Secrets to A Healthy Tan This Summer

It's a summer ritual. We head out to the beach with our fruity drink (with umbrella's in it of course), lather up our bodies with lotion, and tan our bodies till we can't take it anymore. We sun worshipers love showing off that freshly tanned body. Not only do we look good, but we feel better with a tan. We feel healthy, more energetic, as well as more attractive.

A great looking tan makes the character and texture of your skin improved. There are certain recommendations that you should head for safer tanning. You shouldn't be in the direct sunlight for long periods of time, and with a good browning or tanning lotion you don't need too. Too much sun on your skin can lead to to skin cancer — the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. Additionally, if you live in a region such as Australia, you should be extra cautious — the ozone layer is weaker which exposes you to more harmful UV rays.

So what does a tan actually mean?

A tan refers to exposure of the skin to the rays of the sun for a considerable amount of time. The UV-B rays of the sun encourage the cells of the innermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis to produce more melanin pigments. These pigments are then on their way to the outermost layer, known as the dermatitis, which are tanned by the UV-A rays of the sun.

Additionally, vitamin D3 is also produced while under the sun. This vitamin assists in building a stronger immune system to guard against diseases, and also aids in preventing osteoporosis. Ancillary benefits of sun exposure is improved cardiovascular circulation, as well as a great treatment for skin diseases like psoriasis, neurodermatitis, and yes, even acne. So you see, there are several positive effects that healthy sun exposure can bring. The key is to use a high quality all natural tanning or browning lotion that allows you to get that deep dark tan with as little sun exposure as possible.

How do you know what's the best tanning or browning lotion? It can be confusing as well as difficult. There are millions of products on the market, some bad, some good, and a few amazing. For safer tanning the things you want to look for is a tanning or browning lotion that is made from all natural ingredients, and lotions that doesn't contain any self tanners, or bronzing ingredients (save that for the indoor beds). The tanning lotion should also contain moisturizing features and aloe — to treat minor burns and keep your skin from getting dry and chapped.

For a natural suntan, you should take the advice and precautions from the experts. Everyone's skin type is different, and we all react differently to sunlight. Some fair skinned people can't tan at all, and only burn. You need to know your skin type and limitations so you don't overexpose and get burned. Access overexposure to the sun's rays can cause permanent damage to your skin. Make sure you were a good tanning or browning lotion when you are in the sun this summer. And always, always always wear an appropriate sun block for your skin type. A good tanning or browning lotion can be applied right on top of your sunblock. Never sunbathe more than once a day, and you really don't need to do it more than once a week to maintain your dark tan.

So all your sun worshipers, enjoy the sun this summer, but use sensibility, dont overdo it, and always see your doctor every tanning season and get a full body melanoma screening. Make sure you use a good tanning or browning lotion, and stay hydrated. Happy tanning!