How to get suntan without getting sunburned?

Summer, and even late spring are the seasons that enable us to spend long hours outdoors, which is strictly connected with exposing our body to the sun. Many people think that since they don’t lay on the beach, there is no need in applying sunscreen. Sadly, this conviction is far from being true. Although the sun has a beneficial influence on our health and mood, we shouldn’t be exposed to it for long, especially without wearing the right protection. How to shield our skin from the sun and how to take care of skin after tanning? Find out what sunscreen to choose and what should be applied after leaving the sun.

Why sunscreen is necessary?

Let’s settle this once and for all, the sun emits radiation. Both types of radiation, UVA and UVB, are equally harmful to humans. To demonstrate, UVA radiation is known for depriving skin of its suppleness and, as a consequence, it accelerates skin ageing processes. When it comes to UVB, this radiation can lead to skin inflammations which, in the long run, can cause skin cancer.

How to choose a sunscreen?

Of course, you have to choose such sunscreen that will protect you against UVA and UVB radiation. The most effective are chemical or chemical-and-physical filters. In order to identify their strength, there is a special abbreviation used – SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

Filter selection

While looking for the right sunscreen, SPF is the key to use. You’d ask: But how am I supposed to read it? Luckily, here is an easy trick that will help you make a good choice. Firstly, it’s worth realising that people living at various latitudes display various resistance to the sun. In the countries characterized by mild climate the resistance to the sun is rather low; it hovers around 10-20 minutes. This means that we can safely remain exposed to the sun for 10-20 minutes without wearing any sunscreen. Naturally, if we apply a cream with UV filter, we extend this period. However, this amount of extra time is determined by the number standing next to SPF. To clarify, if we apply a sunscreen SPF 30, we need to multiply this number by 10 minutes, which gives us 300 minutes of safe sun body exposition. Once 5 hours pass, we’d better start looking for some shadow because sunscreen doesn’t protect us any longer.

Which cream to choose after getting tanned?

It’s a good idea to take care after finishing tanning as we do it before the exposing our body to the sun. Basically, it’s better to stay away from skin regenerating creams because their action is too invasive. Instead of them, reach for moisturising creams since they soothe and replenish skin with water. Luckily, the choice is wide. A moisturising body cream, a moisturising serum, a moisturising body mask are just a few of the solutions available.