With the weather becoming warmer, we are all trying to find ways to be outside. Spending time out in the sun has been shown to have potential health benefits such as supporting vitamin D levels, increasing serotonin, and improving our sleep quality. However, long periods of direct sunlight can lead to sun damage such as sunburn, hyperpigmentation, premature aging, or even skin cancer. While this may happen, there are some precautions you can take this summer to tan safely and achieve that summer glow.Â
The first thing you should always make sure to do is apply an SPF of 30 or higher if you plan on going outside for more than 20 minutes, and let’s be honest, if you are planning on tanning you will probably be out there much longer. It is very important to wear sunscreen because it helps stop UV rays from damaging the skin. There are two types, one is a mineral sunscreen that is made up of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that directly blocks out UV rays, and another is a chemical sunscreen that contains chemicals that absorb the UV rays before they penetrate the skin. When choosing which type to use, it is best to try out a variety from multiple brands to see what texture, color, and SPF works best for you. One thing to keep in mind is that SPF stands for the Sun Protection Factor, meaning that the number labeled on your sunscreen is the amount of time the sunscreen will protect your skin from UV rays. Therefore, make sure to wear your sunscreen and reapply! While some of you may be thinking that tanning with sunscreen is pointless, it is better than tanning and then returning with a red sunburn or the potential of developing something worse. Think of it like roasting a marshmallow, to get it perfectly golden brown you have to hold the marshmallow away from the fire rather than directly over the flames. The same goes for your skin!
It is also important to build your sun exposure gradually each day if you haven’t been outside in a while. This way your skin will have time to start to develop melanin, which helps protect the skin from the sun. Melanin is the pigment in your skin, so the more time you spend in the sun, the more melanin will be produced, and the darker the pigment will be. Another thing to keep in mind when tanning is to stay hydrated! Laying out in the sun can quickly dehydrate you, so make sure to keep a water bottle by your side. When you are dehydrated, your skin can look dry and wrinkly as it tans.Â
To avoid the risk of burns, choose to tan during the hours of the day when the sun is not at its peak. The sun’s rays are strongest during the peak times of 10 am to 3 pm. By avoiding these hours or spending less time tanning during them, you can keep your skin safe, especially those with fairer skin.Â
Lastly, if you do not want to risk damaging your skin, use a fake tanner to achieve a summer bronze, safely. Many different self-tanners are on the market with different undertones available for purchase. Invest in one that works best for you and fake it till you make it! Happy tanning!