5 Tips for a Beautiful – and Safe – Summer Sun Tan
As summer temperatures increase, so too does the desire to get that perfect, glowing sun tan. But whether you're holidaying in the UK or going abroad to catch some rays, there's always a risk of overdoing it – which can result in that 'lobster' look, and can even affect your long-term health. Here are 5 tips for getting a great tan the healthy way...
- Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin will help you get the best results from an outdoor tan. By doing so you will remove dead skin cells and allow new skin cells to appear. Using a face scrub – such as oatmeal or salt – can help even your skin tone and un-clog pores. With dead skin cells removed, your skin will be shallower and your tan should last longer. It's easy to make body scrubs at home, here's a great recipe on how to make a coconut and lime sugar scrub.
- Apply Sun Block
To some sun-worshipers, the application of sun block goes against the aim of getting the perfect tan. But you'll still tan while wearing sunscreen – and for the sake of your health, it is better that you do. The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the more protected your skin will be from ultraviolet B rays, which burn your skin and increase your chances of developing skin cancer. Choose a sunblock that protects against UVA rays, which can also be carcinogenic.
- Apply ENOUGH Sun Block
If you're spending several hours out in the sun, then a quick, thin application of sunscreen in the morning simply isn't enough. According to the Food and Drug Administration in the US, you should apply around 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimetre. In real-life terms, approximately two tablespoons applied over exposed parts of the body is the standard rule. Don't forget to apply sunblock 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun, and reapply every two hours – or after aquatic activity.
- Slowly but Surely...
It's very important not to overexpose your skin – a common problem for people with fair skin. You should tan in short periods of 30-60 minutes per day, giving your skin time to produce skin-protecting melanin. There is no fast-track route to a healthy tan – if you spend six solid hours in the sun, you may appear to have a good tan for the day – but you'll soon peer into the mirror and see a rather 'embarrassed' or 'lobster-like' person. A relaxed approach to tanning will eliminate the risk of red or peeling skin – and will help to keep you safe under the sun. Try to avoid tanning between midday and 3pm, when UV strength is at its highest.
- Sunglasses and a Hat
While sunglasses and a hat may seem to go against getting a tan, they actually help you achieve that healthy, even bronzing – safely. Your eyes and the skin surrounding them are especially sensitive to UV rays. Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and some eye cancers can result from overexposure to UV rays.
Look for sunglasses that are labelled "UV absorption up to 400 nm" – which means they should block at least 99 per cent of harmful UV rays. Avoid counterfeit products which may not be accurately labelled, and choose wrap around or big-framed sunglasses, since they help protect your eyes from many angles. Avoid falling asleep in the sun with sunglasses on and you'll avoid 'panda eyes' syndrome.
A hat is another sure-fire way of protecting your skin from direct UV rays. Aim for a broad-brimmed hat of two- to three-inches, which will protect your whole face as well as your neck and ears. A baseball cap will only protect the front of your face. Even if you don't think you look good in hats, remember there is one thing much more important than looking good – your health!
Get Protected this Summer!
Making sure you enjoy the sun safely is just one way of ensuring you have a great summer. Taking out a high quality, comprehensive travel insurance policy that best meets your needs is also of paramount importance. If you fall ill or are injured whilst on holiday, the medical bills could be very large. Travel cover from starttravel.co.uk includes at least £5 million for Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses (with Essential cover), rising to £10 million with our 5-Star cover.
Here's a rundown of the benefits offered by our best 5-Star travel insurance policy:
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- £2,000 Personal Effects and Possessions cover
- £100 Luggage Delay cover
- £300 Travel Delay and Disruption cover
- £200 Withdrawal of Services cover
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- £250 Hijack, Kidnap and Mugging
- No Excess to pay
- Single Trip cover available up to 185 days
- Quotes available for customers up to the age of 70 years
- Options to add additional cover such as golf, business or winter sports