Most people associate a golden tan with summertime fun. Unfortunately, too much time in the sun can lead to sunburn, which is painful and can increase your risk of skin cancer. Fortunately, you can get a beautiful tan without burning with a few simple steps.
Use Sunscreen
The most important thing you can do to protect your skin from burning is to use sunscreen. Sunscreen blocks the ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn, so it’s essential to use it every day. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, which blocks out 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of your skin and reapply it every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
Avoid the Peak Hours
The sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to stay in the shade during these hours. If you absolutely must be out in the sun during this time, be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight, long-sleeved shirt.
Drink Plenty of Water
Being dehydrated can increase your risk of sunburn, so it’s important to stay hydrated when spending time outdoors. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. You can also drink other fluids, such as fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas, to stay hydrated.
Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Eating antioxidant-rich foods can help protect your skin from sun damage. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that damage the cells in your skin. Foods that are high in antioxidants include fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, and bell peppers. Nuts, beans, and whole grains are also high in antioxidants and can help you get a healthy tan without burning.
Protect Your Eyes
It’s important to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Wear sunglasses with UV protection when you’re outside and avoid looking directly at the sun. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to provide extra protection for your eyes.
Try Self-Tanning Products
If you want an even tan without burning, consider using self-tanning products. You can find self-tanners in lotion, cream, mousse, and spray forms. Read the instructions carefully and apply the product evenly to avoid streaking. Allow the product to dry completely before putting on your clothes. Self-tanners can give you a golden glow without the risk of sunburn.
Visit a Tanning Salon
If you are looking for an even tan, a tanning salon may be your best option. Tanning salons use UV lamps to give you a natural-looking tan without the risk of sunburn. Before you visit a tanning salon, be sure to ask about the safety measures they take to protect your skin.
Conclusion
A beautiful tan can make you look and feel great, but it’s important to protect your skin from sunburn. By using sunscreen, avoiding peak hours, staying hydrated, eating antioxidant-rich foods, protecting your eyes, trying self-tanning products, and visiting a tanning salon, you can get a gorgeous tan without burning.