The arrival of sunny days makes you want to enjoy the sun and regain a luminous complexion. But before running under UV rays, a little preparation ritual is necessary: because well-nourished, hydrated and protected skin is skin that tans better... and for longer.

Targeted nutrition, treatments rich in antioxidants, natural supplements: discover our advice to prepare your skin for the sun, from the inside and out, and enjoy a summer in beauty... in complete safety.

Foods that prepare the skin for the sun

If tanning is a natural phenomenon, it can be supported by a targeted diet. Certain foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and natural pigments help the skin better resist UV rays while revealing a brighter complexion. This is the case of beta-carotene, this natural pigment from the carotenoid family is doubly interesting for the skin:

He accelerates the synthesis of melanin and promotes a tanned complexion. Indeed, the greater the quantity of carotenoids in the body, the more melanocytes produce the melanin responsible for tanning.. And tanning is a first protective barrier by naturally filtering ultraviolet rays.
It has anti-free radical properties. In other words, beta-carotene helps protect the skin against free radicals (particularly generated during prolonged exposure to the sun) responsible for premature aging of the skin.

Beta-carotene is found in many fruits and vegetables:

Foods rich in beta-carotene

Raw carrots
Sweet potatoes
Red peppers
Pumpkin
Mangoes
Melons
Tomatoes>
Apricots
Épinards
Kale

Tip : These foods are even more effective when consumed with a drizzle of organic olive oil for better absorption.

Foods rich in lycopene

fruits rich in lycopene - La Boite à Grains

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce UV damage.
It is found in:

Tomatoes (even more when cooked!)
Watermelon
Pink grapefruit

Focus on the tomato

The star of the summer season is not there by chance, nature has everything planned to amplify our defenses during the summer! Tomato is a fruit rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and lycopene, all antioxidant compounds. It is therefore ideal for fighting free radicals responsible for premature aging of cells.

Good fats for supple skin

Omega-3s protect skin cells, reduce inflammation and improve skin suppleness.

To put on your menu:

Oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon)
Flax and chia seeds
Nuts

Natural antioxidants

They limit oxidative stress caused by exposure to the sun.

Perfect to integrate:

Green tea / Matcha
Turmeric (combined with black pepper)
Red fruits
Dark chocolate (>70%)

And of course hydration!

Well-hydrated skin tans more beautifully and remains more supple. Don't forget to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, and focus on foods rich in water such as cucumber, lettuce, celery or watermelon.

Recipe idea : Mix the flesh of a watermelon with organic strawberries from Quebec and a handful of fresh mint in a blender. Your dose of beta-carotenes to stimulate your melanin and vitamin C to stimulate collagen production.

The treatments to favor for skin ready to shine

Now that you have mastered the basics of the foods to favor, let's move on to more specific care. From the first weeks of spring, integrating suitable treatments helps strengthen the skin barrier, protect against free radicals and promote an even tan. Here are our essentials.

Your natural solar allies

Supplements such as lutein, astaxanthin or borage oil will act as an internal antioxidant shield. They support the skin in its natural response to the sun while preventing premature aging.

In store:

Protective vegetable oils, for external preparation

Certain vegetable oils naturally contain protective compounds that prepare the skin for the sun while nourishing the epidermis. To use in daily care or a few drops in your cream.

Carrot oil

It prepares the skin and brightens the complexion. Thanks to the vitamin A it provides, the skin is more resistant to ultraviolet rays. It also offers a natural tan because its orange tint takes effect upon application and instantly gives us a healthy glow. Apply for a few days, carrot oil naturally replaces self-tanner to give you a healthy glow.

Buriti oil

It is rich in omega 6 and 9 with a high concentration of beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), which gives it significant antioxidant powers and allows it to absorb part of UV rays and trap free radicals. It is recommended to prepare your skin for the sun but also as an after-sun to maintain your tan.

Apricot kernel oil

Suitable for both dry and combination skin, it helps to strengthen the hydrolipidic film and hydrates the skin. In addition to its moisturizing action, vegetable oil will give you a healthy glow thanks to its high content of provitamins A. Rich in vitamin E and phytosterols, apricot kernel oil also fights against the signs of aging. It is well tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin, such as that of babies. It can therefore be used to prepare the skin before and after the sun.

After-sun beauty oil recipe

In a glass bottle, pour:

40 ml of oily carrot macerate
30 ml ofapricot kernel oil
20 ml coconut oil
10 drops ofcarrot essential oil
10 drops ofvanilla oil

Shake well and use after exposure to the sun on clean skin. In addition to naturally scented, it will rebalance skin hydration, repair and prolong your tan.

Moisturizers rich in antioxidants

For supple, resilient and radiant skin, rely on treatments rich in vitamin C, E, hyaluronic acid or coenzyme Q10.

In store:

Post-sun hydration

The tan is maintained with a generous hydration after each exposure.

Our favorites:

Pure aloe vera gel (restorative, soothing)

● Body butters and creams enriched with vegetable oils (shea, avocado, argan) like that of Nia Pure with organic moringa oil and organic cupuaçu butter.

The right actions to adopt for radiant skin all summer long

Routine tip:

Start your “sun cure” approximately 2 to 3 weeks before the first exhibitions for optimal effect, and continue throughout the summer to protect, nourish and enhance the skin.

Products and diet are essential, but daily habits make all the difference in maintaining skin health in the sun.

Anticipate: the key to a lasting tan

Start integrating “pre-solar” care and foods at least 2 to 3 weeks before the first exhibitions. This gives the skin time to strengthen itself naturally.

Apply appropriate sun protection

Even if your skin is well prepared, physical or natural sun protection remains essential, especially during the most intense hours (11 a.m.–4 p.m.).

In store:

Canadian Green Beaver sunscreens

Cover smartly

A wide-brimmed hat, glasses and light clothing allow you to tan gradually without damaging the skin. Burning does not mean tanning!

Drink more than usual

Exposure to the sun dehydrates. Remember to regularly drink water, fresh infusions or coconut water to maintain optimal hydration.

Soothe and repair after exposure

In the evening, take the time to generously moisturize your skin with a nourishing and soothing treatment to prolong the radiance of your tan and prevent flaking.

In conclusion

The sun is a precious ally... as long as you are well prepared.
By taking care of your skin from the inside and out, you promote a radiant, healthy, and above all long-lasting tan.

At La Boîte à Grains, we have selected natural products for you that respect the skin and the environment - so that you can fully enjoy summer, with complete peace of mind.

About the author

Ophélie Thieblemont, holistic beautician

In-depth knowledge of: