With summer just around the corner, it seems as though everyone is rocking shorts, crop tops, rompers, and sundresses. We’ve ditched the oversized sweaters and cardigans like an unwanted ex and are ready to break out all of our light, airy summer pieces; we’re ready to show some skin after being stuck in a semi-eternal winter! There’s only one problem: due to a lack of sunlight, some of us may show a striking resemblance to Edward Cullen.
So, what do you do? You want to break out all of your summer clothing, but you certainly don’t want people mistaking you for a vampire. You think to yourself, Why not go to the tanning bed? Practically all of your friends/sorority sisters do it, and they say it’s totally harmless.
Well, guess what?
They are totally, completely, and utterly WRONG!
Okay, first of all, the FDA considers tanning beds to be unsafe. Keep in mind that this is the same company that approves the use of aspartame and Yellow Dye Number 4. If the FDA is against it, then you know that it can’t be good for you. Secondly, I have two words for you: skin cancer. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk for developing skin cancer, such as melanoma or carcinoma. According to livestrong.com, the “use of a tanning bed before age 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.”
So, in a nutshell, the younger you are when you start frequenting the tanning salon, the more likely you are to develop some form of skin cancer. No one wants that, right? Not only is tanning a health-hazard, it can also age you prematurely. That golden skin-tone that you’ve always wanted and wrinkles are a package-deal; you can’t have one without the other. Frequent tanning also makes the skin tougher, giving it a leathery texture. But, hey, if you want your skin to match all of your crocodile-embossed handbags, that’s your prerogative! Sorry for being a buzzkill.
But there are other ways that you can go about achieving that ideal glow—and you don’t have to sacrifice your skin in the process! Just follow these simple tips, and your healthy, radiant skin will be the envy of everyone else on campus!
1. Wear bright shirts. Seems too easy, huh? But it’s just that simple! You can actually make your skin appear darker by creating the ultimate optical illusion. Stay away from pastels or neutrals because they’ll wash you out and make you look paler than you actually are. Instead, opt for tops in varying shades of neon (If you’re more of a classic girl, white always works, too!). The light vibrancy of the shirt will draw attention away from the lightness of your skin, automatically giving you a sun-kissed glow—without the sun!
2. Give self-tanner a whirl. Yes, I know, this is a tricky feat. You want to look like a bronze goddess, not an Oompa Loompa. So, be very selective when purchasing your tanning product. Stay away from sprays of any sort. Not only are they difficult to apply, but they have little to no skin benefits. Because the product is a spray rather than a lotion, it won’t moisturize your skin. This is often why people who use spray-tanners usually have an orange or blotchy appearance. Let’s put it this way: you don’t want people to be able to tell that you use faux-tanner, and using spray-tanner is basically like wearing a giant, flashing sign that says, “Hello, world! I spray-tan!” So, if you’re going to use faux-tanner, stick to a lotion. I’ve heard good things about Jergen’s® Natural Glow™, but my product of choice is bareMinerals’ Sunless Body Tanner®. It comes with an application brush so that you can apply the product evenly without staining your hands in the process. The best part is that it looks natural because it darkens gradually as you use it. It’s also free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It costs a bit extra, but it’s totally worth it to have healthy skin!
3. Tan naturally. If you’re not about optical illusions or faux-tanner, just try tanning naturally—and by “naturally,” I mean “safely.” It’s fine to lay out in the sun while you get caught up on some summer reading, but make sure that you use plenty of sunscreen and that you reapply every two hours or so. Just don’t overdo it; don’t go out and sunbathe for seven hours every day. Moderation is key to preserving the health of your skin!