Monday 30 September 2013

Tanning In The Sun The Safe Way

By Haywood Hunter


Some people are content to be pale all the time, but many want to have that look like they've been tanning in the sun. Many resort to tanning beds or lotions that produce a fake tan because they are afraid of getting sunburned. However, with the proper prior precautions, you can get a suntan that will make you look a few shades darker and healthy.



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.

Before delving into how to protect your skin, you should know that this is not the only part of your body that needs shielding. Your eyes are extremely important, and so easy to damage when it comes to the sun. That is why one of the first things you should do is protect them by buying proper sunglasses. Make sure the sunglasses have ultraviolet ray protection built in so they can shield your precious peepers.



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.

Sunscreen is a huge part of any sun tanning routine because it allows the skin to get tanned while decreasing your chances of getting burned. Look for a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, though the higher you go, the more protection you get. Those who have very fair skin should look for SPF 45 or higher, which can still cause a tan but gives more coverage to protect the skin.

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 day of tanning is just as important as taking care of it before or during sun exposure. The rays of the sun can really dry skin out, so you must work to re-hydrate it. Almost any lotion will do, but one with aloe works really well because it both soothes and hydrates. Apply straight aloe, aloe gel, or a lotion with aloe in it for best results.

If you follow these rules, tanning in the sun will be a safe and fun way to spend part of your day. You should follow these rules, even if you are going to only be outdoors for a short period of time. It only takes a half hour to get burned, so take a few minutes to take the necessary precautions. It will ensure you get that healthy, tanned glow that everyone wants so badly.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment