8 Tanning Tips and Tricks to avoid Cancer

Are you dying for a sun-kissed skin, but worried about skin cancer? Then, this tanning tips and tricks are for you.

8 Tanning Tips and Tricks to avoid Cancer
8 Tanning Tips and Tricks to avoid Cancer

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Did you know that your skin darkens as it's protective response to shield your body against the damaging ultraviolet light which is the case when you're exposed to sunlight or indoor tanning bed. Beauty is glory and that's exactly why we turn into our skin's natural defense mechanism for melanin--the skin pigment reponsible for giving you tan.

It's up to you whether you'd like to stay safe away from the sun's ravaging rays or you'd rather battle for that glorious bronze shimmer. And if it's your heart's desire to achieve that perfect bronze summer tanned skin, then, remember these tips and tricks to stay safe and fab.

Sunlight isn't all that bad. In fact, we need decent amount of ultraviolet light in order to produce Vitamin D, but too much sun exposure isn't good either. After all, sun exposure is the top culprit of premature skin aging.


1. Time is at play

Don't sunbathe all day long. The sun isn't up all day to pamper you. You'll realize this around noon time. It is recommended to avoid times when the sun is at it's peak--around 10 am until 3 pm. Staying under the sun's blazing rays during these hours could lead to signs of premature skin aging like wrinkles, freckles, and age spots. In addition, I'm pretty sure you don't want to get sunburn.


2. Wear your protection

True, using sunscreen will slow tanning, but it will likewise reduce your risk of getting sunburn and skin cancer. Having a quick bronze complexion with fewer sun bathing session may sound tempting, but I'd say it's better safe than sorry. Always wear your sun protection factor (SPF) on. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.


3. The "Reapplication"

Sunscreen isn't just a one time application scheme. Nope, that's not how it works. You have to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out under the sun, then reapply it every 2 hours or right after you swim or submerge in water.


4. Exfoliate

Don't forget to exfoliate your skin before enjoying the sun. Exfoliating removes the outer dead skin cells allowing new skin cells to dominate. It's a crucial step as it gives you a chance to remove unwanted skin blemishes before baking your skin under the sun.

When it comes to exfoliation, there are tons of products you can try ranging from the all natural ingredients such as the classic sugar and oatmeal to fancy exfoliating salt baths, scrub and soap.


5. The Limit

When you sit under the rays of the sun for too long, your natural defense mechanism fails you. There's a point when your skin stops producing melanin as your biological defense against the sun, and guess what happens? Yep, you get sunburn.

I hate to break it, but there is a limit. Don't stay out in the sun for more than 2 to 3 hours. If you have fair or sensitive skin, your sun limit may be much lesser.


6. Vision

Wear sunglasses? But if you're tanning, that'll definitely make you look like a raccoon or a panda as it will shade the area around your eyes! That's true especially if you don't apply sunscreen on your face.

Did it ever crossed your mind that it isn't just cancer and premature aging you should be worried of, there's also the risk of cataract and macular degeneration when you're exposed under the UV light. Dreadful right?

You also have to protect your eyes when you're out there enjoying the sun. Furthermore, surfaces such as that of water, sand, and glass can reflect sunlight, which multiplies the times UV rays hits you.

Don't forget to wear a sunglass and a hat. Stay safe under the sun.


7. Not directly under the sun!

Hey, you're not supposed to stay directly under the sun. Didn't you read your sunscreen's label?

Why? Because you don't want skin cancer and yes, you can still get tan even when you're under a shade as long us UV light is hitting you. (I'm assuming you're still outdoors.)


8. Should I use tanning bed?

Tanning bed is a tempting option especially during the winter season or when you simply can't chase the sun. But, it's on a hot spot because it is linked to higher risk of skin cancer.

There are tanning beds out there that can pump you with higher amount of UV (ultraviolet) radiation than that of the summer sun. Cancer risk is higher with indoor tanning compared to outdoor tanning.

The cancer risk when using tanning bed is higher among young people, individuals with family history of skin cancer, and those with many moles. In fact, it is illegal for minors to use sunbeds in several countries. Be careful.


The risk is there, but in the end, it's up to you to make the best choice, taking into account beauty and health. Stay glorious under the sun!

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