Excited for the summer tan? Don’t forget safety!

Americans love their tan, but often some people don’t show much concern for the alarming increase in skin cancer and other skin conditions. Lack of sun safety increases the risk of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a risk factor for skin cancer.

Melanin protects the skin from the sun, but it is not enough. Overexposure to sunlight causes wrinkles, freckles, and other physical changes. The following tips will help you achieve your desired tan without damaging your skin.

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1. Exfoliate
   Exfoliation removes dead skin from the upperlayers on the skin and enables fresh skin to appear. Exfoliation also removes dirt and oil that clog pores in the skin and also evens out your skin tone, preparing you for the best tan outdoors.
2. Sunscreen
   Many people erroneously believe that sunscreen blocks the tanning process. On the contrary, sunscreen enables you to spend more time under the skin without experiencing additional skin damage. Buy sunscreen that has a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) or go for “broad spectrum” products that can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
3. Added Protection
   Aim for an even tan, which means you should wear your shades and hat when you go out. Your eyes and the skin around them are highly susceptible to UV damage, and failure to protect this area can cause both skin and eye conditions.
4. Avoid Overexposure to Sunlight
   Even with protection, do not overexpose your skin to sunlight. Instead of spending hours at the beach, break your tanning time into half-hour and-hour sessions. This also helps your body to rejuvenate its production of melanin.

The best time for tanning is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during sunny days. Lastly, don’t forget to give your skin time to repair itself before your next outdoor visit.

Fatima M.
Freelance Blogger