6 Tanning Tips From The Pros To Have The Perfect Tan Safely

The danger of over-exposure to the sun is widely documented and known. If you’re a tan fanatic though you want to be well educated and informed so that you can tan and stay safe. The more you know the better you can protect yourself.

Here are 6 tanning tips from the pros so you can have the perfect tan safely.

 1.Peak Times 

Take into account peak times and increasing protection during these times of the day. The sun is the strongest between 10 am – 4 pm. It’s also a lot stronger during the summer months so apply sunscreen a lot more liberally during these times. Some advocate for staying out of the sun during peak times of 10 am – 4 pm and staying in the shade. This really depends on your tolerance and how quickly you burn.

Of course, you should be ensuring that you are wearing SPF year-round. Many dermatologists and skincare fanatics advise you to wear sunscreen even if you are at home and not planning to go out. This is because UV rays can still enter through your windows. Keep this in mind during the winter months too. A tan is less likely to happen in the winter but the UV rays can still damage your skin.

Although if you are at home or applying SPF in the winter you can get away with a lower SPF like 15 as opposed to 25 or 30 during the summer months.

   2.SPF + UV

The different SPFs have many people confused. Some even believe that the number corresponds to the degree of heat, yes you heard right. You also need to be aware of the difference between the two types of ultraviolet rays. UVA rays sink deeper into the skin and are the rays that can make the skin look older and rougher. It is these rays that are photoaging. The UVB rays cause burns and melanoma.

To defend against both UVA and UVB, you want a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The SPF number refers to how long you can sit in the sun with the sunscreen whilst also absorbing a minute’s worth of UVB rays. For example, if you were wearing SPF 15 and sat in the sun for an hour, it would be the same as being exposed to UVB rays for 4 minutes. If you were wearing SPF 30 and sat in the sun for the same length of time, it would be like sitting outside unexposed for 2 minutes.

   3.Application 

Apply your SPF around 15 minutes before direct exposure so the sunscreen has enough time to get absorbed into the skin. Once out in the sun, reapply every 2 hours. As you are trying to tan you may want to stick to SPF 15 or 20 and ensure you reapply. Of course, you are opening up the doorway for more exposure to UVB rays but do your best to reduce the damage.

If you plan to be in the water or are sweating, take this into account. Some SPFs are only water-resistant for a certain time. Make sure you know this information so you can adequately spend time in the pool or sea whilst also factoring in how often you need to reapply. Drying off of the sunscreen before reapplying should also be checked.

  4.How Much? 

Make sure you are applying the right amount. If you are spending time taking into account the SPF, activity levels, and reapplying, then be certain that you are using the correct amount.

Some recommend an ounce for the face, legs, arms, and neck. Half an ounce should be added if you plan to include the torso. Every part should receive an equal amount. Don’t be stingy with the sunscreen!

 5.Artificial Tans 

Avoid products like tanning oils that don’t provide enough SPF because that will cause you to roast in the sun. Tanning beds should also be avoided. It’s difficult to know how much UV rays are being emitted from sunbeds as this is often not thoroughly regulated.

To completely avoid sun damage you might want to opt for a tan in a bottle. There are a variety of different ways to tan artificially from a spray tan to a tan applied at home. You can also opt for the shade you like. If you have sensitive skin, consider checking out this tanner for acne-prone skin to guarantee you don’t cause further irritation. Think about your specific needs and requirements and seek out a fake tan that will make getting that glow a little bit easier.

There are a few tips to ensure you get a nice even fake tan. See to it that you exfoliate and shave before application. Depending on the type of fake tan and brand, you will often need to apply and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. If required to sit overnight, make sure you are using black sheets to prevent staining your nice light-colored sheets forever. Avoid light clothing as well to prevent transfer. Once it has sunk in, have a shower to rinse off the excess tan and you should be left with an even tawny glow.

 6.Maintenance

Once you have a tan, you want to secure you are safely maintaining it too. Follow the same rules as mentioned previously. When tanning, don’t be tempted to forego protection until you receive your desired color and then plan to whack on the SPF. You need to stay safe from the beginning to protect your health.Whilst maintaining your skin in the sun, wear broad-spectrum SPF. Stick to your SPF 30, avoid anything lower as you don’t want to keep getting darker and darker increasing your risk of skin damage. You need to be realistic and avoid going for an overly unnatural pigment. This is also going to protect you from unnecessary damage.

Keep in mind the guidelines above so you are well protected when out in the sun. Be realistic and mindful. It can be easy to relish the feeling of the heat hitting your skin and relaxing next to the water but these moments of relaxation can easily lead to irreversible skin damage.