The summer season has begun, signaling the opportunity to embrace the outdoors, engage in activities like walking or running, travel, visit the beach and pool, and achieve a lovely tan. Many admire and view tanned skin as a symbol of health, but proper tanning methods are often overlooked.
The sun has several benefits, such as boosting the immune system by increasing the production of infection-fighting T cells and promoting mental well-being through the release of happiness hormones like serotonin.
To ensure a tan, many people go to extreme lengths, but it is unnecessary to harm the body. Here are some important tips for achieving a beautiful and healthy suntan.
Invest in a high-quality sunscreen.
Using a low protection factor sunscreen to achieve a nice tan is not advisable. It’s important to always prioritize sun protection over getting a deeper tan, as prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
A sunscreen with a high UVA rating is advised for protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a teaspoon amount on your face and neck and reapply every two hours when in the sun or after swimming.
Unprotected tanning oil is not an option.
Expose to sunlight only during the appropriate hours.
Avoid exposure at all times. The sun is most intense from 10 to 16 hours, so be cautious when spending long periods in the sun during these hours, particularly in summer. Nonetheless, remember to keep using sunscreen even after this time as skin protection is necessary continuously.
It is crucial to wear sunglasses and a hat because the skin on our face is more sensitive to light and will tan more quickly if exposed.
Pay close consideration to your dietary choices.
Consuming fruits and vegetables high in betacarotene can assist in tanning the skin without burning by shielding it from sun damage.
Betacarotene serves as a powerful antioxidant by fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress on the skin, which helps minimize the harm from UV light exposure.
Incorporate apricot, carrot, pumpkin, beet, mommy, mango, sweet potato, cabbage, and spinach into your diet to boost your intake of this nutrient.
4. Remove dead skin cells from your skin
To achieve a great outdoor tan, it’s recommended to exfoliate your skin before being in the sun. This helps in getting rid of dead skin cells from the surface, revealing a fresher layer of skin.
Getting rid of these cells can result in clearer skin by removing excess dirt, oil, pore blockages, and preventing acne.
Using inexpensive items like sugar, oats, or salt along with a vegetable sponge or exfoliating glove can help reduce the buildup of dead skin cells, resulting in a thinner skin layer that can make your tan last longer.
Remember to stay hydrated.
Proper internal hydration is crucial for maintaining soft, healthy skin, prolonging a tan, and minimizing fluid retention. Make sure to drink sufficient water, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight, to prevent dehydration and potential health issues.
Using a quality moisturizer can help nourish sun-dried skin and prevent peeling.
Understand your boundaries.
Our skin stops producing melanin at a certain point, so spending all day by the pool won’t make us any tanner.
Each individual has a specific skin type with its own melanin threshold, typically reached within 2 to 3 hours, or even sooner for individuals with very fair skin. This is typically when sunburn occurs rather than tanning.
Staying in the pool all day to increase melanin won’t be effective and could harm your body by exposing it to UV rays.
Allow your skin to take a break.
Melanin production in the skin cells continues for a few hours following sun exposure, meaning you don’t have to wait until you see a color change to know that you have developed some tan.
After the cells have been activated to begin the process, it is best to give your skin a break following exposure. Rest indoors or in the shade to help achieve the tan you desire.
Taking breaks from the sun helps reduce radiation intensity and the risk of sunburn, leading to a healthier and longer-lasting tan. You may notice a deeper tan overnight after tanning.
To achieve a healthy tan, it’s important to gradually build up pigment on the skin over several days to avoid getting a sunburn on the first day.
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