Get That Hot Summer Tan

Admit it, despite the studies that tanning is harmful, having a tan lets you silently brag that you went on a gorgeous beach trip last summer. Make them jealous. Getting a tan is simply not frying under the hot sun. There are things to do to make tanning safe, and to make the tan last longer. But remember, before you start on your tanning expedition; please do research on the many risks involved so you can take the necessary precautions. I do not encourage tanning but since we are all guilty of doing it, might as well do it in a relatively safe way.

1. Know the safest “tanning zones.” This means, the time when the sun is not sizzling hot. Research shows that the sun is at its hottest from 11AM till 3PM. Obviously, you can sun in the morning before 10AM; then after 3PM.
2. But who hides in a hotel room on their beach vacation from 11AM till 3PM? No one. If you’re still under the sun and walking around at this time or doing sports (instead of sunbathing), get yourself a good sunscreen, the one with a high Sun Protection Factor or SPF. Wear a hat or cap to protect your face. Wear shades to protect your eyes. Even if you are not sunbathing, you still get windburn. So, be aware of the danger of burning too much.
3. The most important tool for sun worshiping is sunscreen. How then would you be able to get the suntan you’ve dreamt of, if you’re “screened” from the sun? Sunscreens have SPF’s (mentioned in #2), which protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protected you are from it. The lower the number, the more you burn. You will still get your tan, without damaging your skin, if you invest in a good sunscreen.
4. Apply sunscreen before you hit the sun. Then re-apply. And keep on re-applying if you’re going to be out all day. Re-apply even more if you’re going swimming. There are waterproof sunscreens but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t re-apply them when you’re out of the water. Keep the skin protected. It also gets moisturized with sunscreen.
5. Tan slowly. You don’t want to look like fried shrimps on the beach, right? Red, wrinkled, and in pain. Be content with what the day’s rays can do to your skin. Do only what your skin can tolerate. Caucasians have more sensitive skin than Asians. Use common sense. If you did your research on the risks involved with tanning, then you’ll know when to stop for the day. Remember you can still get a tan even when under the umbrella or a shade.
6. Don’t use tanning oils. They like to soak up the sun and burn your skin. If you think baby oil or coconut oil is good for you while tanning, think again. It will make your skin feel hotter and you might end up as a fried entrée for dinner. What good is a fabulous bronzed skin if it is burnt or peeling even before you get home?
7. Drink, drink, and drink lots of water while under the sun. Hydrate your body and you hydrate your skin as well. This is the time when coconut juice is perfect to enjoy. Alcohol beverages tend to dehydrate you more–just saying.
8. Keep cool while tanning. Dark colored clothes retain heat. Wear light colored clothing to keep your body cool. I usually dip in the water to cool me down. Normally 10 to 15 mins. a day is just the perfect exposure for anyone tanning. After that it becomes dangerous. That is why 10 mins. a day of direct sunlight and burning, or shall I say tanning, is advisable. Never go into the panic-tanning mode at the end of your vacation! I always see people soaking up the sun during their last day. Really bad idea.
9. After tanning, moisturize to replenish the oil or moisture lost by the skin. Moisturize daily. Or twice daily. The skin needs to feel supple again after all that sun. This is also one way to prevent peeling and to keep the tan longer. Ratio for longer tans is equivalent to the patience you have for tanning slowly in short minutes, and not to the longest time you can endure the heat of the sun. Most men hate the idea of sunscreens and moisturizers. That is why I always advise people that tanning with a special friend is a good excuse for flirting. Imagine the possibilities of moisturizing each other after a shower.
10. Finally, wear the clothes that will reveal your new tan. Don’t cover up. Now’s the time to get exposed! If you’re back from your vacation, don’t forget to wear your daily sunblock lotions to continue protecting your skin, and to give it a fab shine while you’re telling everyone where you went!

Always keep in mind to be careful and to handle your skin like a baby. Take good care of the largest organ of the human body. It’s there to protect us, so we should protect it in return.