THE SECRETS TO A HEALTHY, RADIANT TAN

Dr. Elena Lucchi, Head of Dietary Supplements

Once we shed our heavy clothes and reveal our arms and legs, we’re ready to enjoy the benefits of the sun. We’re all drawn to the allure of a tan — that golden glow that enhances our appearance and makes us feel more attractive.

But that’s not all! Sun exposure also has positive effects on our mood by triggering the release of endorphins and feel-good neurotransmitters. It activates vitamin D, essential for proper mineralization of bones and teeth, and supports immune function. It can even benefit those with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.

While waiting for summer, we can prepare ourselves with a few simple yet effective measures — from skincare to diet.

First and foremost, we can boost our antioxidant intake through a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, ideally consumed raw to preserve their nutrients. To enhance this effect, we can add a supplement like Radical Stop®, a potent blend of vitamins A, C, E, minerals, and plant extracts from red oranges, olive, grape, maritime pine, and blueberry. These natural substances — including tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols — help neutralize free radicals and prevent the cellular aging process triggered by oxidative stress.

After many winter months, it’s also important to prepare the skin externally with a deep exfoliation. This allows the skin to breathe and makes it ready for sun exposure. Elesilk® from the BeC Organic Line offers gentle exfoliation with granules made from olive pits, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin smooth, firm, and visibly hydrated.

Proper hydration is essential for a luminous, even tan!

Lait SolÉ®, a spray emulsion, is ideal for pre-sun use because it contains tanning activators along with protective and soothing ingredients such as Murumuru butter and Luffa cylindrica oil. These ingredients protect the skin’s outer layer and help maintain the skin’s natural balance, keeping it hydrated and firm.

Are these precautions enough to ensure safe sun exposure? Not quite!

While solar radiation can improve quality of life and enhance beauty, it can also pose health risks for the skin and body.

Tanning is a powerful natural defense mechanism. The first response is redness, which appears within hours in sensitive skin, or more slowly in others. Pigmentation — melanogenesis — takes several days and varies depending on skin type. UVB rays primarily trigger these processes, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and generate free radicals, which can damage tissues and accelerate aging as a side effect of sun exposure.

That’s why it’s essential to take a gradual, moderate approach to sunbathing. Avoid peak sun hours and always apply sunscreen suited to your skin phototype, reapplying regularly and after swimming. It’s also advisable to protect facial skin with specific products — even in the city.

BeC sunscreens (SPF 6, 15, 30, and 50+) combine photostable chemical filters with physical filters for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

But BeC sunscreens offer more than just filters!

They’re enriched with all the components of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) and active ingredients with emollient and nourishing properties, such as shea butter and unsaponifiable olive oil extracts. These protect the skin from salt, wind, and intense heat. The formulations also include tanning enhancers (except in SPF 50+), soothing agents (Aloe, Roman Chamomile essential oil, and Bisabolol), and antioxidants like natural vitamin E.

And at the end of the day?

After sun exposure, your skin needs to recover with a calming and restorative cream. The After Sun Fluid Cream, with Aloe, Mallow, and Calendula extracts, restores the skin’s natural balance — especially in dry or dehydrated skin — and provides immediate hydration from the first application. Its soothing effect, tested in our labs, is boosted by St. John’s Wort oil, known for its healing properties, which quickly soothes irritation and brings instant relief.

Just a few essential steps can make all the difference, helping you end your day in the sun on a high note and enjoy its benefits for as long as possible!