Being tan makes you feel and look like the best version of yourself. While there are several ways to achieve a tan—such as UV beds, self-tanners, and spray tans—I think we can all agree that nothing looks better than a natural tan.
“I love to tan because it makes me feel super glowy, and getting Vitamin D is so good and refreshing,” said Taylor Marek, junior.
Outdoor tanning may seem like a simple task, just go outside and lay in the sun, but it can be dangerous and tedious.
As someone with a pool who spends summer laying outside, I believe I’ve mastered the steps to achieve the perfect bronzed glow.
Start by checking the time and weather. The UV will be highest on a sunny day between 10am to 4pm. Tanning during these peak hours is dangerous, but it allows for the darkest color possible.
The most important step to outdoor tanning is to always wear some form of sunscreen. Make sure to apply sunscreen to both your body and face. If you burn easily, opt for a higher SPF for better sun protection. The more time you spend tanning outdoors, the higher the risk you may be to developing skin cancer.
It’s a common misconception that you can’t achieve a natural tan while wearing sunscreen, but that is not true. Sunscreen works by reflecting and absorbing the majority of UV rays, allowing only a small amount to penetrate your skin. There are no sunscreens that block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, so you can tan while wearing it.
Hawaiian Tropic Dry Oil Tanning Spray is a great sunscreen to apply before heading out into the sun. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also helps prevent burns while giving you a beautiful, bronzed glow.
After applying sunscreen, follow up with either a tanning lotion or tanning oil. These products help stimulate melanin production, resulting in a darker, faster tan. My personal favorite product is the Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel – it doesn’t stain my bikinis and it provides hydration and moisture for the skin.
The best place to tan is in the water, facing the sun. Water reflects the sun’s UV rays, so it increases the amount of radiation reaching your skin and accelerates up the tanning process. Additionally, when you face the sun, you expose your body to the most intense UV rays, allowing for a higher dose that increases your melanin production.
An even tan is, by far, the most flattering. It’s recommended to flip positions every 15-30 minutes. This minimizes the risk of sunburn and ensures an even glow on both your front and back.
To stay hydrated under the sun, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Drinking water and fanning yourself can help you stay cool.
Once you have finished your tanning, it’s advisable to take a shower to remove sunscreen and sweat from your body. After showering, apply a post-tan moisturizer, such as the Maui Babe After Browning Lotion. This product not only cools and heals your skin but also helps extend the length of your tan.
Follow these steps with care, and you are on the way to achieving the ultimate summer glow up. Get bronzed, get confident, and shine all summer long!
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