HOW TO GET A GOOD TAN THIS SUMMER? ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR A RADIANT AND LONG-LASTING GLOW

Atelier Nubio - 05/27/2026

Understanding Tanning

First of all, it would be good to remember what tanning (really) means, because tanning is not just about getting color, it is above all a skin defense mechanism. Imagine your skin as a mille-feuille: composed of three layers. The first, the epidermis, is the most superficial, where cells regenerate the fastest. Beneath it, the dermis is the intermediate layer, and the hypodermis is the deepest layer. Everything happens at the very bottom of the epidermis, just before the dermis. Under the effects of UV, cells called "melanocytes" produce a pigment that darkens the skin to try and protect it: melanin. It is this pigment that is sent to neighboring cells, the keratinocytes, which generates the tan.

It is important to note that we are not all equal when it comes to tanning! Indeed, the ability to tan depends on each individual and especially on your skin's phototype (and the quantity of active melanocytes). Of course, while the melanin contained in the skin helps naturally protect your skin from UV rays, it is not enough to offer sufficient protection against all their harmful effects.

UVB, UVA… what are they?

There are several types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deepest into the skin (down to the dermis). By penetrating the skin, they generate free radicals, unstable molecules that damage skin cells and key proteins involved in its elasticity and firmness: elastin and collagen. This phenomenon, called "oxidative stress," influences the appearance of signs of aging, as well as pigment spots. In short, UVA rays are responsible for changes in skin pigmentation and premature skin aging.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. They stop at the epidermis and damage the DNA of cells. Of course, they are more prevalent in summer, but they can burn the skin at any time of year, especially if you are a fan of high altitudes and mountain vacations... Finally, UVC rays are undoubtedly the most dangerous, but rest assured, they are absorbed by the ozone layer and the oxygen present in the atmosphere before reaching the Earth's surface.

Before exposure: preparing your skin

Before planning to "crêpe" on your towel this summer, you'll need to prepare yourself well. The key: a uniform and long-lasting tan for a glow that lasts until back-to-school! Because hydrated and nourished skin is skin that tans truly (well).

Dehydration and tanning: why the two don't go together

Dehydration and tanning do not mix well because dry or dehydrated skin "tans poorly."

• Dry skin lacks lipids, which are "natural fats" that form its protective barrier (sebum). When this barrier is weakened, the skin defends itself less effectively against external aggressions, including UV rays. It can then become more reactive and tend to flake more quickly, making the tan less even and, above all, less durable.

• Dehydrated skin lacks water in its superficial layers (epidermis). This is a temporary state that can affect any skin type. In this case, the skin barrier is less stable, and the skin loses its water more easily. Under the effect of the sun, this loss is accentuated, which can make the tan less regular, less comfortable, and less stable over time.

UV rays naturally worsen skin fragility by increasing water loss and creating cellular stress. So, if your skin is already dry or dehydrated, it is even less effective at managing this exposure. The result is not that the skin doesn't tan, but that the tan is often less uniform and fades more quickly.

Nourishing your skin from within: the right nutrients

To prepare your skin for exposure, the goal is not "to hydrate before going to the beach" but to progressively and sustainably improve the quality of the skin and its ability to manage the stress generated by UV rays. And for that, your diet will be your best ally. Carrots, tomatoes, apricots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, as well as vitamins C and E, and omega-3s, are all active ingredients capable of helping the skin better manage the oxidative stress caused by UV rays. Be careful, they do not make you tan faster with a magic wand, but they help the skin to better tolerate exposure for an even and lasting tan.

And good news! Our WE WANT A SUBLIME TAN cure is full of these carotenoid nutrients, notably carrot to prepare the skin and support radiance, tomato to protect the skin thanks to its richness in lycopene, and melon SOD, a powerful antioxidant to limit the formation of free radicals. A cure that truly lives up to its name to protect the skin and limit UV-related damage, activate tanning, and promote a healthy and lasting glow.

During exposure: hydrate, protect, control

Controlling sun exposure

Beware, the race for the dream tan is not a frantic competition to see who can expose themselves to UV rays the longest. Because, we remind you, skin that heats up in the sun accelerates its renewal and promotes an uneven tan. Skin tans better when it tans for shorter periods: meaning, prioritize short exposures and then gradually increase them throughout the day. This allows melanocytes time to produce melanin more regularly.

The time of day also plays a big role. We're probably not telling you anything new, but between 12 PM and 4 PM, UV rays are more aggressive and especially increase the risk of inflammation and sunburn. For a more even tan, it's better to choose the morning or late afternoon, when UV intensity is more gradual.

SPF, your best shield

Contrary to this nasty misconception, sunscreen does not block tanning: it absorbs UV rays before they penetrate the skin to slow down skin damage and promote more gradual and stable melanin production.

But what's the difference between SPF30 and SPF50? SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures protection against UVB rays, which are the UV rays responsible for sunburn. An SPF 30 does not protect "twice less" than an SPF 50, but blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Said like that, the difference doesn't seem huge. In fact, an SPF30 provides high daily protection, but in summer, SPF 50 provides better protection when exposure is strong: at the beach, in high mountains, if the skin is fair or if you tend to get spots. But what makes the real difference is above all the application (in a thick layer). An SPF 50 poorly applied may protect less well than an SPF 30 correctly applied and reapplied regularly.

Another important point: SPF mainly measures UVB, not the quality of UVA protection. So, a "good SPF" is not enough on its own. You also need to look for the "broad spectrum" mention.

Reinforce your protection with Vitamin C

An "radiance" active par excellence, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aims to limit oxidative stress, reduce some of the photo-aging, diminish sun-related pigment spots, and improve skin radiance. As you've understood, it's a real ally for reinforcing sun protection, without replacing it. While sunscreen acts by filtering or absorbing UV rays before they penetrate the skin, Vitamin C acts upstream: it helps neutralize some of the free radicals produced by UV rays in the skin and limits certain oxidative damages caused by sun exposure.

Note that Vitamin C does not "boost" SPF but helps the skin better manage biological damage that sunscreen still misses. For this, we use the WE WANT A DOLL'S COMPLEXION cure. Enriched with superfoods, Vitamin C, polyphenols, and the patented active ingredient Red Orange Complex™, it provides true effectiveness on complexion radiance, hydration, and cellular protection.

Prolonging your tan: key rituals

To ensure a beautiful golden tan even when returning from vacation, it's especially important to prevent the skin from renewing itself too quickly after exposure. Diet can indirectly help. Foods rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, which we mentioned earlier, support the skin against the oxidative stress of UV rays and help maintain a brighter complexion for longer. But certain actions are also essential…

Hydrate to tan well

Hydration remains an essential step before, during, and after exposure. UV rays increase water loss from the epidermis, leading to dehydrated skin that becomes more reactive and flakes more easily. Drinking regularly and applying moisturizing products helps the skin maintain a more stable skin barrier and preserve a more uniform tan. To support you and your skin's hydration, we've created: WE WANT PRETTY CHEEKS. A cure enriched with Lipowheat™ wheat ceramides and organic borage oil to deeply hydrate the skin, even out the complexion, and bring radiance.

No, exfoliation doesn't erase your tan

We won't confuse preparing the skin with stripping the skin. While gentle exfoliation can be used to remove dead cells accumulated on the skin's surface, it can also improve the uniformity of a tan by smoothing the skin's texture. However, overly aggressive or frequent exfoliation weakens the skin barrier, increases micro-irritations, and can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. In this case, the skin reacts less well to the sun, and the risk of inflammation or flaking increases.

After exposure, the subject is still delicate. A very gentle and infrequent exfoliant can help prevent the accumulation of dull dead cells that make the complexion uneven. However, aggressive or repeated mechanical exfoliations accelerate the renewal of superficial cells containing melanin and erase the tan more quickly.

Note that you don't stop applying sun protection once you're tanned. Skin that is already tanned remains sensitive to UV rays. Continuing to use sun protection limits inflammation and helps maintain a more uniform and longer-lasting tan.