Whether you’re jetting off for some much-needed winter sun or soaking up the rays back in good old Blighty, safe tanning is something that even the most enthusiastic of sun-worshippers is taking on board.
While fair skins and redheads need to be uber careful, there are ways, with a little smart thinking, that we can boost our glow and get a much-needed hit of vitamin D.
Just don’t overdo it!
6. Don’t stick to the same spot
You may be in the comfiest position ever, but staying put in that position, when the sun’s beaming down on you, may lead to the part of your body that’s directly in the sun, getting burnt. To avoid this, turn over or move around frequently.
7. Take a shade break
No matter how much of a sun worshipper you may be, being out in the sun for hours on end isn’t being kind to your skin. Schedule in time to sit in the shade, it will give your skin a chance to recover from the intensity of the sun’s rays and help prevent you from getting burnt.
8. Fake your glow
It’s much kinder and safer to your skin, and with the range of self-tanning products, such as creams, mousses and mists, out there now and how much they’ve come on, it’s possible to achieve a realistic-looking tan.2
9. Steer clear of using tanning oils that contain zero sun protection
They essentially make you sizzle in the sun without providing your skin with any barrier against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
On top of the 11 rules we’ve listed above, try these natural ways to help protect your skin, naturally.
Tanning isn’t healthy or safe for your skin.5
Sun damage is cumulative—even ten minutes of exposure a day over the course of a lifetime is enough to cause problems and majorly age your skin.6
When you get a suntan, you may love the healthy glow it gives you.
But this glow is caused by an increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which changes the colour of your skin. And when your skin colour changes, it’s a sign of irreparable DNA skin damage.
As much as people may love the way tanned skin looks, it damages your skin cells and speeds up visible signs of aging, e.g. fine lines and wrinkles.
More importantly, it can lead to skin cancer – it increases your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
It’s essential you take care of your skin as much as possible.
This involves wearing a suncream that’s of the right strength and is designed to provide the right type of protection, at the very least.
Joined Holland & Barrett: Apr 2019
Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry
Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products.
After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.