Tips To Tanning Safely

A recent article on the BBC News website linked a spike in skin cancer diagnosis to the increase in and affordability of package holidays in the 60's and 70s. 

Cancer Research UK quotes the worrying rise in cases of over 65's as many older people would not have been aware go how to protect themselves four decades ago, but they also pointed out all ages were at risk. So is there a safe way to tan? Not in the traditional way no. If you want to look like you have a tan, the best way to safe tanning is to use a self tan lotion or spray. This will give you a bronze look without the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

How To Get The Best Application 




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You can tan safely without using the sun

To get the best application for a spray tan you need to prepare your body.

Exfoliate

Firstly exfoliate your skin. This is very important if you want a professional looking result. If you have dry skin the colour can accumulate and go blotchy especially on elbows, knees and heels. A product such as St Tropez tan optimiser body polish is essential.  As the daleks from Dr Who say "Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!". Using a body scrub or polish with salt or micro beads can give a polished finish and when the tan is starting to fade it can ensure the tan fades evenly.

Remove Unwanted Hair

To get a great result remove unwanted hair beforehand. If you shave soon after applying fake tan it can result result in the colour coming off. 

Wear Gloves

To prevent the colour staining your hands, always wear gloves or a tanning mitt. Alternatively an airbrush tanning product can be used, such as Fake Bake Airbrush which will eliminate the need to wear gloves.

Moisturise After Not Before

Skin creams and lotions can affect how the fake tan adheres to the skin. If it fine to moisturise after but not before. The same applies to using perfume or deodorant, as you do not want your tan to go blotchy. Then only exception to this is a product specially formulated to create the perfect base for tanning such as Crazy Angel Wing Smoothing Spray.

Wear Loose Fitting Clothing

If you are applying tan at home, ensure you are completely dry before wearing clothes. It is a good idea to wear loose fitting dark clothes for a few hours after as if you wear tight clothes the tanning lotion could rub off easily and light coloured clothing could mark. If you have dark bed sheets use these for the first few days as the colour can transfer and stain sheets too.

Top Up Weekly

To get a golden glow over the summer, top up the tan on a weekly basis, making sure you exfoliate and moisturise between tanning sessions.

Lastly, don't forget to wear a SPF when outdoors, nothing ages like the sun! For a wide range of self tanning products check out retailers such as Just My Look.

*This is a sponsored post but all words and opinions are my own

14 comments

  1. Sharing this! I think this has got to be the best article written about tanning, it's promoting beauty AND health and I'm glad you've chosen to do both, Thank you for this! x

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments Amy-May. I'm not a fan of tanning in the traditional sense, I just think of the damage it is doing to my skin.

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  2. I am so sharing these tip with tan mad mate of mine.

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  3. living in the sun, skin cancer is something that is high on the list of avoiding, I cover up when I go out and wear factor 50 cream on all the visible bits. I've never tried a fake tan, as it doesn't appeal to me, too much maintenance

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    1. I think fake tan is great if you are going on holiday to get that 'glow' without damaging your skin. It's extremely important though to apply a high protection sun cream on top as well if it is sunny. I wear an SPF in my makeup every day as well, as UVA and UVB rays affect your skin even on overcast days.

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  4. Lots of us do like that Summer glow and I am so glad more people a choosing self tanning products over tanning beds. Look great but be sensible, some great tips!

    Angela - Garden Tea Cakes and Me

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    1. Thanks Angela. I think preparation is key with a fake tan, to make it look as natural as possible.

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  5. Like anyone I do love to have a tan, but to to the extent that I would risk my life x

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    1. That is where fake tanning products can be used without the 'guilt' of sunbathing to get a tan.

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  6. I am probably the whitest person I know. I don't sunbathe because I know the risks. Ive never used fake tan either although I think I may try it before the summer comes

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    1. Let me know if you do try it and if my tips help with application.

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  7. Thanks for sharing your tips! Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who are happy to shun years of health advice about skin cancer risks. They use sunbeds or sunbathe on their holidays to maintain a tan.

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    1. We can't avoid the sun and UVA and UVB rays so I would always suggest wearing a SPF whatever the weather, even if you have fake tan applied.

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