We'd almost given up hope... It had teased us a few weeks ago and then deserted us! But today is the day, it's summer, and the sun, which had timidly shown its face, seems finally here to stay.

All we want to do is tan; we've lost enough time! But be careful not to rush and forget all the common-sense rules!

In this article, we offer you a "Sun Ritual" for a serene summer.

Step 1: BEFORE – Prepare your skin for the sun

You're probably thinking you already know all the tips, that you've read every magazine and blog on the subject, but hey, a little refresher never hurts.

Here's a list of things that are good for you, and most importantly, our advice.

• An adapted diet

Prioritize good foods to naturally prepare your skin for sun exposure.

- The first: Carrots!
Eat them in all forms: grated, raw, or steamed...
Don't have time to prepare them? No valid excuse: in juice or smoothie, they work just as well!
Why carrots again?
This delicious vegetable, rich in vitamins and beta-carotene, improves skin protection by helping it fight against the harmful effects of UV rays.
Not a fan of carrots?
Replace them with other fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoid pigments: apricot, melon, parsley, lamb's lettuce, watermelon, tomato with skin, green vegetables, etc.
Plus, they'll give your skin a natural glow.

- Fish: Also eat fish rich in omega-3 (sardines, tuna, salmon) to prevent the inevitable dehydration caused by UV rays.

- Water: Drink as much still water as you like (1.5L per day).
Find it boring? Flavor it with strawberries, lemon, or mint leaves (The ultimate? Cut down on a few glasses of alcohol or cups of coffee)

• Food supplements (to be consumed in moderation) 

If you're not a fan of raw vegetables, you can take beta-carotene or lycopene capsules (tip: you can find them naturally in tomatoes).

Our opinion:
→  They are not essential
→ They are contraindicated for smokers and ex-smokers

But some positive points:
→ If you are prone to sun allergies (benign summer lucite for those who know), they can reduce intolerance reactions during initial exposures.
→ They act as a tan activator and extender.
Enjoy that radiant complexion that will make your vacation last longer!

• Good hydration

First reflex of the special summer beauty program: Hydrate to tan quickly and better!
One month before going to the beach (and during and after too, but we'll get back to that later), hydrate and nourish your skin with a rich cream. It will thus be less sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun.

Les Petits Prödiges Tips: After each shower, you can apply the multi-purpose balm Les Petits Prödiges to your face and body, without moderation.
Thanks to its natural formula rich in olive oil, it prevents skin dehydration. The sweet almond oil it contains also helps your skin maintain its elasticity and suppleness.
If you want more information on the prodigious ingredients of our balm, do not hesitate to read our article on the subject, or even our articles on the benefits of Olive Oil or Royal Jelly.
Well-hydrated skin will be more beautiful, stronger, and better protected!

• Exfoliate, exfoliate!

Exfoliation rids your skin of all dead cells and stimulates blood circulation. It boosts the skin, making your tan faster and more even.
A few days before departure, grab your loofah and focus on the driest areas (knees, elbows, heels).

Les Petits Prödiges Tips: Go for a little hammam with friends to pamper your skin deeply (there are worse tips, right?)

Contrary to popular belief, sunbeds do not protect the skin from sunburn and even make it more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun. Self-tanners, on the other hand, can give you a nice complexion but do not replace protection (unless they are combined with a sun filter).

→  So, in summary, let's keep it natural in our "sun beauty" routine: Eat healthy, hydrate, and exfoliate!

Step 2: DURING – We're there, we're exposing ourselves!

One thing is for sure: The fact that the SPF is high will not prevent you from tanning.
The cream only filters out the harmful rays.

So, SPF 10, 20, 30 or 50?
It must be adapted to your "phototype" (= skin type + tanning ability).
For example: Fair skin (and difficult to tan), blonde or light brown hair, freckles, and tendency to sunburn = Phototype III (There are 6), so preferred protection factor: between 30 and 50.
Once the cream is chosen, reapply every 2 hours.
And if your skin is dry, use a rich and moisturizing cream; if, on the other hand, your skin tends to be oily, opt for a spray (or dry oil) that will avoid clogging pores.

Step 3: AFTER – Soothe and nourish after exposure

• The shower

Take a proper shower because salt and chlorine dehydrate the skin.
Use a gentle cleansing gel and rinse your hair thoroughly.

• Drink without moderation

Hydrate from the inside with 1 or 2 large glasses of water, cold soups (melon, strawberries, tomatoes) or fresh herbal teas (verbena, mint).
Avoid soda, which doesn't quench thirst.

Les Petits Prödiges Tips: We tried the SUMMER IN LØV herbal tea by LØV ORGANIC and we are absolute fans!

•  Hydrate, nourish, and repair your skin

Apply a moisturizing treatment to your skin and hair.
Ideally, choose a treatment that is both rehydrating and repairing (with antioxidants like vitamin E) which will help skin and hair to regenerate.

Les Petits Prödiges Tip #1: The Les Petits Prödiges Balms will clearly be your allies in the tough post-sun mission. With just one product, you will nourish and repair your skin in the blink of an eye.
We also highly recommend them for soothing sunburns (as effective as Biafine, from personal experience!), and the unsightly and painful redness will transform into a perfect tan by the next day (Well, if possible, avoiding sunburn altogether would be even better!).

Les Petits Prödiges Tip #2: The balm transforms into an oil upon contact with skin's warmth, so don't hesitate to also use it to nourish your dry hair ends damaged by sea/pool water.

 And now, on your marks, get set, tan!