Apply These Secrets to a Perfect Tan

Try these secret tips to a perfect tan

Last month we looked into preparing our skins for the summer. So we thought a few tips to a Perfect Tan would not go a miss.

As we all know, keeping our body hydrated within (by drinking water) and out (by moisturising) is very important. Not only to avoid sunstroke, cystitis, and other unwanted side effects but also to give our skin elasticity and a healthy, moisturised look.

Skin that's well hydrated will tan better than dusty, dry skin. Before you expose your skin, do prepare it so to tan well and evenly. For tips, refer to last month's newsletter Get your skin ready for Summer.

I hope these tips will help you achieve a safe, healthy, and beautiful tan. Keep it all in moderation! And don't forget to buy a great book to read!

Always Use Sun Protection

Beware, even if you don't get burned UVA and UVB rays can still harm your skin so always use SPF protection. If you're afraid it will prevent you from getting darker, think again. Your skin renews itself every ten days, so the slower you tan, the longer it will last. If you are going to sit out for only 30 to 60 minutes at a time, be it at that lovely cafe near you with tables outside, in the garden or even on the beach put on a minimum of SPF 4 -30, depending on how fair your complexion is and how much base you've already built up.

Sun lotion

Everybody's skin is different, therefore it is important you ensure the one you have chosen works for you. Our skin can become sensitive under the sun and react. If you get prickly heat avoid applying sunscreen cream, instead use sunscreen oils. Apply a stronger SPF factor on your face and don't forget to use a lip balm on your lips with a minimum of SPF 30. Burnt lips are very painful!

Dos and Don't of Sunbathing

If you have light skin, you will need to use a higher SPF rating than if you have darker skin.
Regardless of what your skin complexion is or how much base you have built up, always use a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15.
Ideally, apply sunscreen in the shade and let it soak in for 20 minutes before you go into the sun.
Read your sunscreen's label! How often you need to re-apply, especially if you are going to be in the water. If you are swimming, ensure it is water-resistant and re-apply as soon as you come out.
If you are constantly in the water, consider a waterproof sunscreen.
As a rule of thumb, re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours but again read the label to be sure.
Use a lip balm with at least SPF 30 - as mentioned, burn lips are very painful and unattractive too.
If you are with a friend or a loved one ask them to keep an eye on you. They will probably notice your change of colouring more then you will. 'Better safe than sorry' is the motto here!

Get An Even Tan

For an even tan whilst lying down, remember to keep alternating your position from supine (on you back), to the prone (on your tummy) every 15 - 30 minutes. When tanning your front have your arms up and when you turn on your stomach keep your arms out.
Moving about is perfect to get that great, all-over tan: front, back, sides, and places where the sun doesn't normally shine, such as underarms. Here are a few ideas: Play Frisbee, bat, and ball, run around, yoga, or if at the beach, make a sandcastle.

Protect your eyes Your eyes can burn too, so either wear a hat or just keep your eyes closed. Doing this rather than wearing sunglasses will also help you achieve a deeper tan. This is because bright light on your optic nerve stimulates the hypothalamus gland, which in turn causes the production of melanin. The benefit is you also don't end up with white marks around your eyes. However, if you are keeping your eyes open do put your shades on.

Be Careful!

When you're feeling drowsy curl up under an umbrella so you don't fall asleep and risk sunburn.
If you notice redness developing on your skin, get out of the light, you're already burned, and continuing to bake yourself will only deepen the burn and increase your risk of serious damage.

Dress For Success

Take a look at the picture - This lady's swimming costume is pretty but asks yourself: "Would it suit my summer wardrobe?". Always, choose swimming wear similar to your summer clothes and if you can skip the one piece swimsuit altogether, it will help you avoid a patchwork quilt tan. No visible tan lines or very discreet ones is best! So:

if you have many halter neck tops, maybe think of a similar bikini top.
if you tend to have low cut backs, remember to undo your bikini top whilst sunbathing on your tummy, so to avoid a line across your back.
If you like spaghetti tops, you know where I am going with this, right?..

Shower after

Taking a shower after sunbathing is always a good idea in order to remove all the lotion, oils or salt. A cold shower will refresh you and cool your body down. It will firm up your skin too! Ensure you moisturise after or the bronze will become patchy. An after sun with Aloe Vera is soothing and will calm your skin if too much sun was had.

Good to Read: Try these Summer Hair Care Tips

Exfoliate Regularly As per last month's newsletter, make sure you exfoliate regularly. Once or twice a week is ideal. This is to avoid build-up or to prevent the dead skin from blocking the sun rays. Forgetting to exfoliate may result in an uneven tan, so if you are already darker, scrub lightly, so as not to get all the colour out. If you're looking for a natural scrub you can make your own. Have a look at our recipe in June 2016's newsletter.

Moisturise daily

As we mentioned before, moisturise your body at least once a day but ideally try to moisturise every morning and every evening. Making your skin as silky as possible, it helps you tan better. Concentrate on the more problematic areas, the ones that dry the quickest such as knees, elbows, feet, etc. as they can cause an uneven tan.