Best Ways to Develop a Sun Tan While on Holiday

While it may seem counterintuitive, using sunscreen is crucial for a healthy tan. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply it generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, allowing you to enjoy the sun longer and achieve a more even tan.

 

 

Timing is everything when it comes to sun tanning. The sun’s intensity varies throughout the day, with peak UV levels occurring between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider sunbathing during the early morning or late afternoon to minimise the risk of sunburn and maximise the effectiveness of your tanning sessions.

 

 

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, and this holds true while developing a tan. Drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay moisturised and counteracts the dehydrating effects of sun exposure. Well-hydrated skin tans more evenly and retains its glow for a more extended period.

 

 

Avoid over-exposing one area by rotating your body regularly. This ensures an even tan across all body parts. If possible, use a beach chair or towel to switch between lying on your back and stomach. Pay attention to often neglected areas like the sides of your body, shoulders, and legs.

 

 

Exfoliating your skin before sunbathing removes dead skin cells, promoting an even tan. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or brush to slough off dry skin, paying attention to areas prone to roughness. Exfoliating also helps your skin absorb sunlight more effectively, enhancing the tanning process.

 

 

After spending time in the sun, moisturise your skin to prevent dryness and peeling. Choose a hydrating lotion or aloe-Vera gel to soothe any sun-exposed areas. Hydrated skin retains a tan for a more extended period and reduces the risk of uneven fading.

Here’s a little tip: Consider applying after-sun lotion each morning PRIOR to laying in the sun. Allow it to soak in before applying your regular sun tan lotion.

 

 

Achieving a sun tan while on holiday is an art that requires a mindful approach. By following these tips, you can develop a beautiful, golden tan while keeping your skin healthy and protected. Remember, moderation and responsible sun exposure are key to enjoying the sun’s benefits without compromising your well-being. So, go ahead, soak up the sun, and revel in that radiant holiday glow! Remember this – if you go from zero sun exposure to hours of sun exposure, you’ll end up with sunburn or worse, sunstroke. This will happen because your melanin levels are not significant enough. The only way to increase melanin levels is to expose yourself to the sun for a week or more, while you are still at home. Take care not to burn of course and start with ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure each day, building up to twenty five to thirty minutes. This will harden your skin to the sun and increase melanin levels – meaning that your skin is more ready to accept the holiday sun. If you cannot get access to the sun at home (like you live in the UK!) you might need to do the exposure trick in your first week of a two week holiday. If you are only travelling for one week, you won’t have time to build up melanin and you’d be better off covering yourself in SPF 30 sun-lotion.