Guide to Summer Tanning

     Hey everybody! I absolutely love tanning. I tan really well. When I tan, I get a very nice golden skin tone. Although tanning is a wonderful and relaxing time, it can also be very dangerous. The Sun's UV rays can really burn your skin, cause skin cancer, acne scarring, and wrinkles. Not a fun time :( Tanning, if done correctly and in moderation, can look beautiful. So, without further ado, here are my tips on tanning.

1. You need a sunscreen. Yes, NEED. I know that there are some of you that do not burn easily, and say " I don't need any sunscreen." I know, I've been there, I've done that, but it is best that you do use at least SOME. You might not burn, but it will still affect your skin in later years. Sun exposure is the largest contributor to wrinkles. Sunscreen keeps your skin protected when you tan, so you can have a guilt free summer glow :). I feel that whenever I tan, sunscreen is like "the primer for my foundation." It protects your skin before you tan, like primer is the barrier between your skincare and your makeup.

2. Tanning oil. You put it on after your sunscreen while you are out tanning. Oils attract the sun, which will make you tan faster and deeper. Tanning oil also has SPF in it, so although it attracts the sun, you will be safe. However, do not rely on tanning oil alone for your SPF! Tanning oil is a must for those girls out there who just can't get rid of that white sheen on their bodies. (My older sister has that problem :/). Quick tip: if you have acne prone skin, do not put tanning oil on your face! Instead, use a tinted moisturizer to match your tan, or a gradual tanner that is formulated especially for your face.

3. A good "tanning" bathing suit. You don't want a once piece suit, or a suit with thick straps and a funky design on the back. These will cause the dreaded tan lines! I would go for a two piece strapless bathing suit. I know that a lot of girls out there (including me!) don't feel comfortable in a two piece. I have very dark hair, and it shows up very dark on my belly, so I try and hide it as much as possible. I have learned however, that the sun can actually lighten the hair on your head and body. How weird is it that the sun darkens your skin, but lightens your hair?! LOL


DIY TATTOO: Make a sun tattoo! Cut out a cute design and put it on your desired spot while tanning. When you are done tanning, peel of the design, and viola! You will be left with a cute, painless sun tattoo!


                                                      Until next time, tan safely!
                                                                xoxo Payton