Lie in the sun, relax and enjoy refreshing cocktails – we love summer! With a shimmering summer complexion, our summer outfits come into their own even better and every woman wants a shimmering, beautiful tan. But we'd rather avoid a painful sunburn, right? And that's exactly what today's article is about. So that you shine in your full glory and get a healthy tan, we have put together the best tips for you on how to tan properly in the sun. So read on and enjoy the summer days!
Tanning properly in the sun: tips for a healthy summer complexion
As soon as summer comes, we all want tobrown quicklyand a shimmering summer complexion always looks great. But according to surveys, more than 40% of Germans experience sunburn and we (hopefully) don't have to explain to you that this is dangerous. The summer complexion is actually our skin's natural protection mechanism from the blazing sun. The strong UVA and UVB rays stimulate melanin production in the body and melanin is the pigment that gives us that tan. Since the body can only produce a certain amount of melanin, prolonged and careless sun exposure can result in sunburn. People with light skin get sunburned more quickly than people with dark skin. And to prevent this and protect your skin, we will explain to you below how to tan properly.
Apply sunscreen
If you spend too long in the sun without sunscreen, you'll just get sunburned and when that happens, it's all downhill from there. Unfortunately, the myth that sun creams with a high sun protection factor condemn us to eternal paleness is still very persistent. But that is simply wrong! Sunscreens actually keep the sun's rays away from the skin and help our body build its own protection. To tan properly and get a beautiful complexion, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 at least 30 minutes before bathing. The recommended amount for an average adult is about 30 grams. To tan properly, spread the sunscreen over the skin without massaging it. It is also very important that you reapply approximately every 2 hours and regularly after bathing and don't forget areas such as noses, ears and feet.
Calculate sun protection factor
Every person reacts differently to the sun and the skin's own protection time varies depending on the skin type. The self-protection time indicates how long we can stay unprotected in the sun. Lighter skin types generally have a lower natural protection time than darker skin types and therefore need stronger sun protection. That's why it's important to calculate the sun protection factor correctly. The easiest way to do this is to use the following formula: the desired sun time in minutes divided by the self-protection time equal to SPF. Let's say you have fair skin and want to spend 200 minutes in the sun. Then you should use sun protection with SPF 20 (200/10 = 20) - provided you apply cream regularly.
Take your time
If you want to tan properly in the sun, you should first get used to the sun's rays. To avoid sunburn and get a healthy tan, it's best to start with 15-20 minutes in the sun the first time you go swimming. Longer walks in spring also slowly prepare the skin for the sun's rays. Then increase the time little by little and see how your skin reacts to the sun. If skin begins to feel tight or sensitive to touch, move into the shade immediately.
Change positions regularly
To tan evenly, remember to change positions regularly. Around 10 to 15 minutes is considered optimal. Start by lying on your back with your legs and arms outstretched and then lie on your stomach. So that the sun's rays can reach the insides, spread your legs slightly.
If you want a healthy tan, you should avoid the midday heat. The sun is strongest between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and this is also when the most damage to the skin is caused. But that doesn't mean you should go home right away. It may sound a bit contradictory, but it is advisable to go into the shade every now and then. This gives your skin and body a little break and protects you from the strong radiation. Since the sand reflects the sun's rays, you can tan even in the shade without getting sunburned.
Use oils with naturally occurring sun protection factor
Although these should not replace regular sunscreen, certain oils can be used for additional protection. Oils such as carrot, avocado and coconut oil have a natural sun protection factor and also ensure that the skin does not dry out and makes it beautifully supple.
Drink lots of water
When we sunbathe and sweat, our bodies lose a lot of moisture. To tan properly, it is very important that you drink a lot. Up to 3-4 liters of water can be used. Even green tea without additives tastes super refreshing in the heat and the polyphenols it contains prevent skin damage.
