Five do’s and don’ts for the perfect, sun-smart summer tan

With these tanning tips you’ll be rocking summer, while looking after your skin’s health.  

It’s time to take out those bikinis and boardshorts and to get your summer body in shape as the December holidays are around the corner which calls for endless beach days and pool parties. 

To make sure you are having all the fun in the sun without any of the skin damage, we’ve got a couple of important do’s and don’ts to keep you safe. 

Tanning DO’s:

1. 1. DO get a fake tan: Hate to break it to you, but there is no such thing as a healthy tan, as any level of skin darkening indicates damage. The best way to get a golden glow is to use self-tan products at home. Modern formulas are easy to use, offer even, natural-looking colour and don’t result in any mess or fuss. 
   2. DO stay out of the direct sun during peak hours: Stay in the shade or indoors between 10am and 2pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. If you have to be outside, cover up with a hat, kaftan, sunglasses and, of course, a strong SPF.  
   3. DO apply after sun lotion, always: It’s always a good idea to hydrate your skin after you’ve been in the sun – even if you don’t have any signs of sunburn. 
   4. DO choose UVA and UVB protection: When you select a broad spectrum SPF formula that protects against UVA and UVB, you are protecting your skin against sunburn and developing signs of aging.
2. Tanning DON’TS:
   1. DON’T bake in the sun: You might think it’s fine to lie in the sun for hours if you’ve put on some sunscreen, but avoid baking during those peak hours. Rather spend some time in the early morning or late afternoon tanning, if you absolutely have it.
   2. DON’T forget smaller parts of the body: It’s so easy to forget to apply SPF to your ears, lips or even between your toes, but don’t neglect these areas – skin cancer often develops on one’s ears because they’re usually forgotten when applying sunscreen.
   3. DON’T forget to re-apply often: Putting on sunscreen once, even if it is water resistant, is not enough to protect your skin while you are out in the sun. Reapply after every swim or after every 2 hours while you are outdoors.

 

 

Products to try: 

1. Self tan: Australian Gold offers a variety of easy-to-apply formulas and is available as a mouse, lotion or spray and offers a quick-dry, streak-free coverage.  
2. After sun: Piz Buin After Sun Lotion (R104.00) is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, and combats the effects of sun stress by cooling and moisturising skin for 24 hours with aloe vera and mint extract.
3. Sun Screen: Piz Buin In Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 (R172.00) offers advanced UVA/UVB filters to protect the skin from the sun. It is also loaded with antioxidants to prevent premature skin aging and is non-greasy to allow skin to breathe.
4. Tan enhancing sunscreen: Piz Buin Tan & Protect Tan Accelerating Oil Spray SPF30 (R216.00) which protects skin from the sun while helping enhance the natural tanning process with a special ingredient called melitan.