How to prepare the skin for exposure to the sun

 

One of the top challenges of the summer is getting a seductive tan. You have probably noticed that you often get a superficial tan over the first days at sea, only to see it disappear over the next few days leaving patches behind.

I have come to realise that choosing the right sunscreen product is not enough to guarantee a nice, uniform colour. The secret is in the proper preparation of the skin for exposure to the hot rays of the summer sun. Especially in Greece where the temperatures in the summer are very high and the sun shines strong, our skin should be properly prepared for exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

With the help of chemistry expert Katerina Vasilatou, Cosmetic Products Innovation Consultant, I can recommend the perfect oil for a quick and deep tan, the one I use before starting my summer swims. It is the perfect cosmetic product to prepare the skin for sunbathing, but also to help it hold the tan until autumn.

 

My friends are jojoba and carrot oil

My quick tanning oil contains jojoba oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while it is also rich in vitamins A, E, B1, B2 and B6 that nourish and protect the skin. It is an amazing oil, perfectly compatible with the human skin and hair. It is no coincidence that it is used in many cosmetic recipes. Its structure is very similar to the structure of the natural sebum of the skin, therefore the skin recognizes it as a friendly product and absorbs it very easily.

We can also add carrot oil, which is famous for its sunscreen and anti-aging action. It is the natural oil extracted from the orange root of the plant, hence its intense orange colour. It contains a high amount of vitamins (A, B, C, D and E), minerals and fatty acids, which contribute to the detoxification and deep nourishment of the skin. It is rich in antioxidants, most notably beta-carotene, which repairs cells and tissues from free radical damage, such as those produced by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Combined with vitamin A, it accelerates the renewal of skin cells, allowing healthier cells to be pushed up into the epidermis and receive the sun's rays. In addition, thanks to its vitamin E content, it has a soothing effect on sunburnt and irritated skin, and offers the ideal hydration balance to the skin without clogging the pores.

Finally, we add a few drops of monoi essential oil, which comes from the Polynesian tiaré flower and is the beauty secret of Tahitian women who sport rich, shiny hair and hydrated skin. Monoi essential oil strengthens and prolongs tanning.

 

Suitable for before and after tanning

The quick tanning oil does not act as a sunscreen. It is intended only for the preparation of the skin. It should be used for about 10 days before starting your summer swims. However, you can continue to using it during your holidays, applying a layer every morning before putting on your sunscreen.

This oil also acts as an excellent after-sun product. Its oils help rebuild the skin, heal damage from UV exposure and provide improved tanning quality!

 

 

Recipe for tanning oil

Ingredients

90 ml jojoba oil

10 ml carrot oil

5 drops of monoi essential oil (or monoi oil)

 

Directions

Take a 100 ml bottle and add one by one all the ingredients. Close the bottle and shake it well to mix the ingredients. The product is ready to use and is suitable for face and body.

 

Tips

• Jojoba oil is available in organic shops in two qualities: one more yellow and one more white. Go for the whiter one.
• Be careful with the carrot oil before mixing it with the other ingredients, as it can stain your clothes. Once it has been dissolved into the other ingredients, this risk no longer applies.
• As part of your tanning boost, perform more frequent peels on your body that remove dead cells and help melanin cells be pushed up into the skin, giving you a more vibrant colour.

 

You can watch a step-by-step demonstration of how I make my favourite tanning oil in the related video on my GoodLife by Gina YouTube channel!  In the same video, you'll also find helpful tips on how to choose the most flattering swimsuit for your body type!