Tanning is a serious job, and if you want to look like a bronzed god or glowing goddess this summer you better listen up. You need to approach this endeavour with respect or you literally will get burnt. First thing to consider is safety, and after assessing whether you are fair, medium or dark skinned you can go ahead and choose a sun cream. Look for creams that block both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Fun Facts
Your body makes vitamin D when you are exposed to the UV-B rays. It’s many benefits include healthier bones, muscles and a strong immune system.
You actually medically need from 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure to the skin on the face, arms, back or legs (without sunscreen) twice every week.
You should use a good moisturiser with vitamins A and E before and after sleeping so as to build healthier skin.
Drinking more water will help your skin to become healthier and it will keep your body hydrated so you can spend more time outdoors.
The Rays
There are 3 types but UV-C cannot enter the atmosphere. UV-A is responsible for darkening the pigment in our skin. UV-A is less energetic than UV-B, so exposure to UV-A will not usually result in a burn. Until recently, UV-A was not blocked by sunscreens. It is now considered to be a major contributor to the high incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers.
The reason it is difficult to get adequate vitamin D from sunlight is that while UV-A is present throughout the day, the amount of UV-B present has to do with the angle of the sun's rays. Thus, UV-B is present only during midday hours at higher latitudes, and only with significant intensity in temperate or tropical latitudes.
Tan Techniques
Now that you have your sun cream, a pair of shades and a sunny spot we can start. I like to think of summer breaks that are at least two weeks long as that’s long a good amount of time to get a proper tan.
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Plank & Reverse Plank
This is a simple position but it’s a good way of introducing the sun to your body. Lie on your back with your legs straight and hands straight down each side of your body (palms down), or lying on your front, straight with arms lying by your side (palms up). Spend 30-40 minutes on each depending on how fair you are (not between 11am and 2:30pm). Always remember to apply cream first! Don’t try and be smart and get a head start. Getting burnt damages cells, leads to peeling and a shallow tan, which won’t last longer than a few days.
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Fade In
Once you have developed a base or foundation tan then you can start getting more creative. Continue using suncream of course but allow yourself to be more flexible with what time of the day you are tanning- and with your positions! The Fade In is a tan line which is gradual and less contrasting when you are naked. To achieve it you must try pulling up your short’s legs, a little more every day. You must also pull down your waistline too. This produces a much more natural naked look.
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Sleeping Dog
Lie on your back with arms back, hands above your head, palms up (extra Vit D absorption) and knees slightly bent and outwards to expose your inner thighs as well as the soles of your feet. Your head should be slightly arched back so your under-chin gets some direct sunlight too.
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Sideways Stretch
This is for a finishing touch only. Lie on your side with arms above your head exposing your flank/ribs all the way to your armpits and with legs in a scissors position to hit all the hidden parts. The idea is to spread out your body well while lying down so that all parts of the body get well exposed to varying angles of the sun. Get creative for you can even make up your own positions!
