Buzz
Everyone desires a sun-kissed, honey-toned complexion that radiates vitality and charm. However, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid sunburn and skin damage. This article will provide you with tips on safe sun exposure and spray tanning to help you look fabulous without the risk of sunburn.
Steps
Safe Sun Exposure When Outdoors
Use sunscreen instead of sunblock. Sunscreen allows your skin to absorb sunlight for a tan while still protecting it from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Choose a waterproof sunscreen. Before sweating or swimming, wait 15 minutes to allow the sunscreen to absorb into your skin.
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours. You should avoid sunbathing between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest, as this increases the risk of sunburn.
Follow a sunbathing schedule. Having a routine helps your skin gradually adapt to the sun and prevents burns, even if it means your tan develops more slowly. Start with 15 minutes of sun exposure and add 5 minutes each week.
Using Self-Tanning Spray
Exfoliate your skin. Use a scrub and loofah to remove dead skin cells before applying self-tanner, as skipping this step can result in uneven or patchy results.
Apply moisturizer to your nails, toenails, feet, and eyebrows. This step prevents these areas from turning overly dark or orange after tanning.
Use a tinted self-tanner if you’re applying it at home. A colorless spray makes it difficult to gauge how much product you’re applying to your skin.
Lay a towel on the bathroom floor. Close the shower curtain to keep the bathroom clean and prevent tanning solution from staining surfaces.
Pay attention to dry areas. Apply extra moisturizer to your knees and elbows, and avoid spraying too much product on these spots.
Be careful when spraying your back. Spray into the air and step into the mist as if applying perfume. Repeat this 2-3 times to ensure even coverage on your back.
Use a sponge to fix uneven areas. You can also purchase tan remover products to correct streaks, patches, or other mistakes in your tan application.
Consider a tanning booth if you’re not confident about self-tanning. The price for this service typically ranges from 1,840,000 to 2,300,000 VND.
Using Tanning Creams or Gels
Exfoliate with a scrub and loofah. Immediately after exfoliating and moisturizing, apply tanning cream or gel to avoid patchy results.
Use a moisturizer that enhances tanning.
- Choose a product that doesn’t react negatively with DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a key ingredient in most tanning products.
- Moisturizer can also be used in areas where you don’t apply tanning cream or gel.
Apply cream or gel from the bottom up. This prevents streaks when you bend over to apply the product.
Ask for assistance. You may need help applying cream or gel to your back or other hard-to-reach areas.
Tips
- Use a lip balm with SPF 15 to protect your lips from sunburn.
- If you get sunburned, apply a cool, damp cloth or take a cool bath. Then, use aloe vera gel on the affected area, being careful not to pop any blisters. Pain relievers can also help reduce discomfort.
- When exfoliating before tanning, choose spherical scrubs over granular ones. Opt for oil-free scrubs to ensure the tanning product adheres directly to your skin.
- Using a tanning bed before sun exposure doesn’t reduce the risk of sunburn. In fact, people often skip sunscreen, making their skin more prone to burns.
- If you feel your skin never tans, here are some tips:
- Apply a moderate amount of sunscreen to prevent burns while still allowing some sun exposure.
- You don’t need to sunbathe to get a tan—just running outside with sunscreen on can do the trick. Enjoy the outdoors, and before you know it, your skin will tan.
- If these tips don’t work, remember that fair skin is just as beautiful as tanned skin. Healthy, glowing skin is more attractive than red, peeling, and itchy skin. Taking care of your skin long-term will prevent wrinkles and scars from sun damage. Always embrace your natural skin tone!
Warnings
- According to the American Cancer Society, indoor tanning increases your risk of skin cancer more than sunbathing, especially if you start during your teenage years. Avoid tanning beds altogether. If indoor tanning is your only option, limit it to a maximum of three sessions per week.
