10 tanning tips

1. Always use a lotion

1. You will tan faster, keep your tan longer, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles

2. Don’t Ever Sunburn

1. A sunburn DOES NOT fade into a tan, but is an injury that slows the development of a tan
2. By pre-vacation tanning before you take a trip, or by avoiding overexposure

3. Check your medication before tanning

Some medications can cause reactions with ultraviolet light, making you more likely to develop a sunburn, itching or rashes when tanning

4. Know your skin type

1. this is the key to maximizing the benefits of tanning while minimizing the risks of sunburn

5. Tan according to your Skin Type

1. Learn your skin type, knowing which one of the 6 skin types you are and where you are on the scale helps you prevent sunburn. If you have light hair, light eyes and light colored skin start out with gradual UV exposure; dark hair, eyes and skin can start out with more

What’s Your Skin Type?

Depending on skin type, people react differently to sunlight. When tanning in natural sunlight and on tanning beds, it’s important to know your own particular skin type in order to tan correctly. Find out what your skin type is by referring to the list below:

Skin types around the world have been classified into six different groups.

Skin type I:
Usually bright white or pale skin, blue or green eyes, red hair and many freckles. This skin type always burns, never tans and should avoid tanning indoors or outdoors.

Skin type II:
Beige skin, blue or grey eyes; blonde or light brown hair and some freckles. This skin type has a strong tendency to sunburn, but sometimes tans.

Skin type III:
Light brown skin, brown eyes and hair. This skin type sometimes burns but always tans.

Skin type IV:
Light brown or olive skin, dark brown eyes and hair. This skin type sometimes burns and tans readily.

Skin type V
Brown skin, dark brown hair and eyes. This skin type rarely burns and tans easily.

Skin type VI
Black skin, black-brown eyes and hair. This skin type rarely sunburns.

6. Wear eye protection

1. Weather you tan indoors or out, always protect your eyes with the proper protection; towels, cotton balls, contact lens, some sunglasses and simply closing your eyes-NONE of these provide adequate protection for your eyes while tanning.

7. Moisturize contacts when tanning

1. Eyes lose moisture after tanning just like the skin does, if you decide to wear your contacts while you tan, remember to use moisturizing drops prior to or right after your done

8. Sunburn Care

a. If you ever see pink on your skin after tanning, here’s what to do

i. Cool the skin

1. bathe in a tub of cool water every 2 hours as needed

ii. Moisturize

1. with aloe vera or cold creme

iii. Take a mild pain reliever

1. as needed

iv. Avoid any further exposure

1. give your skin a break

9. Practice maintenance

1. Tanning takes place in the outer layer of your skin, the epidermis. As the epidermis continuously renews itself, your tan fades. Regular tanning will ensure continuous color

10. Avoid harsh soaps

1. They will shorten the life of your tan by stripping your skins protective oils, instead use shower gels, which put moisture back in the skin keeping you tan longer

11. Different tanning environments require different tanning plans

1. Geography, location, time of day, your skin type, strength of the tanning bed, all affect how much time you should spend in the UV light

12. Sunscreen

1. Does have its place and will allow you to stay out in the sun longer than without, especially the more tropical you go.