Spring officially started on March 20. With that, many individuals have started to lie out in an attempt to tan. Although tanning is fun, it can be dangerous. If an individual is ready to tan but does not take the right steps, it could end in a severe case of sunburn or worse.
Use a tanning oil
Tanning oil can really speed up the process of tanning. There are many pros and cons to using tanning oil. One pro is that tanning oil achieves a tan almost 30%-50% faster than going without, so using it can make the process much easier. However, be careful while using it. Tanning oil can cause premature skin aging, dehydration of the skin’s natural barrier and cause or worsen hyperpigmentation. When using a tanning oil, it is very important to be safe by not applying it every time, only using a small amount and making sure it’s dermatologist-approved.
Apply sunscreen
Although it may not be as aesthetic or Instagram-worthy, tanning can be done with sunscreen on. Sunscreen helps protect your skin in the long run, preventing premature skin aging, sun spots and cancer. Sometimes burns are unavoidable, so if it happens, shower right after with cool water to help lower the body temperature and ease the pain. Then, put on lotion to stop the skin from drying out and help prevent peeling.
Sunscreen has many different measures of SPF, with a higher dose being 70 and above. Using sunscreen with SPF levels that high will help prevent sun damage as much as possible. A lower dose would be anything under 70. Using a lower dose does not provide the same protection from the sun as a higher dose, but some protection is better than none. If someone wants a golden tan, they should use a sunscreen with a lower SPF.
Set a schedule
A tanning schedule is important for achieving the Insta-worthy tan. Achieving a light tan would require 2 to 3 minutes in the sun for each side of the body with a higher SPF sunscreen on. Something more bronze than that would require 20 minutes on each side with oil, as well as a lower SPF sunscreen. An equal middle tan would need 10 to 15 minutes on each side with oil and a 50 SPF on.
Tanning is so much fun and helps people feel confident. As the seasons change, so does the UV. Tanning is bound to happen with the sun coming to say hello, but it does not have to be painful. Wear sunscreen and lie out like a piece of bacon.
Contact Kaylee Byrd at [email protected].
