7 Tips You Must Know To Get A Safe and Long-Lasting Suntan

Photodamage can lead to skin cancer or premature ageing; fake tanning tends to be our choices. Before thinking of spending money on self -tanning products, let’s have a look at what natural sunbathing benefits you.

Sunlight is rich in vitamin D boosting your skin, bone and teeth. And it also increases serotonin in the body helping relieve anxiety. But to avoid premature ageing and skin cancer risks, you need to take care of getting a safe suntan.

1. SUNBED IS AN INVISIBLE ENEMY

We easily fall in the trap with salons’ advertisements that we can get a healthy tan effortlessly with a sunbed. For the unversed, sunbed damages your skin through harmful UV rays - UVA, and there is no UVB which arouses vitamin D. According to Dr Nick Lowe, we get closer to the risk of skin cancer up to 75% by using a sunbed.

2. CHOOSE THE PROPER SUNSCREEN

It’s not just because you apply sunscreen so your skin won’t get any photodamage. You should choose the products labelled ‘broad spectrum’ or high UVA. La Roche-Posay Anthelios is our best nomination. Applying sunscreens which have SPF30 to SPF50 helps avoid 97% to 98% of UVB. You might find the latter a little chalky but luckily, you don’t need to reapply the sunscreen every two hours. For dark skin, SPF15 is okay.

3. UNDERSTAND TANNING TIME

If you believe that the more you exposure under sunbath, the more suntan your skin is, you are wrong. At a point, your skin will stop producing melanin aka natural pigment, so it benefits little to spend all day under the sun. Dr Nick Lowe shows that we have different melanin cut-off, two-three hours of sunbath is usually enough for fair skin. Exceeding the limits, you will face future photodamage risks.

4. SEEK SOME SHADE

Dr Frank Schwanke, head of suncare R&D for Beiersdorf recommends, "Taking breaks from the sun will reduce UV intensity and your sunburn risk and means your tan will be healthier and longer-lasting."

5. REPLACE 'TAN-ACCELERATING' CREAMS WITH SUPPLEMENTS

According to Dr Marko Lens, it’s no point in applying 'tan-accelerating' creams to produce more melanin. But absorbing 25g beta-cretonne daily makes your skin tan easily through strengthening skin’s overall health. We recommend Imedeen Tan Optimizer supplement helping prep skin for sun exposure and providing antioxidant production.

6. CONSUME FOODS FOR SUN PROTECTION

Do you know that lycopene can protect your skin from UV rays up to 33%? Look no further, tomatoes, red and orange fruits or veggies are the reliable source for lycopene, especially tomato paste.

Dermatologist Dr Samantha Bunting said, "I'm a big fan of a group of antioxidants called polyphenols. Green tea is a great example. Sip it after a sushi lunch."

Dark chocolate which is full of flavonoids and caffeine are famous for preventing the skin from getting sunburnt and reducing risks of skin cancer. A cup of espresso is a brilliant way to kick off a new day and then you’re ready to head to the sun.

7. FAKE YOUR GLOWING, BRONZED SKIN

Although fake - tan cannot do anything in protecting the skin from the sun, you can hide your lack of confidence in appearing in the bikini with pale skin on the holiday. You can treat yourself a spray tan before wearing a bikini or find the perfect suntan to use at home.