With summer approaching and the school year coming to a close, girls and boys are breaking out the shorts and skin baring tank tops in order to dress for the weather. Most students, especially girls, prefer to be tan while wearing their summer attire. However, many people do not know how to tan “safely”. While there’s really no such thing as a healthy, safe tan, it is possible to reduce the negative effects of tanning by following these tips
1) Try tanning in the morning. It is not as hot out and the sun tends to give off less UV rays.
2) Well hydrated skin is less likely to burn, so make sure to drink lots of fluids throughout the day
3) Sunscreen does not prevent you from getting a tan; it lessens the damage of the Sun’s UV rays and allows you to extend your time in the sun without getting as burned. It is important to reapply often.
4) After spending time in the sun, apply lotion or moisturizers to extend your tan and keep your skin hydrated.
5) A fifth option is to use a self tanning spray, or lotion. This alternative method to traditional tanning can give you the same affect as would laying out or tanning in a bed, in less time, and effort.
You do not need to eliminate the sun entirely in order to protect yourself from getting sun-burned or skin damage, nor do you need to lie out in the sun for hours without drinking or using sunscreen to get a tan. It needs to be understood that there is no real healthy way to tan, but in moderation, while making the right accommodations, the decision is entirely yours whether to tan or not to tan.