Apply sunscreen within 20 minutes of going outside, and reapply every 1½ to 2 hours—or more frequently if you get wet or sweat during that time. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is imperative because it protects your skin from UVB rays (which burn your skin) and UVA rays (which age your skin and cause wrinkles). Check the back of the sunscreen bottle to see its UVA star rating, which ranges from 1 star (minimum protection) to 5 (maximum protection). Make sure your product of choice isn’t a 1-star sunscreen!
It’s tempting to tan all day, but it exposes your skin to unnecessary UV damage. It takes even less time to stop producing melanin if you’re fair-skinned. Monitor your skin carefully to figure out your cut-off time, and make a point to stop tanning after that time.
When it comes to reapplying sunscreen, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been swimming or resting in the shade. Always reapply after a couple of hours or risk getting a sunburn!
Make sure there’s a shady area wherever you tan. You could set up a beach tent or umbrella, or go find shelter indoors if necessary.
Drink plenty of water, too. It’s important to keep your entire body hydrated!
Never substitute oils for proper sunscreen, as they don’t have enough SPF to shield your skin fully. Always use sunscreen before tanning outside! Avoid layering too many products on your skin before applying sunscreen. Oil by itself is all right, but when multiple products are coating your skin, the sunscreen can’t properly cover your skin cells.
Drink green tea after sun exposure. Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidants, which have an anti-inflammatory effect that calms your skin. Eat foods that contain omega-3 oils, like fish, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. Omega-3 oils also have anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your skin. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that protect your skin from sunburn, so don’t be afraid to indulge in a sweet snack!
Like oils, beta-carotene supplements aren’t a replacement for sunscreen. Apply the same generous amount of sunscreen every time you tan outside!
After covering each body part, wash your hands, so they don’t become overly stained. You can also use gloves. Run a slightly wet towel over your joints after applying the lotion. Your joints tend to absorb more of the product, making them look darker if you don’t wipe them off. Let the lotion dry completely before getting dressed, so you don’t stain your clothes. Not many people know sun tanning causes skin damage, even if you don’t get burned. Tanning signifies that your skin is trying to protect itself by producing melanin. That’s why lotions are so much safer to use.
Be careful not to breathe the spray product in or get it in your eyes.
Avoid using a fake tan product that advertises both tanning and SPF protection, as any product with DHA will not be effective against UV rays.
Tanning beds are especially unsafe if you’re under 18, as you’re more susceptible to skin damage. The Fitzpatrick scale sorts skin into 6 types; 1 is pale white skin that always burns and never tans, while 2 is fair skin that burns easily and tans poorly. Tanning beds are risky if you have type 1 or 2 skin since you burn so easily. If you must use a tanning bed, do it slowly, Have shorter sessions to build a tan without burning, and go as little as possible—once per week at most. Make sure you use goggles designed for tanning beds.
