Summer is a celebration of sunshine, bare legs and warm breezes. But did you know that radiant summer skin starts before you catch the first ray, glows during every moment in the sun, and lingers lovingly when the sun sets? Give your skin a golden glow this summer with this three-part, sensory ritual: before, in and after the sun.
☀️ PRE SUN – wake up
Before your feet stand in the sand or your shoulders receive the first sun kiss, the preparation starts at home – in the bathroom, in the morning light.
Step 1: Brush yourself awake
Dry brushing every morning is my golden start. Both for my body and my face! We have soft ones BUFF brushes (with or without handle) – perfect for beginners. Do you like Ayurveda or are you already experienced? Then choose RECHARGE with copper, for a more intense stimulus.
Brush in long strokes towards your heart. Your face? Definitely do it! Goodbye puffy look, hello energy. After 3 to 5 minutes you will feel refreshed and ready for a fresh shower.
Step 2: Hydrate, inside and out
Drink enough, especially after brushing. And did you know that sunscreen is absorbed much better on well-hydrated skin? I always start with our pre/after sun: it only takes two minutes, and yet it feels wonderful on the skin. Both Niels and our sons have very dry skin and I really cannot (and do not want) to skip this step. It makes such a big difference!
Step 3: Protect from within
My favorite morning drink? A mix of TheBlend and The Skin, with some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (and possibly also a scoop of creatine, but more about the virtues of this drink later!). Obviously contains us Skin supplement does not have an SPF, but it is packed with astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid and quercetin - which help your skin recover and protect against sun damage and provide hydration.
Step 4: Serums & Balms
I swear by it Bright 'n Up serum against pigment spots, followed by the golden day cream from Maiwe. And to stay fresh, even during a heat wave: our Belgian, natural deodorant balm. One pea under each armpit is sufficient. In between I refresh myself with the deodorant roller. Nice and easy!
🌞 IN THE SUN – sun shine & shadow play
Step 1: SPF is your BFF
As soon as you go outside, smear SPF. No discussion. Mineral sunscreens protect right away – ideal for children who can't wait. They literally put a layer on your skin that reflects the sun's rays: easy, clear, fast. Cute, when I explained this to Ramses, he asked sincerely: "And if you reflect those rays back, won't the sun itself burn?"
For the body: with essential oil or without odor. For the face (or children's bodies): perfume-free SPF50. My favorite for the face? The tinted SPF30 – ideal as a day cream and sun protection in one. But there is also factor 30 for the face without color if you prefer!
Step 2: Smart lubrication
Spray a little first activated toning mist from Maiwe. It refreshes, invigorates and ensures that your sunscreen glides smoothly over your face. I repeat this every time I reapply: highly recommended.
Step 3: The Style of Shading
Hats, hats, hats. On every head in the family. Protection and schtijllll. Nothing banal about it. Buy one now for everyone, small and large, for half the price! While supplies last.
🌙 AFTER SUN – love after the sun
After a day full of sun, sand and bliss, your skin deserves extra attention.
Step 1: Clean gently
Double cleansing is my go-to: first an oil, then a cream. Preferably from Maiwe. Or choose the nice combination of cleanser from Nourist with them micellar water.
Step 2: Shower as a ritual
Our newest shower gels – based on essential oils – turn your shower into a small wellness moment. Rub the soap between your hands, breathe deeply in and out... pure peace. Even us eight-year-old boys know this ritual by now and lovingly imitate it!
Would you prefer a real bar of soap? Then it is Soap Just Got Sexy your soulmate. Moisturizing, soft and sensual thanks to CBD. You can even just cut off a piece to take with you on holiday if you think the full bar is a bit big: I always do that myself.
Step 3: Intimate softness
Lots of sun - and therefore sweat -, salt water or exciting moments can cause minor irritations. Our intimate shower wash prevents and restores – gentle enough for your entire body. It repairs small wounds and helps protect against fungal infections: handy, right?
Step 4: Focus on recovery
The sea, the swimming pool, showering… water disrupts your skin balance. That's why our hero always with this. It restores your pH value (your skin barrier is not just called 'acid mantle'), soothes your skin and feels like liquid rest. We now even offer it in three sizes: the smallest for testing or to take with you on the road, the average because it is always handy, and for the real fans: the maxi packaging. Because you can't get enough of it. Some use it against redness and acne (as a toner), others for an itchy scalp (apply without worries after washing: your locks will not become greasy!) and here at home we mainly use the hero to prevent eczema.
Step 5: Mask & relax
Time to lie down. Sheet mask from the refrigerator, book in hand. Just apply a fresh mask to your face and you will feel reborn. A little moment for myself on holiday with the family: indispensable!
Step 6: First aid for burning sensation
Burned? Rosehip oil to the rescue. A few drops on your face before going to bed and the next morning your skin will be calm and hydrated again. For the body I choose the Maiwe oil – wonderful on slightly damp skin. With or without essential oil? You choose.
Step 7: Muscles & tensions
Long walks, children playing… ours power potion roller provides cooling and relief. The boys spontaneously reach for it here after a day of football camp or when they have minor aches and pains. Combine with a massage for a golden moment. And in the meantime we also discovered that it works wonders on mosquito bites! That cooling effect feels wonderful.
Step 8: Lotion & balm
Hydrate generously! By drinking water, of course, but the pre/after sun remains your best friend. The odorless version in a pump bottle is my favorite, Niels finds the scent of holiday in it the variant with essential oil irresistible. And the calm balm? It deserves a permanent place in your travel kit: soothes itchy insect bites, moisturizes lips, treats wounds and pampers sensitive areas.
And so...
...you slumber into summer. Your skin is radiant, your body feels light and your head is full of sun.
From good preparation, to carefree hours in the sun to a loving one afterglow: this is your summer in 3 steps.
Take care of yourself, protect your skin and dance in the sun - with both feet firmly in the sand and keep your head cool under a cap.
🌞 Happy Summer Skin!
