How to prepare your skin for a healthy, glowing tan: 4 expert-approved steps to boost radiance and protection

How to prepare your skin for a radiant tan while keeping it protected

As summer approaches and sunny days become more frequent, preparing your skin for tanning becomes essential to achieve a glowing, even, and long-lasting tan—while protecting your skin from sun damage. More than just a beauty gesture, it’s a true pre-tan ritual that helps strengthen the skin, enhance its natural radiance, and prevent damage caused by UV rays.

With a well-thought-out pre-tan routine, you increase your chances of enjoying a natural, healthy tan while keeping your skin glowing and in good health all summer long. Proper preparation also helps extend your tan’s longevity, avoid unsightly peeling, and preserve your skin’s youthful appearance.

Why should you prepare your skin before tanning?

Skin preparation isn’t just about accelerating the tanning process—it plays a vital role in:

• Boosting skin hydration and reinforcing the skin’s natural protective barrier, which is essential for defending against environmental aggressors.

• Reducing the risk of sunburn, irritation, and sensitivity by helping the skin build resilience before sun exposure.

• Achieving a more even, radiant, and revitalized complexion, ideal for a longer-lasting tan without patchiness.

• Delaying signs of sun-induced skin aging by limiting the impact of free radicals responsible for oxidative stress.

In short, prepping your skin means investing in a glowing complexion and long-term skin health.

4 key steps to naturally prepare your skin for tanning

1. Exfoliate: a must before sun exposure

Exfoliating is the first step in any good pre-tan skincare routine. By removing dead skin cells from the surface, you reveal smoother skin that tans more evenly.

• Use a gentle scrub with natural ingredients like pomegranate, mandarin, or coconut sugar—rich in antioxidants and kind to your skin's microbiome.

• Exfoliate 2 to 3 days before your first sun exposure to give your skin time to renew.

• Avoid harsh scrubs or large particles, which can irritate or sensitize the skin before exposure.

2. Hydrate: the foundation of an effective routine

Well-hydrated skin is more supple, resilient, and better able to hold onto a tan. Hydration should happen both inside and out.

• Apply a daily moisturizer or body lotion enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or aloe vera to support the skin’s protective barrier.

• Opt for light yet nourishing textures, especially if your skin tends to be dry or sensitive.

• Don’t forget delicate areas like lips, neck, and around the eyes. Use a protective balm with plant-based butters or natural oils.

3. Eat for a beautiful natural tan

Glowing skin starts from within. Certain nutrients support melanin production and improve your skin’s resilience to the sun.

• Focus on foods rich in beta-carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, melon), lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon), and vitamin E (seeds, avocados, vegetable oils).

• Stay hydrated by drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily. Herbal teas, broths, and water-rich fruits like cucumber and watermelon can help too.

• Add omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds) to your diet to support skin elasticity and flexibility.

4. Use pre-sun skincare products

Certain skincare treatments can help fortify the skin before sun exposure:

• Try self-massage with a dry or antioxidant oil (like raspberry seed, buriti, or carrot oil) to stimulate blood flow and nourish the skin deeply.

• Treat your skin to a nourishing or repairing mask once or twice a week for added resilience.

• If you're regularly in the sun, consider oral sun-prep supplements with carotenoids, vitamin E, or selenium—always with your healthcare provider’s guidance.

Adopt these simple, natural steps for a glowing tan and protected skin all summer long! And for even better results, discover the complete Nurish routine, designed to reveal your skin’s natural beauty—season after season.