If you’re traveling around for the holidays and you’re planning to spend hours under the sun, be warned: prolonged sun exposure can cause irreversible damage to your skin. Though we speak the truth, we don’t want to be complete party poopers. If you’re the type who just can’t stay out of the sun, we put together a list of must-do’s to get a gorgeous tan in the safest way possible.
1. You know how they say beauty starts in the kitchen? One of our lesser known secrets for getting a glow that radiates from inside out is this: carrot juice. Weeks leading up to your holiday, make sure to drink one 8 oz. serving of carrot juice each day. This will help add a glow to your skin come tanning day.
2. Do a full body exfoliation a day before you leave for your vacay. This will give your skin enough time to settle down before you bask in the glorious sun. It will also allow for a more even tan that will last long.
3. Say it with us: wear your sunscreen. Make sure to bring different kinds of sunscreen that are appropriate for every occasion – when you’re touring the city, when you’re taking a swim, when you’re just chilling indoors, etc. Buy those that are made specifically for certain parts of your skin like your face and body. Remember that applying sunscreen is not just for when you’re tanning, but should be done 24/7 regardless of whether you’re indoors or not (UV rays never sleep, people). Don’t forget to reapply as needed.
4. Try to limit your sunbathing hours. If you’re the type who loves to soak in the sun, schedule pockets of time in the morning then in the afternoon while taking breaks in between. If you can, avoid direct sun exposure from 10 AM to 2 PM. This is usually the hours where the sun is most harsh on your skin – we wouldn’t want a bad sunburn to ruin the rest of your holiday, would we?
If you feel like sitting under the shade won’t do much for your tan, rest assured you’ll still get your glow. The sun reflects off the sand (especially in white sand beaches) so you’ll still get your tan.
5. Don’t forget to move your suit’s straps every so often. This will help cut down on harsh tan lines.
6. Set an alarm for turning over. Nobody wants an uneven tan. Don’t overestimate your ability to wake up exactly at the 15 or 30 minute mark and just set that alarm.
7. Make sure you drink more than the daily recommended amount of water. Being under the sun quickly dehydrates the body so your normal dosage of H2O won’t cut it. We recommend doubling to tripling your usual intake. (If you’re unsure, next time you go to the toilet, check to see that your pee is clear to gauge your pace of dehydration.) This will also keep your skin hydrated to keep your tan looking healthy.
8. Don’t underestimate the power of a scarf or hat. More than shielding your face, they’re for making sure your hair doesn’t dry out in the process.
9. If you’re the type who gets painful red eyes while tanning, use two slices of cucumber to shield and cool down your eyes. Plus, this will help prevent that unsightly sunglasses tan.
10. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Make sure to apply a lot of moisturizer right after showering, and reapply when needed. Do this religiously even after you’ve packed up your holiday to maintain an even fade.
Of course, if you ask us, staying completely out of the sun is the way to go. If you don’t have to sunbathe for hours and just want to enjoy the view or have a little dip, self-tanners are the best way to achieve that glow without ruining your skin.
Check out our self-tanners that not only give you your dream glow, but also help moisturize your skin by using only the best ingredients:
https://bondibodz.com.au/collections/shop-our-products