Many people like the way their skin looks with a tan, but prolonged exposure to the sun has a variety of risks, including skin cancer.
Even when wearing sunscreen, outdoor sunbathing is not risk-free.
If you’re interested in tanning, you can reduce the risks by tanning faster in the sun.
This will help you avoid prolonged UV exposure and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
A golden -brown tan not only makes your skin look amazing, but also helps you look slimmer.
In addition, lying in the sun boosts your serotonin levels and makes you happier, so there’s nothing like having a little fun at the beach and getting a fill of that famous vitamin D.
Before we talk about tanning, we have to get one thing straight: sunscreen is always mandatory.
Each person is unique when it comes to how dark their skin will get in the sun.
Some people will burn almost immediately, and some people will rarely burn. This is largely due to melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning that’s found in the hair, skin, and even the eyes.
Everyone reacts differently to the sun. So have patience.
If tanning in the sun, start with only 15-20 minutes in the sun on your first session. In your following tanning sessions only increase your time by 5-10 minute increments, and monitor your skin regularly to make sure you aren’t starting to go red and burn.
If tanning on a sunbed, start with 2-3 minutes. Space your sessions and don’t ever go every day. As your tan develops you can increase the number of minutes you are on.
Again, only increase your time on gradually, and only in 1-2 minute increments at a time.
A softer skin looks better tanned. Get your body moisturized the night before you plan to sunbathe and make it as silky as possible. Concentrate on the more problematic areas, the ones that dry the quickest, for they can cause an uneven tan.
Taking a bath or a shower, either hot or cold, is always a good idea after sitting in the sun, in order to remove all the lotion, oils or salt and sand from your skin to get it looking silky.
Make sure you moisturize after or the bronze will become patchy and irregular.
You may also use a cooling cream, so you can overcome any chance of burning. Any aloe vera based lotion is soothing and will calm your skin.
Always keep yourself hydrated!
Now that you have the dos and don’ts, you’re ready to go out there and be kissed by the sun. Find yourself the perfect bathing suit, a good book or magazine, remember these tips and tricks and make sure to enjoy every minute of it!
