How to Get a Nice Tan
While trying to achieve perfectly tanned skin, less is always more. By tanning too much or too often you may come across as having leathery, orange-colored and peeling skin. To avoid this look, whilst on your next vacation in the sun (or trip to the tanning salon) keep in mind the following tips and you will be rewarded with glowing, natural looking, bronzed skin. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Face lotion with an SPF of 15 to 60
- Face lotion or oil with an SPF of at least 15
- Lip balm with an SPF of at least 15
- Exfoliating products: washcloth or loofah and body scrub
- Unscented body lotion
- Body lotion containing Aloe Vera
Instructions
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How to Get a Nice Tan Outdoors
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1
Purchase a lotion or tanning oil with an SPF of at least 15. Using anything less than this at the beginning stages of your tan can cause you to burn. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF of at least 30 to avoid harmful UVA and UVB rays. Don't forget to buy a SPF infused lip balm and face lotion as well.
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Apply the product to your skin at least a half an hour before you lay out, giving it time to properly absorb into your skin.
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3
Rotate the positions in which you face the sun for the most even, natural looking tan. Though this might sound like common sense, you would be surprised at how many tanners only focus on tanning the fronts of their bodies.
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Reapply sunblock every two hours or after swimming or heavily perspiring.
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Limit your direct sun exposure to less than 45 minutes a day. You can achieve a natural tan just by laying out for two to four hours a week.
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After laying out, immediately apply a body lotion containing Aloe Vera to help prolong your tan, soothe your skin and prevent any future peeling.
How to Get a Nice Tan Indoors
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Locate a tanning salon and make an appointment. Let whomever you speak with know if are a first-time tanner so that they can walk you through the tanning booth basics upon your arrival.
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Arrive at your tanning appointment with the proper undergarments (or none, if you choose). You can either wear a bikini or remain nude if you are partial to tan lines.
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Gradually build up the amount of time you spend in the booth at each session. If you have pale skin, your first visit should only be for about 25 percent of the booth's maximum time allotment in minutes. Increase your time by just a few minutes at each session.
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Tan twice a week until you have reached your desired look. Once you like what you see, you will only have to return about once a week to maintain your beautiful, new tan.
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Tips & Warnings
Whether tanning indoors or out, it is important to prep by exfoliating your skin beforehand. This will help your skin rid itself of dead skin cells and allow for a smoother, more even tan. Use a store bought or homemade body scrub paired with a washcloth or loofah. After the shower and while your skin is still damp, apply an unscented body lotion, which will help seal in a layer of moisture over your entire skin.
To decrease your risks of sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer, limit or avoid your exposure to the sun.
