Sunbathing correctly!

And then comes the time when office shoes are replaced by casual sandals. Skirts that were once tight and form-fitting give way to playful dresses and light tunics, and our skin finally gets that much-desired tan.

Even, smooth, golden, and soft… Every girl dreams of it as summer approaches. So, as soon as the first rays of sun appear, we eagerly seek to brown our skin, imagining how beautifully a new blouse will accentuate its color. Undoubtedly, a beautiful tan will make our features stand out even more and make our eyes shine.

Unfortunately, these days many people pursue a “chocolate tan” without considering the impact on their health. Everyone knows that spending hours under direct sunlight is harmful, but for some, beauty takes precedence over health. No, I’m not suggesting that women should avoid enjoying the beach at all—after all, I myself indulge in it every weekend, flipping from back to front on my chaise. And let’s be honest, tanning beds are nothing new to me either. Nevertheless, my sunscreen not only smells like coconut but also has the highest SPF rating.

Sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which boosts the “happiness hormone.” Indeed, if we don’t go overboard and spend time in the sun until we feel dizzy, our mood improves, and everyday worries seem less significant. But of course, we don’t want premature wrinkles and dry skin to become a problem ten years from now.

I’m firmly convinced that we girls of the 21st century can stay young for a very long time. Especially nowadays, with the cosmetic industry constantly releasing new, effective products, sunscreen has become an essential tool for maintaining our beauty during the summer.

In today’s world, where we always need to look our best, few people would refuse a beautiful tan. But by using high-quality sunscreen and having a partner to help apply it, we can make our sunbathing experience much more enjoyable and safe.

Unfortunately, for many girls, the term “sunscreen” sounds like a nightmare—that it will prevent them from getting a tan at all. But that’s not true. Sunscreen prevents the negative effects of sunlight, not the tan itself. Thanks to it, our skin stays soft and protected, and it won’t start peeling off after just a few days.

Ultraviolet A and B rays reach the earth’s surface and affect our skin. If we’re exposed to them for too long, the skin’s natural defenses aren’t enough to protect it, and its cells can be damaged. Additionally, these rays cause the formation of free radicals in the skin, accelerating its aging process. To prevent these problems, we need to use sunscreen with a high SPF factor. Apply it at least 15–20 minutes before going outside so it has time to absorb. If you spend a lot of time in water, reapply the sunscreen every hour. After sunbathing, it’s also important to use a post-tan lotion or cream that contains antioxidants to help the skin recover quickly.

Some Words About Tanning Beds

I won’t go into detail about the dangers of using tanning beds and why they should be avoided. The internet is already full of information on this topic. I don’t think anyone needs further persuasion—everyone has made their own choice, whether for health reasons or out of a desire for a “perfect tan.” Some people consider tanning beds a necessary part of their summer routine; others use them regularly. Here, I’d like to mention my friend—who uses a tanning bed twice a year. Unfortunately, the dry wrinkles around her eyes that appeared in just a few months really don’t enhance her appearance at all. So, dear girls, please don’t go overboard with it. We certainly don’t want to look like raisins by the age of 22!

When choosing this method of tanning, extra caution is needed. Tanning beds emit much more harmful ultraviolet A rays, which put a lot of strain on the skin. Artificial radiation is even more damaging, so using high-quality sunscreen is essential. After using a tanning bed, the skin also becomes very dry, so it’s important to apply a moisturizing lotion afterward.

My Dear, Tell Me…

Now let’s talk about the face. Our facial skin is extremely delicate, especially around the eyes. Urban pollution and wind are already harmful, let alone the scorching sun. Any negative impact can lead to dryness and irritation—something we definitely don’t need in the summer. Many people think that regular daily lotions with SPF can replace sunscreen, but these are better suited for urban use. When going to the beach, bring special facial sunscreens, as they contain more powerful protective ingredients. After tanning, apply your usual night cream under your eyes; instead, use a nourishing cream to help the skin recover from the stress.

Dietes, fitness centers, and fashion stores have all helped us prepare perfectly for the beach and dance parties. All that’s left is to take care of our skin’s health and beauty so that nothing gets in the way of looking our best.

And don’t forget to put on new sunglasses, too!

Yana Veligora, specifically for the PROODTDYH portal