Tanning Tips That Keep You Safe
By Brandi Goodman
Getting tan can be a natural benefit of the sun. Your skin becomes a bronze hue after days spent outdoors. You need to make sure you're tanning safely, though, as the sun's rays can be quite harmful. You'll usually burn first and experience pain before your skin actually changes to a darker shade. Keep some tanning tips in mind for a safer way to tan your skin this summer.
Apply Sunscreen Regularly
Plenty of people put on sunscreen before they hit the pool or spend hours outside. What most fail to do, however, is apply that sunscreen again regularly. You need it more than once -- particularly if you're swimming or sweating. The first layer you applied will be diminished, and you'll need to add more to continue being protected.
Exfoliate
You need to exfoliate your skin if you hope to achieve an even skin tone. Without doing so, it's more likely that your skin will achieve color in some places, but not all. This could result in blotchy spots and uneven coloring. Exfoliate your body to remove dead skin and unclog your pores before you head outside.
Tan Gradually
Don't overdo it and try to tan your skin in just one day. You should only expose yourself to the sun for small intervals at a time until the desired skin tone is reached. The sun's strength is greatest throughout the late morning and early afternoon. Tan before or after these times to limit your exposure to harmful rays.
Protect Your Lips and Eyes
Your lips and eyes are extremely sensitive to the sun. You should do what you can to block these areas from the sun so you do not cause them significant harm. Make sure you have sunscreen on your face and use a lip balm to add a layer of protection. You should wear a hat and sunglasses as well to keep your eyes blocked.
Limit Tanning Booth Sessions
The tanning booth emits even more harmful rays than the sun. You should really do your best to limit sessions in one. Make sure you start with just five or 10 minutes at a time and wait a few days in between before you go again. You can use a tanning lotion between times to help achieve bronze skin without as much need for light.
You can experience a natural tan that bronzes your skin. Just be sure you're doing so safely and taking the proper precautions so you don't end up with damage to your skin -- or worse. Always wear sunscreen and keep yourself protected when outdoors. Keep safety in mind when you use a tanning booth as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Milpitas, Calif.