Tanning your skin: 5 tips for a healthy tan

In summer, you want to tan your skin, but to make sure it doesn’t become dangerous for you, you should apply lotion and focus on a healthy tan.

How to tan your skin properly

Tanned skin is considered the ideal of beauty by many people. That’s why many people go out in the sun to look better. Unfortunately, however, sunbathing can quickly damage your skin. It is therefore better to tan gently.

• Only with headgear: The head is particularly sensitive to UV radiation. In addition, there is a risk of heat stroke or sunstroke in summer if it is exposed to the sun for too long. It is best to wear a sun hat or cap when out in the sun.
• Always apply sunscreen: Although it takes a little longer for your body to get a tan this way, you are better protected from sunburn. Since every sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer, it is better to tan slowly. So apply sunscreen thoroughly.
• Watch your skin type: If you have very fair to white skin anyway, your skin type will be at risk of sunburn more quickly than if you have naturally darker skin.
• Wear clothing: Light, light-coloured clothing made of natural materials, such as cotton or linen, will protect you from burning. Sensitive parts of the body, such as the neck, are quickly burnt. It is therefore best to wear a light cloth around the neck and décolleté. Even if you wear light clothing, you can get a tan because the sun’s rays reach your skin through the light fabric covering. Positive side effect: you avoid burns.
• Shade does not protect: Shade is not the best protection against harmful UV rays. Even here, a good 50 percent of the light still hits the skin. So always put on a good cream and even hide indoors from time to time to ensure a healthy tan.

How to get a tan without the sun

To look tanned, you don’t necessarily have to expose your body to the sun. A visit to the solarium or self-tanner are also alternatives for getting a tan.

• Beware that UV radiation is also very intense in a solarium. If you visit it too often, this can also lead to skin cancer. In addition, tanning too often can make your skin age faster.
• The healthiest tan you can get is from self-tanners, as these can usually be used without worry. It is best to apply them after showering. The effect of the cream or lotion will then last for three to four days.