Outdoor tanning is a great way to bronze your skin. It is also a healthy way of getting your dose of Vitamin D from the sun while saving up money you could’ve used in a tanning salon. However, outdoor tanning is risky since you cannot control the intensity of the sun’s rays and you may get sunburnt. If you want to get a tan while keeping your skin safe and protected, here are some useful tips:
1. Wear protective clothing and accessories
When tanning, it is advisable to wear protective clothing and accessories like hats to stay covered. At times you may have burnt areas that may need covering up. Protective clothing helps you avoid worsening or affecting new areas even as you get tan. The extra protection might prevent you from getting the sun’s worst effects and enable you to enjoy yourself while you tan.
2. Apply sunscreen
Tanning is a form of skin damage in itself. However, you should use sunscreen as it helps prevent inflammation of the skin which is associated with tanning. It gives a layer of protection to the skin, protecting it from cancer, aging, and burns.
3. Apply lip balm
Most lip balms nowadays protect from the sun since they contain some SPF. However, not all lip balms protect from the sun’s UV rays and they may have a UVB filter instead. You would be better off with a lip balm containing beeswax or paraffin. You should ensure the lip balm protects from both UVB and UVA rays which are dangerous to the skin.
4. Drink plenty of water.
Dry skin hinders one from getting the desired tan. When your skin is well hydrated and moisturized, UV light can properly penetrate the underneath layer and give you a healthy tan. When the skin is dry, it will most likely just reflect light rays and deny you a proper tan. Not drinking water also leads to faster exfoliation, which means your tan will fade faster. Make sure you stay well-hydrated while you tan.
5. Check the UV index
Ultraviolet rays (UV rays) from the sun are normally measured on a scale from 1 to 11. The higher the number, the stronger the level of UV radiation. Knowing the UV index can guide you in planning to get your tan without aggravating your skin. The elevation of your area or the season can also factor in considering the UV index.
6. Rinse off and exfoliate
Before tanning, you should prepare your skin for the outdoors. Ensure you exfoliate to allow the sun’s rays to penetrate properly and give you the perfect tan. After tanning, ensure you rinse off the tanning gel applied. It would help if you also exfoliated the dead cells to ensure your skin is left clean and the tan visible.
7. Moisturize after tanning
The sun is bound to dry out your skin, so it is advisable to moisturize your skin properly to give you a longer and healthier tan. Moisturize your skin with oils and body butter throughout the day to keep your skin healthy.