The Tan Commandments: How to Tan Without Damaging Your Skin

The Tan Commandments: How to Tan Without Damaging Your Skin

Kar Kei Wong by Kar Kei Wong on Apr 9, 2016
Why you should care

Gunning for your next beach holiday? Here’s how to get the healthy glow that you want!

Already planning that getaway you’ve been longing for since your last one in December? If you are, it’s time to go for gold.

If not a beach retreat, then at least take advantage of the year-round summer around this parts by getting some R&R and a gorgeous tan by the pool!

If you’re in for tanning time, choose the outdoors over tanning beds. While sunshine gives you vitamin D, tanning beds give you 12 times the UVA, resulting in a higher risk of premature skin ageing and skin diseases.
But while the sun can be your best friend, it could also quickly turn on you and give you a sunburn. Stay safe by following these simple rules to get the perfect tan!

Rule #1: Always Wear Protection

Sunscreen Application

Sunscreen is an absolute must at all times! Apply it every 2 hours and every time you get into contact with water. Don’t skip areas such as the ears, nose, shoulders, and even the lips! Make sure you get a bottle that has a minimum of SPF 15.

Rule #2: Make Way for Baby Skin

Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells. Dead skin buildup can block out the rays and cause an uneven tan!

Rule #3: Hydrate and Cool Down

Always keep a tube of moisturiser on you! Pay extra attention to spots that dry out the quickest such as the elbows – dry spots give you an uneven tan. You should also drink a lot of water to keep hydrated while tanning. Once you’re done sunbathing, apply aloe vera to cool your skin down and prevent a burn.

Rule #4: Act Like a Roast

Flip every 15 to 30 minutes to avoid tanning one side more than the other! Make sure both sides get equal access to the sun – don’t forget to lift your arms!

Always make sure to find some shade if you want to nap. Don’t nap under direct sunlight or you could wake up a shade darker than you’d like (and only on one side, yikes!).

Rule #5: Stay Shady

Shades in the SunDon’t leave your sunglasses at home; the sun can actually burn your eyes. Protect your eyes while looking stylish!

Rule #6: Timing is everything

Experts say that you should always avoid sunbathing between 10am to 4pm as this is when the sun is especially ruthless and will most likely give you a burn.

Take it easy! Start tanning for shorter periods (try 10 minutes) and extend your tanning periods from there. Stay away from tanning for more than 2 hours at a time.

Rule #7: Thou Shall Stay Dry

Staying Dry In the SunAfter taking a dip in those inviting waters, be sure to towel yourself dry. Water droplets could act as magnifying glass for sun rays, giving you an uneven tan.

Rule #8 : Cool as You Clean

A shower is essential after tanning to remove the sunscreen and lotions as well as to cool down the skin and prevent a burn. Remember that a burn is not the same as a tan!

Why you should care

Gunning for your next beach holiday? Here’s how to get the healthy glow that you want!

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