Many people want to get a sun-kissed look, but don't want to go through the expense or constant upkeep of a spray-on or other fake tan. That is why tanning in the sun is a great, free alternative to these artificial methods. However, if you are going to sit in the sun for an extended period of time, there are some precautions you must take to ensure you don't harm your skin.
There are two types of rays the skin is exposed to by the sun ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet-B ones. While both will help you tan, the ultraviolet-B rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVA ones. For this reason, they are the ones that you should be the most concerned about. Without proper precautions like shade and suntan lotion, these rays can penetrate the skin too much, causing sunburns and other damage.
Many people don't realize that the skin isn't the only thing that you must protect from the potentially damaging ultraviolet-B rays. Your eyes can also become damaged by the sun, which is why sunglasses should be worn anytime you go outdoors. Look for sunglasses that specifically tell which type of rays they protect from to ensure you have full protection for your sensitive eyes.
Though you are trying to get a tan, there is such a thing as too much exposure. You should alternate sitting or working in the sun with sitting or working in the shade. By alternating both, you can help prevent burning or drying out of the skin, both of which can be very painful. It will also help you stay cooler on really hot days, which can help prevent a whole host of other health conditions related to the heat. Wearing a hat will also help give you some shade and protect areas prone to burning like the nose and scalp.
The most important part of your skin care regiment for tanning is sunscreen. There are literally hundreds of options out on the market, from high-end and expensive cremes to bargain-priced sprays. Cost is not nearly as important as the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the lotion, spray, or cream. The higher the SPF, the better your skin will be protected. The lower the SPF, the more you will tan. You should use at least SPF 15, which will help you get a tan without burning. However, if you are very pale, you should use a higher SPF like 45 or more to ensure you don't get burned.
The key to proper sun exposure is in applying the suntan lotion 20 minutes before going outside. This lets it set in and begin protecting properly. If you are going to be perspiring a lot or in a swimming pool, lake, or the ocean, you should use a moisture-proof sun protecting lotion so it will stay on longer. If you don't have this type, put more of the regular lotion on every half hour or so since it will rinse off faster. If you do use this type, you should still put more regular stuff on at 80 minute intervals or so to prevent burning.
Taking care of your skin after a tan is essential because skin that is exposed to UVA or UVB rays can become very dry. Dry skin it itchy and uncomfortable, so apply aloe liberally after sun exposure. If you don't have an aloe plant, anything with aloe in it like a gel or lotion will also do the trick.
With proper planning and vigilance, tanning in the sun can be a fun way to get some color on your skin. Just make sure you realize that it takes only minutes to get a sunburn, so make sure you are putting on your sunscreen properly. If you do, you are well on your way to that sunkissed glow that so many want.
There are two types of rays the skin is exposed to by the sun ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet-B ones. While both will help you tan, the ultraviolet-B rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVA ones. For this reason, they are the ones that you should be the most concerned about. Without proper precautions like shade and suntan lotion, these rays can penetrate the skin too much, causing sunburns and other damage.
Many people don't realize that the skin isn't the only thing that you must protect from the potentially damaging ultraviolet-B rays. Your eyes can also become damaged by the sun, which is why sunglasses should be worn anytime you go outdoors. Look for sunglasses that specifically tell which type of rays they protect from to ensure you have full protection for your sensitive eyes.
Though you are trying to get a tan, there is such a thing as too much exposure. You should alternate sitting or working in the sun with sitting or working in the shade. By alternating both, you can help prevent burning or drying out of the skin, both of which can be very painful. It will also help you stay cooler on really hot days, which can help prevent a whole host of other health conditions related to the heat. Wearing a hat will also help give you some shade and protect areas prone to burning like the nose and scalp.
The most important part of your skin care regiment for tanning is sunscreen. There are literally hundreds of options out on the market, from high-end and expensive cremes to bargain-priced sprays. Cost is not nearly as important as the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the lotion, spray, or cream. The higher the SPF, the better your skin will be protected. The lower the SPF, the more you will tan. You should use at least SPF 15, which will help you get a tan without burning. However, if you are very pale, you should use a higher SPF like 45 or more to ensure you don't get burned.
The key to proper sun exposure is in applying the suntan lotion 20 minutes before going outside. This lets it set in and begin protecting properly. If you are going to be perspiring a lot or in a swimming pool, lake, or the ocean, you should use a moisture-proof sun protecting lotion so it will stay on longer. If you don't have this type, put more of the regular lotion on every half hour or so since it will rinse off faster. If you do use this type, you should still put more regular stuff on at 80 minute intervals or so to prevent burning.
Taking care of your skin after a tan is essential because skin that is exposed to UVA or UVB rays can become very dry. Dry skin it itchy and uncomfortable, so apply aloe liberally after sun exposure. If you don't have an aloe plant, anything with aloe in it like a gel or lotion will also do the trick.
With proper planning and vigilance, tanning in the sun can be a fun way to get some color on your skin. Just make sure you realize that it takes only minutes to get a sunburn, so make sure you are putting on your sunscreen properly. If you do, you are well on your way to that sunkissed glow that so many want.
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