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Get a Safe Tan  |
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 The warm rays of the sun definitely feel nice after a long winter, but it doesn't take much to produce a good burn on our pale skin. While laying out in the sun and getting that beautiful bronze tan is a favorite past time for many, it is really not very healthy, and worse yet, the sunburn that many of us end up with is very damaging to our skin and our long term health. Overexposure to the sun can cause premature wrinkling and aging of the skin and can, as we all know, cause skin cancer. Take a few minutes to check out some of our suggestions for getting that bronze color you crave without the dangerous side effects.
Step One: Know what a tan really is. The tan that you crave this summer season is actually a result of your skin absorbing ultraviolet radiation or UV rays as they are commonly called. When the skin absorbs this radiation it produces a substance called melanin, which darkens the outer layers of the skin. While you may like the look of a tan, it actually means that we have damaged our skin and is very similar to the early stages of a burn. Despite this less than flattering description, many will take to the beaches and parks to work on their tans anyway. If you do, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
Step Two: Knowing about the intensity of the sun can help you determine when the best time to lay out is. One of the best indicators of the intensity of the sun is the UV index. The UV index is a measure of how much ultraviolet radiation is hitting the surface of the earth at a particular time during a particular day. In fact, there are two types of UV rays including UVA and UVB. Both types of rays are damaging, so be sure your sunscreen protects against them both. The UV index is based on a scale from 0 to 10+ and is usually referenced in the daily weather report during the summer months. The higher the number in the UV index, the greater the amount of exposure you will have to ultraviolet radiation while in the sun.
Step Three: Another important rating system to know is called SPF or Sun Protection Factor. The term SPF is used primarily when we are talking about sunscreen products. The SPF scale gives sunscreens a rating from 4 to 30 giving you a wide range of protection from ultraviolet radiation exposure. Most doctors will recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, but in most cases, you should look at your tanning history to determine what value of SPF protection is necessary. For example, if you are fair skinned and burn regularly when in the sun you should obviously use a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15. However, those individuals with a dark complexion rarely burn and can get a way with an SPF of 4 if they want.
Step Four: The discussion of SPF and sunscreen above leads us to another important tanning dilemma. The distinction between sunscreen and sunblock leaves many sunbathers baffled. While many of us think about them as one in the same, they are actually quiet different in how they work to protect our skin for ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen is usually a lotion or cream that has an SPF rating. Sunscreen actually reacts with your skin to create a barrier against the sun, but will allow some of the rays to penetrate and tan your skin. Sunblock on the other hand doesn't have an SPF rating because it protects your skin from all UV rays. Sunblock is usually a thick cream that contains zinc oxide. Many sunbathers use sunblock on particularly vulnerable areas like cheeks and noses.
Step Five: With this basic knowledge of the sun and how to protect yourself against it you now need to understand your risk while in the sun. For starters, avoid laying out in the sun when it is at its highest point in the sky and very intense. Also, talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking, as many will actually promote burning rather than tanning of the skin. While you are in the sun be sure to reapply sunscreen every 20 minutes for maximum protection, and if you go in the water be sure to towel off and reapply immediately.
Hopefully, by taking a few minutes to understand the effects that overexposure to the sun has on your skin and your health, you better understand the importance of properly protecting you and your family this summer. While there is nothing wrong with getting a little color this summer on those white legs, take it in moderation and don't be afraid to sit in the shade of a tree or umbrella.
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