There
is nothing that lifts your sprits like spending time
in the sunshine. However, you need to take special
care of your skin against the potential dangers of
sun tanning.
Your
safe tan plan
Apply
suntan lotion (block )
before you go into the sun and before you dress, to
ensure that you don't miss any areas.
Gradually build up the time you spend in the sun.
Never be tempted to burn - it's a sign of skin damage.
Stay out of the sun between 12 noon and 3 o'clock
when the sun is at its hottest. Move into the shade
or cover up with a T-shirtand broad-brimmed hat.
If you're playing a lot of sports or swimming, choose
a special sports formula or waterproof formulation.
Lips need a good lip screen to protect them from burning
and chapping.
Like skincare ranges, there are hypo-allergenic sun
care products around, so ask at your pharmacist.
Join
the brownies - with a fake tan
The safest tan of all is one that comes out of a bottle.
There are three main ways to fake a tan.
-
Bronzing
powders : Use powders on your face in
the same way as a blusher. Make sure that the one
you use is not too pearlized, or you'll really shimmer
in the sunshine.
-
Wash-off
tanners : This is the simplest way to
create an instant tan on your face and body. You
simply smooth on the cream and then wash it away
at the end of the day.
-
Self
tanners :
Formulations contain an active ingredient called
dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is absorbed by the
surface skin cells and turns brown in the presence
of oxygen - which creates the "tan". This
process usually takes three to four hours, and the
effects last until these skin cells are naturally
shed — which can be from a few days up to a
week. Self tanners make an acceptable alternative
to the real thing.
Self-tanning tips
Use a body scrub first to rub away the de ad
flaky skin that can soak up colour and create a patchy
finish.
Massage in plenty of body lotion over the area to be
treated. This will combat any remaining dry areas and
give a smooth surface on which to apply the tanning
lotion.
If there's a shade choice, go with the lighter one,
because you can always apply a second layer later on.
Work the product firmly into the skin until it feels
completely dry. Any excess left on the surface is likely
to go patchy.
If
you've applied self tanner to your body, wipe areas
that don't normally tan with damp cotton wool pads
(cotton balls) — armpits, soles of feet and fingers.
On the face, work the cotton wool around eyebrows,
hairline and jaw line.
While
there are self-tanning products that offer some protection
from the sun until you wash your skin, it's best to
use them in conjunction with the best sun-screen for
your skin type.
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