How to Tan Without Burning

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Protect your skin while tanning

Most health officials agree that tanning in any form is not good for your skin. But for those who must tan, there are a couple of options to choose from.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Self-tanners
Bikinis
Sunscreen
Aloe Vera Gel
Loofahs
Beach Towels
Swimming Trunks

Sunning

Step 1

Start with 10 or 15 minutes of exposure to the sun or a tanning lamp, and gradually increase the time as your body becomes more tanned.
Step 2

Start with a sunscreen with an SPF factor of under 15, but no less than 8.
Step 3

Keep skin moisturized with after-sun lotion--preferably with aloe--to make your tan last.

Tanning Lotion

Step 1

Buy cream or spray-on tanning lotion.
Step 2

Test the product on a small area of skin for adverse reactions.
Step 3

Scrub away dead skin with a loofah pad before applying lotion.
Step 4

Rub tanning lotion into skin thoroughly. (You may want to wear rubber gloves to do this.) Pay special attention to the backs of your knees, elbows, ankles and tan lines.
Step 5

Wipe away excess lotion to avoid an uneven or creased tan.
Step 6

Wash hands (or gloves) thoroughly with soap and water after applying lotion.
Step 7

Wait 15 minutes before getting skin wet.

Comments

suzalicie said

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on 7/20/2009 I tan, because I enjoy being outside and reading at the beach. I always wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, and have a nice even tan. Burning doesn't happen if you are careful and protect your skin. Sunscreen needs to be applied more than once if you are in the sun for more than an hour or so.

cosmopinkice said

on 5/28/2009 This article has no warnings the risk associated with tanning and cancer.

kikimox said

on 5/23/2009 Why is there a resource link for makeup when the article is for Tanning??? Don't you think a link for tanning would be MUCH more appropriate???

on 5/23/2009 The warnings are not clear on the dangers of tanning and the statement "Cheap tanning lotions will turn your skin orange" is NOT true. Certain bronzers is what can make your skin turn orange and not all lotions contain bronzers. Also there are bronzers that are cheap that do not do this. I ran a tanning salon for over 5 years and that statement is bull.