Your guide to safe tanning

Many people want to have tanned skin, as they believe it makes them look healthier and thinner. There is something glamorous about tanned skin and we all associated it with holidays and relaxation; however, tanning is not a healthy activity. It exposes the skin to UV rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Read on to discover how to tan safely.

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Take your time

Some people think that sunburn is a necessary prelude to getting a deep suntan; however, it is possible to achieve a bronzed look without burning your skin at all. The secret is to take your tanning slowly and steadily. The tanned colour is your skin’s way of protecting itself; therefore, if your skin has time to get accustomed to the sun, it can slowly develop a protective tan.

Use sun cream

The first thing to do when tanning is to apply sun cream. Pick a cream that suits your skin type; for example, if you burn easily, apply a high factor sun cream such as factor 50. The sun protection factor protects you from UVB burning rays and is displayed as a number; in contrast, the protection from UVA aging rays is displayed as stars. Aim for a high number of stars, such as four or five.

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Protect your eyes

Even though you are wearing sun cream, you can still get a tan – the sun protection factor only extends the amount of time you can stay in the sun before burning. It is important to wear sun cream whenever you go out in the heat of the day, not only when sunbathing. Also, think about wearing a wide-brimmed hat and don’t forget some sunglasses to protect your eyes. Pairing up a beautiful hat with the Maxi Dresses that you have packed for holiday from companies such as https://www.axparis.com/collections/maxi-dresses/ can help to give you the perfect summer style whilst still protecting your skin and health.

Aftercare

Another good time to apply creams to the skin is after being in the sun; for example, an aftersun lotion not only helps to repair any damage but also feels soothing and hydrating. Creams can help your skin to feel well-nourished even after a long day in the sun.

When tanning, try to keep out of the sun when it is at its strongest, which is between 12 noon and 3 pm. There are alternative ways to achieve that much sought after tan including tanning creams and mousses that do not carry the same risks as tanning in the sun.

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