How to Tan Safely Using Sunscreen

The key to tanning safely is building it over time by using a good sunscreen. Although sun worshipers might think sunscreens can inhibit their tans, it actually shields them from getting burned and can help to develop their tans over time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Take precautions to help you tan safely. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 that hydrates your skin while protecting it. La Roche-Posay, with Anthelios SX, is making waves for its moisturizing quality and protection against harmful UVA rays.
2. Apply sunscreen thoroughly and evenly to get a consistent tan. Start at your feet and work your way upward to your face, being sure to cover all those hard-to-reach areas like your upper back, shoulders and the back of your legs. If you do not apply sunscreen thoroughly, you will not get an even tan.
3. Use more sunscreen the closer you happen to be to the equator. It is a good idea to take additional measures while vacationing in high-altitude areas, as UV radiation increases in areas above sea level. You may want to refresh your skin while tanning in such places by using Eucalyptus Skin Mist made by Raw Botanicals, which can restore the skin's lipids.
4. Protect yourself from the sun more aggressively while taking certain medications. The antibiotic doxycycline can make you more susceptible to sunburn. Other prescribed and over-the-counter medications can cause photo-allergic reactions, including the common antihistamine benadryl.
5. Take extra safety measures while tanning between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are peaking. Start using your chosen sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before you go into the sun. Doing so will give the sunscreen enough time to absorb into your skin.
6. Try using a tinted sunscreen product to enhance your golden tan safely. A tinted sunscreen can provide an even, tanned glow to your skin, moisturizing and protecting it at the same time. Juice Beauty's tinted lotion is a good choice, since it combines mineral-based moisturizers, full-spectrum SPF, organic juices and antioxidants.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid heavy creams or zinc-oxide oils that are labeled sunblock, since they typically do not have an SPF rating and are designed to block off all UV rays, leaving you little in the way of that bronzed look you desire.