Looking for the secret to a glowing, healthy tan—without the damage? In this guide, we’re sharing our top tips for achieving the perfect sun-kissed glow while protecting your skin with clean, mineral SPF.

It all starts before you hit the sun. From non-toxic, reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF you must wear (yes, even when tanning), to the exfoliation trick that boosts circulation, to our go-to-self-tanner for that early golden hour.

All featured products are Kalovy-approved, clean, and thoughtfully curated for your healthiest summer glow yet!

You can't tan well without SPF

Rather than tempting the arrival of a sunburn that might turn into a tan, and risking long-term damage like hyperpigmentation or even skin cancer, start with proper protection. A mineral sunscreen is your best friend. It creates a physical barrier that reflects UV rays, unlike chemical filters that absorb into your skin. The result? Less irritation, no hormone disruption, and a safer path to golden hour. Discover our best face sunscreens: 

For normal + sensitive + oily + acne prone skin, Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk | SPF 50, by Solara

For the entire family (even your babies), Face & Body SPF 50, by Mother SPF

For normal to dry skin types, Fortune Teller Tinted Brightening Serum | SPF 30, by Solara

Exfoliate before sun exposure

For your tan to go on (and stay on) evenly, you need a smooth canvas. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can cause patchy or uneven tanning. We love the Clarity Body Scrub by Skin & Senses at Kalovy—it combines gentle exfoliation with skin-loving botanicals, prepping your skin for the glow ahead.

Tip: Don’t exfoliate the day after tanning, or you’ll scrub away that golden colour.

Dry brushing = glow prep + circulation boost

Before you shower, try dry brushing—a gentle, energizing ritual that exfoliates and boosts lymphatic flow. It can also help tone the skin and support detoxification.

We love the MIFA Dry Brush available at Kalovy. Use light, upward strokes starting from your feet, moving toward your heart. Do this 2–3 times a week to awaken your skin and boost your natural radiance.

Self-tanner is your glow cheat code

To avoid overexposure to the sun, start with a base glow from a self-tanner. This lets you spend less time tanning outside while still achieving a deep, golden tone.

Look for formulas with natural DHA (a plant-derived ingredient that darkens the outermost layer of your skin). Avoid synthetic versions that smell too strong or cause streaks.

Kalovy pick: Luna Bronze — clean, effective, and enriched with skin-loving ingredients. It gives a believable glow without the sun damage.

Hydration is your glow insurance

After sun exposure, your skin needs nourishment to recover and retain its glow. Hydrated skin tans better and holds onto colour longer.

We’re obsessed with the Aphaéa Fig Dry Oil — a luxe, fast-absorbing oil infused with natural ingredients that transport you to the Cyclades. It deeply hydrates without feeling greasy and leaves your skin glowing with a subtle sun-kissed sheen.

with love & light 

Kalovy xx