How To Get the Perfect Suntan

  • July 26, 2008
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Combine the best of salon and natural tanning to get that all-over, sun-kissed glow, and remember—sunburns are for suckers.

You Will Need

  • Exfoliant and shaving gear
  • Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
  • Water
  • Lotion with sodium PCA
  • Vitamins C and E
  • Sunscreen with bronzer
  • Tanning bed-safe accessories

Unprotected or prolonged exposure to UV rays is dangerous, and can greatly increase your risk for skin cancer and other skin damage.

How To Get the Perfect Suntan: Exfoliate and shave

Step 1: Exfoliate and shave

Take a shower, and use a loofah or another mild abrasive to gently exfoliate your skin. Shave as usual.

How To Get the Perfect Suntan: Use sunscreen

Step 2: Use sunscreen

Apply a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 15. If you choose a lotion that also contains a bronzer, pick one that’s based on DHA, a natural sugar that stains the skin. The color takes just a few hours to appear, lasts for days, and gives you a little extra color boost while you build your base.

How To Get the Perfect Suntan: Go low and slow

Step 3: Go low and slow

Small, regular doses of UV rays are the best way to get your glow. Spend about an hour in the sun every other day, and try to stay in the shade from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re using a tanning bed, start with regular visits and limit your exposure to several minutes at a time.

If you use a tanning salon, ask your technician about protective goggles and reflectors, and sunscreens that won’t damage UV beds and equipment.

How To Get the Perfect Suntan: Don't burn

Step 4: Don't burn

Don’t burn. A sunburn causes damage to the skin’s cells that not only hinders your ability to tan, but will significantly increase your skin cancer risk.

Avoid tanning oil, which can intensify the sun’s rays and cause you to burn quickly.

How To Get the Perfect Suntan: Moisturize

Step 5: Moisturize

Hydrated skin tends to tan better than skin that’s dry or damaged. Drink lots of water, and use a lotion that contains sodium PCA, a naturally occurring substance that attracts and binds moisture to your skin.

How To Get the Perfect Suntan: Keep up your vitamins

Step 6: Keep up your vitamins

Use supplements or lotions to get the recommended doses of Vitamin C and E. These nutrients are powerful antioxidants, and can help decrease inflammation and skin cell damage from UV rays.

How To Get the Perfect Suntan: Get an all-over tan

Step 7: Get an all-over tan

You’ll look pretty silly if you’re only tan on one side. Make sure you give your whole body—including sides and underarms—even exposure. And if problem areas like your legs and face don’t tan as quickly, regular moisturizing should help.

In 1978, German scientist Friedrich Wolff brought the first indoor tanning bed to the United States.

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Comments (6)

jessiebarre

and remember dont always use caps!

over 3 years ago by jessiebarre

Reply
A3330

Girl is so hot, tan not necessary

over 2 years ago by A3330

Reply
PoLaR

Damn haha, my tan is so embarassing =Z Its like a mix between a farmer tan and wife beater tan >;.&;lt; Stupid sunnnn lol :[

over 2 years ago by PoLaR

Reply
athena06

She's hot I wish i was her lmao

over 2 years ago by athena06

Reply
Michelle

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT TANNING MAKES YOU WRINKLED, LOOK OLDER AND CAN GIVE YOU A FATAL CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!

over 3 years ago by Michelle

Reply
busybee

Why was she wearing earings in the shower

6 months ago by busybee

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