How to Tan Properly in the Sun

A perfect tan can really enhance the look of you and make you stand out. However, at the same time, there are well-known adverse effects of increased sun exposure that need to be taken into account as well. So, how to tan in the sun? Here are some suggestions.

How to Tan Properly in the Sun

1. Gradually Increase Sun Exposure

Start to develop your tan by lying out only a couple of hours a day for the first few days. This will allow the increased production of melanin pigments in your body. Melanin is the pigment that helps your body fight sun damage by making it darker, thus resulting in the tan.

A gradual increase in the tanning time will have two advantages. The first is that the risk of sunburn goes down and the other is the decreased risk of developing melanoma. 

2. Exfoliate Regularly

How to tan properly in the sun? Try to exfoliate at least twice a week when you are developing your tan. This is essential to remove any dead skin that will block the rays of the sun and make skin dry.

Exfoliating more than twice a week is also not recommended because it can cause an increased amount of dryness.

3. Use Sunscreen

A lot of people make the mistake of not using sunscreen while trying to get a tan. Sunscreen decreases the rate at which the sun rays hit your body and actually helps a more even tan to develop.

It also provides some essential protection from sunburn, skin cancer, peeling skin and other harsh effects of the sun. Start with a sunscreen SPF factor of 30-45 and then reduce it after a base tan develops. You should always use it before going out in the sun for an extended period.  

4. Protect Your Eyes

Your eyes are very sensitive to prolonged exposure to the sun. The UV rays that help in the tanning process can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Make sure that they are protected through the use of sunglasses or by wearing a hat.

5. Change Your Positions When Tanning

How to tan properly in the sun? Making sure you get an even tan when you lie out in the sun is also important for a perfect tan. A good rule of thumb is to tan for 15-20 minutes on the back and then switch over for the same amount of time.

Remember also to raise your arms above your head so that the undersides of your arms and armpits also get tanned. Nothing sticks out more than an untanned area on a tanned body.

6. Moisturize on a Daily Basis

Moisturizing your body is also extremely important to get a good tan since it prevents the skin from drying out excessively. The UV rays tend to do that and the tan starts to fade away as a result.

Moisturize your body every day and especially before going to bed. Cover all the major areas of your body with a thick layer including the face. Some people might have a problem with acne, and a dermatologically tested moisturizer that does not clog the pores is recommended.

7. Stay Hydrated

While moisturizing is keeping your skin from getting too dry on the outside, getting in plenty of fluids is doing the same form the inside. Take good care of your skin, keep it from getting dry and remove excessive toxins from it at the same time.

The healthy moist skin will not only look better but also keep its tan for a longer time.

8. Increase Blood Circulation

Another useful tip to get a perfect tan is to have a workout session or other physical activity before lying out in the sun. The exertion will get your blood circulation going and increase the amount of melanin production.

Remember not to get too tired that you fall asleep in the sun and end up getting a sunburn!

9. Eat Sun-Friendly Foods

How to tan properly in the sun? In order to get a good tan, you should eat some sun-friendly foods. Foods that are rich in natural antioxidants like lycopene can afford protection to the skin from the sun.

Such foods include tomatoes and other colored fruits and vegetables. Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants and helps protect the skin from sunburn.

10. Do Not Wear Makeup, Deodorant, or Perfume When Tanning

Do not wear any deodorant or perfume before tanning. Not only can these chemicals irritate your skin that is going to be exposed to the sun for a long time, but also prevent you from getting an even tan. The underarms of the body can seem lightly tanned if you use deodorant before a tanning session.

Current time: 11/19/2017 01:50:38 am (America/New_York) Memory usage: 2023.22KB