One of the best parts of summer is getting to go to the beach, lay in the sun and soak up all kinds of vitamin D. Most teens don't really see the severity of those summer tans & winter tanning beds but it can be seriously damaging to your skin leaving you with freckles, wrinkles, sun spots & even skin cancer, which can be deadly. I faced this reality when my uncle went to get a check up and a basal cell was found on his forehead. A basal cell isn't as bad as other skin cancers but has the potential to grow into a more dangerous cancer if it isn't removed. I won't post the picture due to how gruesome it is but imagine a golf ball size hole in his forehead in order to remove the one basal cell.
In my opinion, getting a tan the fast way, tanning beds, no sunscreen, direct exposure, is not worth the risk of cancer or the possibility of having tons of sunspots and wrinkles. Although, I definitely want to have a good summer tan and maintain it into the cold, pale winter months. Therefore, I have developed a way to get a great tan without damaging your skin permanently. Here's how:
Step One: Sunscreen.
Sunscreen is a blessing. I use a foundation that has SPF 50 and then I use concealer that is SPF 30 on my nose and cheeks. I use a bronzing sunscreen that is SPF 50 on my chest and shoulders because that area is super sensitive to sunlight & then a bronzing SPF 30 on my legs, stomach, & arms.
Step Two: Semi-Shade.
For the first day I'm in the sun I sit in the shade for the first hour or so, then I'll reapply on my face and lay out in the sun for an hour. It's super important to move around because then your tan will be even and you won't be in direct exposure.
Step Three: Reapply sunscreen.
I reapply sunscreen every two hours and sometimes even more on my face if I feel myself getting burnt. This seems extreme but I would much rather do that then peel like crazy & be so burnt I could barely smile when I forgot to reapply last spring break… yikes.
Step Four: Swim.
Swimming is fun, good for you, & helps get your back tan without having to awkwardly lay on your stomach for hours on end. Also it can help you not feel so sticky with all the sunscreen on.
Step Five: Maintain it & work it.
Three words- Sunlabs Tanning Lotion. It goes on so dark and helps you maintain and keep your skin super dark. I use this once a week during the spring and summer and twice a week when I'm a little more pale. This stuff is gold. You can order it on amazon for about $20 and the bottle will last you a long time. Also don't forget to moisturize and use lotion to keep your skin healthy and avoid peeling, wrinkles and just dry skin over all
I hope these tips help! Enjoy your summer and get a safe tan!
