The Safest Ways To Get Tanned
If you’re anything like me, you love to get that natural summer tan glow. I’m scottish, which means I more pale than most of those I know and I’m not going to lie, it can be quite the struggle to get tan especially if I don’t want to lay out on the beach for hours on end. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that sunlight is good for us humans. Sunlight alone can boost the chemical in our brains called serotonin which can give us more energy and keep us calm and positive. At the same time, too much sun can be harmful. It can damage our eyes, give us heat exhaustion especially if you’re not drinking enough water and we all know about the sunburn which is the result of too much sun exposure. If you’re curious about how to get tan, but want to do it the safe way, don’t worry as I have here some of the safest ways to get tanned.
It’s simple: Avoid sunbeds at all costs.
Have I used sunbeds in the past? Yes. I have and I can guarantee that you have too. We are not perfect and now that I’m older and know why I shouldn’t use them, I am about to tell you as well. Sunbeds are harmful to our bodies because they give out UV rays which increase your risk of developing skin cancer–both melanoma and nonmelanoma. UVA rays also penetrate the skin, break down the collagen and elastin of the upper layers of the skin. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want permanent damage to my skin or increase the aging of my skin. I also definitely don’t want eye damage since those are highly exposed to the rays as well when you’re in a tanning bed. I bet you didn’t know that approximately 419,000 skin cancer cases in the United States are related to those who have used tanning beds and about 3,000 emergency room visits are because there is too much lamp exposure and from being in the sunbed. So please. Do yourself a favor and don’t use a sunbed. Your skin will thank you as you get older.
Use The Correct Sunscreen
If you are out in the sun or know that you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time, it’s crucial that are you using the correct sunscreen. When choosing the right one, make sure that it is one with Broad Spectrum Protection. This will help protect you from the UVA and UVB rays. You also must make sure that it’s SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. What this means is that it’s the level of protection that the sunscreen provides against the harmful UVB rays. Of course, no sunscreen is perfect and it’s important that you keep reapplying it throughout the day. Here are some of my favorite sunscreens below:
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50 with 100% Mineral Active Ingredients – Water Resistant, Vegan and Fragrance Free. Price: $20.89 from Amazon.
What I love about this SPF is that it comes in either a lotion or spray, there are no harsh chemicals or irritants, it’s hypoallergenic and it’s perfect for extra sensitive skin.
Native Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. Price: $20.00
This sunscreen is reef safe, absorbs quickly, there is no white residue and it’s made with clean ingredients. It’s a mineral sunscreen, free of oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone. It also contains sunflower oil and oil that is derived from coconuts.
Use a natural self-tanner
Spending a large amount of time in the sun can easily do damage to your skin. If you want to get tanned, but it do it in a healthy and safe way, try using a natural self tanner. It’s easy because you don’t have to leave your house to get a tan, nor do you have to spend a lot of money for them as well. Check out some of my favorite natural self-tanners below!
Self Tanner Tanning Lotion, Beauty by Earth. Price: $31.99
Not only is this product gluten free, vegan, and made in the United States, but it’s made for those with sensitive skin and it’s plastic neutral. Some of the key ingredients are: Coconut Oil, Witch Hazel, Cranberries, Vanilla, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Pomegranate Extract. Check out this product if you want to get tanned the all natural way.
Suntegrity Skincare Suntegrity Natural Self Tanner. Price: $36.00
This is probably my all time favorite natural self tanner. Why? It’s made with a blend of organic botanical oils that not only nourish your skin, but give you that summer tan glow you have been wanting since the beginning of summer. Some of the key ingredients are: Organic Sweet Almond and Coconut Oils, Organic Mango Seed and Shea Butters and Organic Rosehip Oil. If you want to get tanned, then purchase this product. You will not regret it!
Stay In The Shade and Cover Up
Stay in the shade and cover up! Yes, you read that correctly. In all honesty, it’s true. If you know that you’re going to be spending a large amount of time outside and in the sun underneath those harmful rays, it’s important that you become prepared and dress accordingly. We only have one body and it’s important that we take care of it the best we can. Make sure to stay in the shade and cover up because this alone will help you avoid that sunburn and prevent you from getting a heat related illness. I know, we all want to get tanned this summer, but is really worth our health? Not always. Just be cautious and listen to your body when it’s sunny or just way too hot out. Check out some of my favorite cover ups below!
