Beauty & Skincare Tips : Smart Tanning Tips

You barely have to turn the TV on during the summer months to hear about how prolonged sun exposure can cause skin cancer and will quicken the aging process. The sun dries out your skin and wrinkles will appear a lot sooner. With a few precautions and some smart tanning tips, you can get a nice summer glow without hurting your skin.

The sun gives off two kinds of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB rays. Both types of rays are skin damaging. They can actually change your gene signature! UVA rays are stronger than UVB rays and are the cause of skin cancer. UVB rays cause red sunburned skin. UVB rays also contribute to skin cancer. While some tanning beds protect you from some ultra violet rays, they do not protect you from all damaging rays and tanning beds can be just as harmful to the skin as being in direct sunlight. Did you know that some countries have actually created a law to limit your time in tanning booths? The British Photo Dermatology Group has limited people to ten 30 minute sessions in a tanning booth, per year.

Studies have shown that there is no safe way to tan. A tan is actually the result of your body defending itself from the harmful rays of the sun. Once damage has been done, your body will create an abundance of pigments under the skin to block out additional UV rays. So if you are getting a tan, your skin has already been damaged by the sun.

Your natural tanning options are slim, if you want to avoid sun damage. Always apply sun block before spending any length of time outside. The higher the UV protection, the better you will be at reducing the harmful effects of the sun. Experts recommend using at least 30 SPF to avoid damaging your skin. You can still get a tan when you apply sun block, but it will take a lot longer and it may not be as dark. But it will be a healthier tan. Of course the best way to avoid damaging your skin and prevent skin cancer is to completely stay out of the sun. Wear a t-shirt or light long sleeved shirt, a hat, and sunglasses to provide protection while outside in the sun.

For a smart tan, and a safe tan, consider a sunless tanning option. There are now a lot of high quality self tanning lotions and creams that can give you that fresh sun-kissed look without damaging your skin or causing cancer. There are lotions, crèmes, sprays, gels, wipes, and even a pill.

Many salons also offer a spray tan, which usually lasts longer than the home self-tanners. These spray tans are made out of dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, as well as vitamins and moisturizers to help protect the skin and keep it looking healthy, fresh, and radiant. For the best results, exfoliate your skin prior to applying any self tanning creams or prior to getting a spray tan at the salon. This will ensure your tan is even over your body and it will last longer.