Thank God it's summer - time to put away those bulky sweaters and whip out your newest tankini/Speedo. But there's one problem: you're so pale that mimes are hailing you as their new leader. You definitely need a little bit of color, but you're also worried about going outside with all of those dangerous UV rays raining down on you.
We have to make one thing crystal clear: there is no such thing as a "safe" tan. By going out in the sun unprotected, you risk:
Getting wrinkly early-aged skin
Getting nasty, painful sunburns
Getting skin cancer
Now who wants that?
"So," you're thinking, "what's the difference between SPF and UV index? And why do I need to know? I want to score a tan, not enter a science fair." Here's the answer: if you truly want to develop your inner George Hamilton, you have to learn the lingo. The first step in becoming a golden god or goddess is to figure out what all those strange abbreviations mean. So let's learn the lingo of tanning.
Providing a definition of "tanning" isn't as stupid as it seems. A tan occurs when the skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation (commonly called "UV rays"). As a response, the skin produces a substance known as melanin, which darkens the skin's outer layers. While many believe that a tan makes us appear healthier, a tan is actually a sign that the skin has been damaged. It's similar to the beginning stages of a burn.
"UV index" is just a fancy term given to the way scientists measure how much ultraviolet radiation is hitting the earth's surface at a given point in the day. UV is an invisible light that is always present, though in varying degrees. There are actually two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. They're both bad, so you'll want to make sure that your tanning products specify that they guard against both.
The actual index is measured from 0 to 10+, so if you're considering sunbathing, it's a good idea to flip on the weather channel or check out a map and see the day's UV index. The higher the number on the index, the greater the amount of exposure you will have to ultraviolet radiation. So you MUST be careful of the sun on days with a high UV index. If you stay in the sun too long, you will burn and peel and then you will be beached like a whale cause it will hurt to move.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. All sunscreens are given a number between 4 and 30 so you'll have to determine which one is best for you. Most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. However, the level of protection a person needs is usually based upon his/her tanning history. For example, people with pale complexions who should shoot for a SPF of 30, while people with darker complexions may need a SPF of as little as 4. To be safe, its always best to ask a pharmacist which SPF would work best for you. And since most drugstores have pharmacists, you can get this info for free. Good thing too, since you'll probably need extra dough to buy all the beer that you'll likely find on sale in the aisle next to the sunblock.
Sunscreen is different from sun block. If you want to stay longer under the sun then you should opt for Sunscreen. Sunblock protects you from UV rays but it doesn't contain SPF therefore it protects you in a short amount of time.
Here are the rules for tanning:
Try to avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., since that's when UV rays are at their strongest.
Make sure that your sunscreen is waterproof. If you're thinking you don't need sunscreen because you will be swimming, think again. UV rays can reach up to nine feet in water and it will be harder to feel your skin burn as you swim.
Reapply sunscreen every 20 minutes.
Apply sunscreen on days that look overcast too, since clouds are able to block only 20% of radiation.
The clothes you wear can also have an impact upon whether you burn or tan. When not swimming, it's important that you wear loose fitting clothes that aren't transparent. Stick with light colors since dark clothes attract the sun. This is also your chance to go dramatic since most dermatologists recommend wearing a hat in the sun.
Of course, no sun-worshipping outfit would be complete without a pair of sunglasses. The sunglasses you buy don't have to be expensive, but they should be able to block all UVA and UVB radiation. If you can't tell, don't buy them. Exposing your eyes to the sun can result in vision loss and damage to the cornea. Besides, everyone looks good in sunglasses, so make sure you get a pair you like.
Now you're asking me how I know all of this? I'm a beach bum!!! I love the beach and getting a tan is part of the experience! Now, enjoy the sun and have a great vacation.
Snapshots:Summer must haves
naturally uplifting and refreshing that can boost your mood anytime of the day. Citrus scents are in this summer and this is a cheap one. Available at Bench. You would like to smell yummy and fresh and not gucky this summer. So stay away from those musky perfumes it is more acceptable to use it at night. It's not a summer thing!
Nivea Sun Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 30+ is definitely a sunscreen that works. It's probably because it takes quite a while for you to rub it in as it is so thick.
A classic wash board denim shorts is a must have this summer. It goes a long with whatever summer shirt you have. It's also available at bench.
