The vacations, the sun, the warm sand… you dreamed of it! The excitement is such that you rush into the sun and slather yourself in tan oil. 

And here is the drama! To get an effective tan while preserving your skin, here are some errors to avoid when exposing yourself to the sun.

Mistake #1: 

Going without sun protection… or taking the first that comes

Think you don’t need sunscreen because you’re already tanned or have dark skin? Big mistake! No type of skin is exempt from effective protection. 

Although it has a very positive influence on our health thanks to the vitamin D that it synthesizes, the sun stays dangerous for the epidermis in the event of extended exposure. In addition to sunburn, it can provoke pigment spots in the long term. 

If skipping sunscreen is strongly discouraged, it is not a question of going to a supermarket shelf and taking the first sunscreen that comes to hand! We already advise against monoi, which offers no UV protection and which, on the contrary, attracts the sun’s rays to the skin… What a crayfish!

Also Read: How To Get The Perfect Tan: My Top 5 Tips!

Mistake #2: 

Choosing a sun protection factor that is unsuitable for your skin phototype

The most familiar mistake during a tanning session is to choose a sun protection factor that does not correspond to your skin type, and especially to your phototype.

It is important to adapt the protection factor of your sunscreen (SPF15, 30, 50) according to the characteristics of your skin. The weaker your phototype, the higher the protection must be. 

Specify precisely which sun protection factor suits you and automatically exclude creams, oils, mists, etc. sunscreens without index. 

Also, take into account the particularities of your skin: if it is sensitive, reacts more easily, subject to certain conditions, take a stronger index.

If in doubt, bet on a maximum protection index!

Mistake #3: 

Exposing yourself to the sun for too long

The best advice we can give you for tanning without harmful effects is to proceed with gradual exposure, at times with little sunlight (before midnight and after 4 p.m.) and for short periods.

So there’s no need to bask for hours under the blazing sun thinking you’re doing the right thing. This will not cause the desired effect and you will only get severe sunburn, with a few weeks of peeling skin.

So don’t attack your skin. Opt for limited and gradual exposures. It’s the best way to get a beautiful tanned complexion that lasts a long time.

Also, avoid tanning booths, where the risk of burns is higher. Moreover, the health authorities strongly advise against them. Some scientists even indicate that indoor tanning increases the risk of skin cancer.

Mistake #4: 

Protect yourself only from UVB rays

UVB rays are the cause of sunburn, but be aware that UVA rays are also harmful, as they accelerate the aging of the skin.

When purchasing your sunscreen, be cautious and take the time to read the label carefully. The cream you choose must protect you against UVB, but also against UVA.

Mistake #5: 

Not applying sunscreen regularly during exposure

A very common misstep: waiting for the feeling of heat before putting on sunscreen.

It is necessary to apply sun protection regularly and generously. Because yes, the burn does not prevent, and the damage is often noticed in the evening, after your tanning session, when they are already there! 

So, to avoid looking like a lobster, remember to apply your sunscreen every two hours. In addition, between two swims, the protection loses effectiveness. Repeat this operation as much as possible.

Mistake #6:

Forgetting to apply sunscreen to certain areas of the body

Wearing sunscreen is a very well-honed choreography! The arms, shoulders, stomach, thighs, and back are areas that are rarely forgotten, and are even the ones that get spread the most! 

But what about the face, hands, lips, or scalp? Do not forget any sensitive area of ​​the body! While you’re not going to apply sunscreen directly to your head, some very good hair oils protect against the sun’s rays. Your hair also needs to be taken care of by the beach!

Similarly, there are sunscreens specially designed for the face and which fit very well into your beauty routine and before your make-up session.

A little more advice? If you have tattoos, remember to protect the tattooed area in particular to preserve all the intensity of the ink. It is important to take care of your tattoo so that it does not age badly.

Mistake #7: 

Applying expired sunscreen

Know that applying an old sunscreen is very bad! Just like food or most cosmetics, sunscreen does not age well. The protection will therefore be less and you risk burning your skin. Check the expiry date of your sunscreen products before use.

Mistake #8: 

Overlooking other types of protection

Relying only on sunscreen products to defend against sun harm is a rookie mistake. Remember these few precautionary regulations to avoid sunburn, burns, heatstroke, and sunstroke, because prevention is better than cure:

• Remember to cover your head with a hat or take shelter under an umbrella.
• Avoid the hottest time slots of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
• Hydrate regularly: the ideal is to carry a bottle of water in your beach bag.
• Wear suitable sunglasses to preserve the fragile eye area.

You are now ready to enjoy your holidays and take a dip in complete serenity!

Photo: Pexels/ Adam Kontor

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