Summer time has finally arrived! Goodbye snow boots, scarves, and hefty jackets; hello shorts and bikinis! This article contains my typical sunbathing ritual and products I recommend using.
I was born with a natural tan hue. As I got older, my skin pigment would differ throughout the year. During the winter months I spent most of my time indoors due to the chilling temperatures outside. At that point I’d much rather drink hot cocoa than risk slipping on the ice. So as you can tell--not a whole lot of time was spent under the burning sun. But as soon as May hit the streets, so did I! But I wanted to get my natural shade back as well. Most people take in rays differently than others. It also depends on where you live too. If you reside in the Northwest part of America then the sun won’t be as harmful compared to living in Hawaii. I took a trip there last summer and although it was absolutely beautiful, I got my first serious sunburn on the first day. And we only spent three hours in the sun!! Thank goodness for aloe vera, right?
Most dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with more than 15 SPF and I completely agree. Below is a chart provided by Hawaiian Tropic that recommends certain SPF for specific skin types. When I’m out and about with family or friends, and I know we plan to stay outside for most of the day, then I break out lotion with more than 20 SPF. Though, if you’re looking to lay out in the sun for a while and soak up the rays then here is what I recommend: Hawaiian Tropic’s Dark Tanning Oil. Due to experience (trust me, I’ve tried many), oil tends to give a more even tan compared to tanning lotions. I have yet to find a tanning lotion that works best for sunbathing purposes--but if any of you have come across one then please leave it below in the comments! It would be greatly appreciated. Hawaiian Tropic’s Dark Tanning Oil doesn’t feel too thick on my skin and even though I take a shower afterwards, it still leaves a moisturized feeling.
Source: http://www.hawaiiantropic.com/SunFacts/SunSafety.aspx
Typically, I lather up with oil and wait around for about 15 minutes to let my skin soak up most of it and then I head out the door to set down my towel. Please be sure to stay hydrated beforehand! I cannot stress this enough. The sun can take a lot out of you. Although sunbathing can leave you with great results, a headache and dehydration shouldn’t be one of them. Maybe get some music going too. I try to treat sunbathing as a relaxation method; take in the rays and your environment. Be sure to bring a timer with you too. Lay on your stomach, or back, first and set the timer anywhere between 8-15 minutes. This is for one side only, then flip. Don’t lay on one side for more than 15 minutes. This could lead to extremely harmful damage to your skin (especially if you’re using an oil without SPF). After laying out on each side, hop into the shower to rinse of the rest of the oil. I normally exfoliate, but not roughly, to remove the oil. After the rinse I completely dry off and add an after sun moisturizer. I recommend Hawaiian Tropic’s After Sun Moisturizer in Lime Coolada. Mmmm, this lather is so rich with vitamins and nutrients. It contains a high amount of Aloe Vera to help with any sunburn you might have. My favorite benefit about it is it replenishes any moisture you lose from sunbathing. Once you evenly cover yourself with this moisturizer, right away you’ll notice how soft and hydrated your skin feels. The smell is also a nice touch; it’s not too strong but refreshing and cool. You can find either of these products at your nearest drugstores. I lay out in the sun about 2-3 times a week. I try not to do it too often for my own skin's health.
Left: HT After Sun Moisturizer Right: HT Dark Tanning Oil
If you all have anymore advice about sunbathing then we would love to hear it! We’re open to new ideas.
Happy sunbathing!
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