It’s summer again, which means days spend in the garden, on the beach and having fun in the sun. For most of us, even a little bit of a tan makes us feel like we look healthier, but the risks from sun exposure are very real and can lead to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and even cancer. But are there ways to tan safely, to avoid the nasty side-effects? Well, all sun exposure carries some risk, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
Never, EVER, use sunbeds
There’s a bit of a myth that using a sunbed before you go on holiday will somehow “start off” your tan and protect you from burning, and it’s absolutely untrue. Sunbeds are totally unregulated and are one of the leading causes of melanoma, as pump out huge amounts of UVA and virtually no UVB (which stimulates vitamin D), and can increase your risk of skin cancer by 75%. The very best way to avoid damage from sunbeds is simply to never use them as they’re just not worth the risk.
Use the Right Sun Protection
Don’t ever just opt for the cheapest one, sunscreen should be good quality, not a bargain. If you’re planning on spending time in the water, opt for a sport sunscreen and if you have fair skin you should be using a sunscreen which offers AT LEAST SPF50 protection for your skin. Remember to reapply every half an hour to an hour, depending on how much time you plan on spending in the sun.
Find Some Shade
Another myth about tanning is that you need to be in direct sunlight for a colour to develop. Finding shade from the sun will reduce UV intensity and your sunburn risk and means your tan will be healthier and longer-lasting. It also means that you’ll avoid that awful lobster effect if you don’t get burnt, because no-one looks great with scarlet skin.
Protect Yourself from Within
It might sound crazy, but there are lots of things that you can eat which help to protect you from the sun. An antioxidant found in tomatoes, and other red and orange fruit and veg, it can boost your sun protection by a whopping 33%. One of the best sources is tomato paste.
Fake it to Make it
The very best way to get a sun tan without any risk to yourself is to use a fake tan. Decleor Gradual Glow Hydrating Body Milk is a light moisturiser which contains a gradual tanning lotion. It’s the perfect treatment to offer intense nourishment to the body as well as gradually enhance it with a beautifully natural golden glow.
Last updated on 10/07/2018.