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Safe is Sexy: Get That Tan the Right Way!
Posted by Alison Gardiner on June 19, 2012Any woman who’s about to show off her great bikini wants to have a great tan to go with it. Whether you’re at your own pool, lounging by the hot tub at a resort or playing in the waves on a beautiful beach, you want that healthy glow. The key is to get a wonderful, deep tan without risking your health or ruining your vacation with painful sunburn. You can get that beautiful tan and get it safely by following these guidelines.
Prepare Your Canvas
Just as with using a sunless tanner, getting a great tan naturally requires smooth skin. Dry patches and dead skin will slough off quickly, leaving you with patchy skin tone and a tan that’ll be gone before you get back to work to show it off.
Start with a fresh waxing or shave the day before you head out to bask in the sun. You don’t want to shave or wax the day you go out-oils, lotion and heat can cause an unsightly rash very quickly on freshly waxed or shaven skin, especially on the more delicate bikini line.
Next, slough off dead or rough skin with a good body scrub. Sugar scrubs are great to try, as are loofahs. Pay special attention to ankles, knees, elbow and heels, as the thicker skin in these areas tends to dry out quickly and get rather rough. Once you’re nice and smooth, you’ll be ready to add some color to that silky skin.
Use the Right Products-Often!
No matter how much you want a great tan, you need to use sunscreen. Sunscreen will allow you to tan, but protect you from at least some of the sun’s damaging UV rays. Just one sunburn, even in childhood, can cause skin cancer later. Use a sunscreen with at least a 30SPF and get a waterproof formula. Don’t forget to reapply, though; waterproof doesn’t mean waterproof forever. You’ll still need to reapply your sunscreen at least every three hours. Forget suntan oils and opt for lotion instead; it will last longer but still allow you great color. When you apply, don’t forget your eyebrows, eyelids, the tops of your ears and the tops of your feet. These areas burn very quickly and often get little sunscreen.
When to Sun and When to Shade
The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11:00am and 1:00pm. If at all possible, avoid sunbathing during this time. Take cover under a beach umbrella or just wait until after 1:00pm to hit the beach or pool. You can still get some great sun tanning time in before 11:00 and after 1:00; you just get it more safely.
Keep That Tan Looking Great Longer
How you care for your skin after sunbathing has a lot to do with how long you have your tan and how great it will look. Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within. Apply aloe and a good body butter after every day in the sun to keep your skin soft and supple. You lose your tan when dead skin cells slough off. Keep them longer by keeping them moisturized.