This is how we will prolong our tan

Step 1: Exfoliate

We start the exfoliation before we start the baths and continue it during the summer with a frequency of 1-2 times a week. And this for 2 reasons: Firstly, to remove dead cells, so that the skin begins to tan evenly, and secondly, to facilitate the penetration of after sun products, which prolong the life of the cells of the surface layer of the skin, which it has turned black. A prerequisite for exfoliation is to use sunscreen with a high SPF during the day.

* Exfoliation on the face

Dry type = 1 time per week

Normal formula = 1-2 times

the week

Fat/mixed = 2-3 times

the week

Sensitive = 2 times a month

Tip: If our skin is resistant, cleansing gels with granules designed for daily use are ideal.

* Body exfoliation

We gently exfoliate daily with a loofah sponge, focusing on the areas where the skin is thickest (knees, elbows, soles). A good alternative is bristle gloves or a body brush (so we can access the back as well).

Once or twice a week, after showering, apply an exfoliant to wet skin. The amount we use on the whole body is about a palm full.

Step 2: Moisturize after sun

* After the sea or the pool, we shower with a shower gel that contains soothing ingredients to strengthen the skin's defenses.

* Wipe with a dab and apply a generous amount (a full palm) of a nourishing after sun product or a nourishing body cream.

* In the evening, after cleansing the face, apply a regenerating composition

that repairs damage

of the sun.

We prefer after sun products, because they are specially designed to provide extra nutrition, regeneration and anti-inflammatory action. If, however, we do not have after sun, we use moisturizing compositions with specific ingredients, which act in a similar way. These include olive oil, yogurt, snail secretion, aloe, calendula, natural fatty acids ω-3 and ω-6, which strengthen cell walls to retain moisture, provitamin B5, shea butter and glycerin.

Tip: For immediate relief and coolness, store the after sun product or body moisturizer in the refrigerator. 

Step 3: Boost melanin production

Beneficial nutrients called carotenoids - among them beta-carotene and lycopene - strengthen the skin's natural resistance to solar radiation and give it a healthy glow. Therefore, we make sure to consume 3 portions of red or orange fruits and vegetables every day, as well as dark green vegetables, such as spinach, which are sources of carotenoids.
We also need selenium (found in peanuts, whole grains, sesame, wheat, tuna, seafood, chicken), which reduces the damaging effect of UV radiation on the skin, as well as vitamin E (found in abundance in olive oil), which strengthens the skin's resistance.

The role of makeup

Even if we're not going on vacation, there's a way to look tanned with the help of… magic brushes. Terracotta powder, light formulas with SPF and glosses in shades of exotic fruits that make the lips juicy are all we need. If we are tanned enough and we don't want to use terracotta, we apply a shimmer powder on the nose bone, cheekbones, chin and décolleté. Heavy make-up is not recommended in the summer months not only because it melts due to the heat, but also because our goal is to show off the color that the sun gives us and not cover it up.

Terracotta powder: How to apply
1. With a wide brush, apply the powder to the areas that tan more easily from the sun, namely the cheekbones, nose and forehead.
2. Then, we pass it over the eyelids to give life to the look, but also on the décolleté for shine.
3. We make sure that there is no strong color contrast.