The weather is getting warmer, which likely means you’ll want
to spend more time in the sun. The longer you stay outdoors in the warm
weather, the more the sun’s rays will darken your complexion. While this can
give you a beautiful bronze glow, it’s important to know how to protect your
skin from the damaging effects of the sun while you take in all the outdoor fun
the summer season has to offer.
It’s helpful to know that you’re not alone when it comes to
wanting tanned, healthy skin. The American Academy of Dermatology conducted a
survey that revealed that of the 7,100 people who participated in the survey,
80% said that they were concerned about skin cancer. However, 72% of surveyed
participants said that they found tanned people more attractive than people
with pale skin. Teens also associated being beautiful with tanned skin and
shared that they felt skin with a tan was healthy. The Skin Cancer also asserts
that teenagers are more susceptible to skin cancer, because their cells are
changing and dividing quicker than adult cells.
If you want to get a safe and effective sun-kissed tan,
exfoliate your skin before going outside. This gets rid of the dead skin cells
at the surface and exposes skin that will tan evenly. Exfoliation also takes
away excess dirt and oil from the skin and can prevent breakouts and ingrown
hairs. You can use a salt or sugar scrub to exfoliate; mix the sugar or salt
with an essential oil that soothes the skin, like lavender or geranium, and
combine with scentless carrier oil like almond or avocado oil. Apply the
mixture all over the skin and rinse thoroughly before adding sunscreen and
heading outdoors.
Sunscreen is a must for going outdoors no
matter the season, but especially during the summer. Choose a sunscreen that
has both UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of between 30 and 50. A sunscreen
that is waterproof is also a great idea if you’re going swimming or will sweat
from working out. Reapply sunscreen every hour or two to keep your skin
protected and to prevent sunburn and uneven tanning. Natural ingredients like
cocoa and shea butter can also help you to get the tanned look you want, since
these have a low SPF and provide the skin with lots of moisture.
It’s also important that you don’t spend too much time in the
sun. While laying out on the beach all day will give you a sun-kissed tan that
will last for about 24 hours, you may notice that your skin is sunburned as
well, which can be painful and unsightly. Divide your time in the sun by
spending an hour or two in the sun at a time, and taking breaks tore-moisturize or add more sun protection as needed. Oils like coconut and olive
oils can also be helpful in giving you a sun-kissed glow while conditioning the
skin and shielding you from sunburn. Enjoy your time in the sun!
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