SUN PROTECTION
The harmful effects of solar radiation are no longer in question. Continuous overexposure can result in a spotty skin due to constant stimulation of the pigment cells, but also in keratosis, disc epithelial cancer or melanoma.
Completely refraining from the sun, however, isn’t a reasonable alternative for most of us. And, thankfully, you can indeed continue to live as usual - surfing, water skiing, tanning on the beach - as long as you're protecting yourself. Equip yourself with sun protection with a sufficient sun protection factor, or SPF for short. This becomes especially important if you are in, on, or next to any water that reflects the sunrays and increases your risk of damage. Planning a holiday in a warm country? Then make sure to use products with at least an SPF factor of 20 throughout your stay. And don’t get fooled into thinking that over time you can switch to a lower SPF - that’s not how it works, but you will get a tan anyway, it’s a promise!
Use sun protection on all exposed skin. Ask your partner to help you with all the hard to get to places (which also gives you an opportunity to return the favour). Reapply after any time spent in the water, even if the label claims the product is waterproof. Wiping yourself with a towel also removes some of the sunscreen, so applying more cream once an hour is a good idea when tanning.
The sensitive area around your lips needs particular protection, and there are special sticks with protective and nurturing properties just for this purpose. Make sure to also apply the product a fair bit outside the lips themselves.
Please remember that the effects of the sun can also be particularly harmful when skiing. Because snow functions as a reflector, just as the ocean does.
SELECTED SUN LOTIONS
See more sun lotions here
TANNING OIL
A tanning oil that moisturizes the skin can help you to achieve that really deep bronze hue. Be careful though because tanning oil offers less, or sometimes even none at all, protection from the sun.
after sun
An after-sun product will have a cooling effect on hot skin and soothe skin that’s been overexposed to the sun. Adding much needed moisture also dramatically reduces the effects of sunburn.
SELF-TANNING
Gradual body tanners lotions, or self-tanners, are definitely underrated among consumers. Because it’s no longer true that using these products results in an instantly recognizable yellow or orange-tinted tan. Today there are many high quality products offering a golden tan, one as close to the real thing as you could possibly get.
The advantage of using self-tanning products is naturally to avoid all the harmful side effects and damage a real tan entails, such as wrinkles, cancer etc. However, there’s also a few minor things to keep in mind when using self-tanning lotions.
1 It may be a good idea to gently peel your body with a brush or a sponge before applying the lotion. The reason for this is that an even tan may be difficult to achieve with an uneven distribution of dead skin already on your body. Use a facial scrub cream to treat you face in a similar way (as a brush may be too coarse for your more delicate facial skin).
2 Then, apply a moisturizer to all parts of your body where you plan on using the self-tanning lotion, and this especially applies to dry knees and elbows, doing so will result in a better and more even tan.
3Only ever use the product on areas that would normally get tanned. The bottom of your feet for example, is a self-tanners no-go-zone.
4Achieving a smooth result while applying self-tanning-lotion to your own back can be difficult. So notifying your partner that you could use some help later might be good idea. Or your neighbour, if that is how the stars are aligned.
5Once you are done, be especially thorough when washing the palm of your hands, between your fingers, and the inside of your wrists. Because the palms of your hands is another place that would normally never get tanned.
6Go about naked, or in your underwear, for a couple of hours until the lotion is completely absorbed by the skin. If you notice a strange aroma as the lotion starts doing its work it is nothing to worry about, it’s just the ingredients that are getting activated.
7 Be careful not to let the lotion drip or splash where it does not belong. If bad luck strikes it is best to wipe it up immediately, so make sure to use the lotion in an easy-to-clean environment. Avoid porous surfaces such as wood, tiles with grout, and bathroom carpets. If the lotion gets into the grout you can try cleaning it with one part of bleach mixed with four parts of water.
8 The product may also stain textile as pigment is released from the skin and transferred to your towels, bed sheets and clothes. However, unless the garment is white or really pale, a 40°C wash will usually take care of any stains. Care label allowing, a higher temperature wash along with stain removal products can be used to deal with any remaining stains. Silk and wool can be treated with a lukewarm solution of washing-up liquid before being washed as usual.
9 Do you use self-tanning products often? If so, it might be a good idea to buy a dark-coloured bath towel because the product you are using will eventually stain textiles it comes in contact with. Or get a dark-coloured Bath Sheet which may also be practical for sleeping on, in case you want to apply the lotion in the evening and wash off any excess product the next morning.
GET A NATURAL TAN
