Tanning beds and the sun both emit potentially harmful UV rays that can cause severe sunburn or skin cancer. Self-tanning creams, while a safer bet, still contain harsh chemicals like dihydroxyacetone (DHA). So what options do you have if you’re begging to be bronze but don’t want to put yourself at risk? Take some precautions to minimize tanning risks. If you want to be completely safe, you might have to accept your pale skin.
Step 1
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going into the sun or a tanning bed. Invest in a high quality sunscreen with a high SPF rating and always re-apply sunscreen after coming out of the water, even if your sunscreen claims to be water resistant.
Step 2
Tan in short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes maximum. This way, UV rays won’t be able to deeply penetrate your skin.
Step 3
Get a spray tan from a salon or use a self-tanner. Spray tans work in the same way as a self-tanner but are evenly applied by a salon professional and last for several days. (Don’t inhale tanning sprays.)
Step 4
Apply moisturizing lotion after tanning.
Step 5
Avoid tanning pills. Many of these pills contain a pigment that isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration and has been linked to eye injuries, vision problems, and skin and liver problems.
Warnings
- Overexposure to harmful UV rays causes skin cancer and leads to unsightly skin conditions and wrinkles.
- Don’t wear makeup, deodorant, lotion or perfume to a tanning appointment. These products can make you more prone to burning or cause your skin to turn green.
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