.