Essential Tips for a Safe Sun Experience

Understanding Tanning and Sun Protection

What is Tanning and How Does it Work?

Key Topic	Description	Key Takeaway
What is Tanning?	Tanning occurs when UV rays stimulate melanin production in the skin, darkening its tone as a protective response.	Tanning protects skin to some extent, but UV damage still occurs and can lead to long-term risks.
Why Does Tanning Happen?	The body produces melanin to protect deeper layers of the skin from UV radiation.	Melanin production varies by skin type, making fair skin more prone to sunburn.
Risks of Tanning	Prolonged UV exposure can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increased risk of skin cancer.	Tanning should always be approached with proper sun protection to minimize risks.

 

Tanning is a process in which the skin is exposed to Ultraviolet Radiation (UV Rays) and then darkens in colour to a brown tone. Tanning can be caused by exposure to the sun's rays or by artificial sources of tanning, such as sunbeds.

Tanning is the skin's natural response to protect it from the sun's UV rays. Melanin production is triggered as a protective mechanism when UV rays hit the skin.

The amount of melanin in the skin affects how it responds to UV radiation. People with fair skin types do not produce as much melanin and are, therefore, more prone to skin damage, such as sunburn.

Risks Associated with Tanning

Although tanning boosts our Vitamin D levels, according to the NHS, you cannot safely tan 100%, so precautions and risks should be taken when tanning.

Prolonged UV radiation can cause skin damage, such as premature skin ageing, which includes the increase of fine lines and wrinkles. UV damage can also cause sunspots and sagging skin.

Prolonged sun exposure and exposure from tanning beds can also contribute to hyperpigmentation and the risk of skin cancer.

Skin damage can occur rapidly, especially in people with more naturally fair skin. Although people who are more naturally darker skinned tan quickly, they still have the risk of sunburn and also skin cancer.

Preparing Your Skin for the Sun

Preparation Step	How to Do It	Why It Helps
Exfoliate	Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells 1-2 days before sun exposure.	Creates a smooth surface for an even tan and prevents patchiness.
Moisturise	Hydrate skin daily, focusing on dry areas like elbows and knees.	Keeps skin supple and prevents uneven absorption of UV rays.
Choose SPF	Select a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with at least a 4-star UVA rating.	Protects against UVA/UVB rays, reducing the risk of burns and skin damage.
Use a Tanning Accelerator	Apply an accelerating cream to promote faster tanning while reducing UV exposure time.	Boosts melanin production without prolonged sun exposure.

Choosing the Right Sun Cream for Sun Protection

Protecting your skin health from harmful UV radiation is vital. Choosing the correct sun cream for your skin will protect it from harmful skin damage such as sunburn, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer.

• Look for a Broad-Spectrum sun cream that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
• Check the UVA star rating, which indicates the SPF rating and can range from 1 star (minimum protection) to 5 stars (ultra protection).
• SPF 30 will block UVA and UVB rays to prevent the skin from burning.
• Go for SPF 30 over SPF 50, as it filters 97% of UVB rays.
• Use sun cream suitable for your skin type, and reapply every two hours.
• Steer clear of oils and products with zero sun protection to reduce potential damage.

Exfoliating and Moisturising for a Natural Tan

Exfoliating and moisturising before tanning will keep the skin looking healthy and hydrated. UV light naturally dries out the skin, so it is essential to replenish the skin's needs for hydration.

• Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and promote an even tan.
• Moisturise your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. Focus on areas of the body that are naturally more on the dry skin side, such as the knees and elbows.
• Use a gentle exfoliant and a hydrating moisturiser to prepare your skin for the sun.
• Use an Accelerating cream to help you tan faster without high UV exposure.

Safe Sun Exposure

Tanning Safely: Timing, Techniques, and Tips

Tip	What to Do	Why It Matters
Avoid Peak Hours	Tan in the morning before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when UV rays are less intense.	Prevents burns and overexposure, which can cause long-term damage.
Use a Timer	Limit sunbathing to 1-2 hours and take breaks in the shade.	Avoids the tanning plateau and minimizes skin dehydration.
Reapply SPF	Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.	Maintains consistent sun protection and prevents burns.
Rotate Positions	Switch positions frequently while sunbathing.	Ensures an even tan and reduces the risk of burning specific areas.

 

Limiting your time tanning out in the sun and reducing session times on tanning beds is a safe way to follow safe tanning practices to reduce the risks of skin cancer and minimise skin damage. Here are our top tips on what you need to know:

• Your skin reaches a tanning cut-off point when it physically can't produce any more Melanin; this is called a tanning plateau.
• This point is typically two to three hours, or much less if you have fair skin.
• Taking breaks from the sun will reduce overexposure, UV intensity, and sunburn risk.
• Seek shade during long periods of direct sunlight.
• Avoid burning and change positions frequently.

Avoiding Peak Hours for Optimal Tanned Skin

• The sun is at its hottest between 10 am and 4 pm, so take extra precautions during these times.
• Take regular breaks from the sun, cover-up, and seek shade.
• Apply sun cream before and during being out in the sun.
• Reapply your sun lotion every two hours, regardless of whether you've been swimming.

Enhancing Your Tan

Eating Sun-Friendly Foods

Certain foods help protect the skin from sun damage by providing essential nutrients and vitamins that boost the skin's natural defenses and promote repair.

Although sun-friendly foods are not an alternative to sun cream and other forms of sun protection, they are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, such as Vitamin C, which combat the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Certain foods, such as tomatoes and other red and orange fruits and veg, contain Lycopene, which can boost sun protection by 33%.

Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach contain high amounts of Beta-Carotene, which can help you tan quicker without burning. Beta-Carotene is also an antioxidant and can reduce sun sensitivity.

High amounts of Beta-Carotene can also help you tan faster without prolonged exposure.

Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants that can help calm the skin after sun exposure. One of our top tips to soothe sunburnt skin is to keep green tea bags cool in a fridge and apply them directly to the skin to soothe the burn.

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that can help protect against sunburn.

Oily fish is rich in omega-3 and has anti-inflammatory powers.

Supplements for Healthy Skin

• Consider taking a supplement that contains selenium and Vitamin E to boost your skin's resilience to the sun.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from free radicals and retains moisture.
• Start taking these supplements when the weather heats up to give your body time to build defenses.

Sun Protection vs. Tanning: Key Differences and Safety Tips:

Aspect	Sun Protection	Tanning
Primary Goal	Protect the skin from UV radiation and prevent damage.	Darken skin tone through controlled UV exposure or alternatives.
Products	Broad-spectrum SPF creams and physical blockers like hats.	Tanning oils, accelerators, and self-tanners.
Risks	Minimal when using SPF correctly.	Increased risk of sunburn, aging, and skin cancer without protection.

 

Aftersun Care

Applying Aftersun Products

After sun care, it is vital to keep the skin looking and feeling healthier. It is essential to soothe the skin and promote healing after exposure to UV light. Here are our top tips for aftersun care:

• Hydrated skin will help your tan last longer, preventing blistering and further inflammation.
• Use an aftersun product that is gentle on the skin and doesn't contain high amounts of alcohol.
• Add hydration back into your skin with a hydrating aftersun product.
• Choose a product that contains aloe vera that will naturally soothe and hydrate the skin.

Treating Sunburn

• Sunburn symptoms may not appear immediately but can take a few hours to develop.
• A main symptom of sunburn is a change in skin colour, which is visually more on the red side and can blister.
• Sunburn's effects may not be evident until 24-48 hours after sun exposure.
• Use aloe vera gel to calm sunburnt skin and reduce redness and sensitivity.

Maintaining a Healthy Glow

Staying Hydrated and Healthy

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in Antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avoid tanning beds and use SPF 30 as a minimum to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.

How to maximise your tan

Use a self-tanner

• Self-tanning products are a great and safe alternative to tanning without the use of UV rays. They can boost your natural tan colour. Incorporate tanning drops into your skincare to give an added glow.

Use a tan extender for a long-lasting tan.

• Using a tan-extending product will prolong your tanned result and restore hydration to the skin. Our best-selling tan extender is the ProTan Beaches & Creme Tan Extending Moisturiser, which is designed to keep the skin nourished while prolonging and locking in your tan.