Summer is right around the corner, and while for most people that means getting a good tan and relaxing in the summer sun, that isn't always the case for us pale girls. For us, summer can be rough.
We have to be extra cautious about our skin because our sunburns can be brutal and lead to even bigger and scarier skin problems down the road. However, just because we're pale doesn't mean we can't have an amazing summer!
Here are 11 tips, tricks, and products to help my pale sisters survive the sweltering summer sun.
WEAR SUNSCREEN.
This is a given, but it needs to be said anyway. For the longest time, I would avoid wearing sunscreen because I hated the smell, but now that I'm older and wiser (and have had a few too many rough sunburns,) I never spend a day in the sun without it, and you shouldn't either. If you hate the smell as I did, try a brand that doesn't smell like regular sunscreens, like this one.
Wear sunscreen...with self tanner in it.
If you are pale sister that is trying to become a tan sister (or at least a less pale sister) I HIGHLY recommend a sunscreen with a little bit of self tanner in it. While these types of sunscreen tend to offer less protecting from UV rays than regular sunscreen, they're still much better than exposing your bare skin to the sun all day. This one is my personal favorite.
Invest in an after sun gel with aloe vera in it.
Even when you wear sunscreen, sometimes sunburns are inevitable. Regardless of how severe the burn is, it is important to treat every sunburn with aloe vera to avoid further damage to your skin. I love this one, which also has lidocaine in it to numb the pain.
If you DO happen to get sunburned, menthol shaving cream can help...
Applying a shaving cream with menthol in it like this one to your sunburn can help take the sting away and turn it into a tan (after you apply aloe vera, of course.)
...as can vinegar...
Pure apple cider vinegar like this one applied to a sunburn for a few minutes before you bathe has been proven to help treat sunburns.
...and Earl Grey tea!
Many people also swear by using Earl Grey tea to treat sunburns, either by applying the bags directly to the burn after they've cooled off, or adding a little Earl Grey to a cool bath.
Use self tanner for a week or so before spending a lot of time in the sun.
While everyone's skin is vulnerable to sun damage, even people who are very tan, you can minimize your chances of sunburn by getting an artificial tan before you are going to be exposed to a lot of sun. Plus, you will look great. I personally love Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer, because it always looks really natural and doesn't get as streaky since you use it in the shower.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
This is essential no matter what time of year it is or how dark your skin is. Your skin is your largest organ, and it deserves just as much care as the rest of your body.
Drink LOTS of water.
You should be drinking 8 glasses of water a day AT MINIMUM. This will work wonders for your entire body, not just your skin. If you're going to be in the sun for a long time, you're much more likely to become dehydrated. Invest in a good reusable bottle like this one and take it with you EVERYWHERE.
Wear a hat and/or sunglasses in the sun.
Investing in a large hat like one of these will help protect your scalp, face, and neck from the sun, and investing in a good pair of sunglasses like these will protect your eyes from sun damage.
Wear some type of lip balm with sunscreen in it.
Your lips are vulnerable to sunburn too, so wearing a good lip balm like Carmex that has SPF can save you from a lot of future pain.
