It’s that time of year – when looking your best revolves around your toned body and tanned skin. And while exercising and eating right will help you get a rockin’ bod, lying out in the sun doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a glowing tan. You can get sunburned and look more like George Hamilton than Jennifer Lopez.
Tanning also boosts your risk of getting skin cancer. So next time you decide to lie out in the sun, think about what you’re doing to your body. A tan lasts about a week, but cancer can last forever. Though you’ve heard it and read it time and again, sun protection is really important. Check out the following do’s on keeping safe in the sun during Spring Break.
1. Wear Sunscreen
Dabbing some of that white lotion on your skin won’t prevent you from getting a tan. Sunscreen protects your skin from exposure to UV rays, which cause skin-aging, wrinkles, cataracts and skin cancer. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun, and reapply it every two hours or after taking a dip in the ocean, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
But don’t sweat it. You can still get that radiant look. Using an SPF of 30 will allow you to get a more desired tan than using an SPF of 75. Though it’s best to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, you can use anything below.
2. Wear Sunglasses
Sun exposure damages eyes just like it damages skin. The sun’s UVB rays cause cataracts, which clouds the eyes and leads to blurry vision later on in life. So be sure to pop on some sunglasses.
Don’t let a pair of dark shades trick you into thinking it is strong enough in protecting you from the sun. Make sure you buy sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Plus, with the protection of your sunglasses, that cutie you spot on the beach won’t catch you staring at him like a lovesick puppy.
3. Cover Up
When you’re not tanning or swimming, wear clothing to protect your skin. Dark colors provide more protection than light colors, and UV rays will penetrate your skin through translucent fabrics.
Pack a sundress or a tank top and shorts for a cute beach or poolside outfit. You’ll stand out from the rest of the crowd wearing swimsuits – and birthday suits, too – and you’ll keep your skin healthy and beautiful. You’ll be looking like a beach babe who knows how to take care of herself. And that beats a sunburn any day.