How to sunbathe safely?

Summer is in full swing and sun-drenched days are tempting us to sunbathe. It’s beneficial, healthy and, besides vitamins, it will also give you a good mood – but nothing should be overdone. So how can you tan safely and enjoy a golden-brown colour without consequences and without damaging your skin? Your skin will reward you for proper care!

The downside of the sun’s rays

In the past, pale skin was popular and desirable; the popularity of tanned skin only began in the 20th century. Back then, it was discovered that sunlight is a great source of vitamin D – it helps with the healing of wounds and eczema and provides overall support for immunity and mental wellbeing.

Today, however, we also know that sunlight has its “shady” side – some types of UV radiation, such as UVA and UVB, can irreversibly damage the skin. They can cause sun allergies, dryness or premature skin ageing and, in the worst cases, even skin cancer. What’s more, the skin remembers all our sun mishaps well, so the likelihood of melanoma increases with every sunburn.

That’s why it’s important to strictly follow the principles of safe sunbathing to minimise risks. The basics are, of course, regular hydration and protecting your eyes with sunglasses and your head with a hat.
But how can we tan responsibly, healthily and quickly, while still protecting our skin?

Preparation is important

The path to a beautiful tan doesn’t start with time in the sun. Preparation before you step into the sunshine is important too. First, remove all dead skin cells with a scrub – try, for example, a natural body scrub with premium ingredients and the scent of cherry blossom or pink grapefruit Kundal Macadamia & Sugar Body Scrub or a fresh body scrub with sea salt that nourishes the skin and leaves it soft and supple LADOR La Pause Deep Sea Body Scrub.

Your face will also benefit from a good exfoliation – you can let a gentle peeling gel work, for example Skin79 Jeju Aloe Aqua with aloe vera from Jeju Island, ground apricot kernels and a range of plant extracts, which softens and soothes the skin, or a gentle lemon peeling gel for radiant and healthy-looking skin Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel.

Thanks to exfoliation, tanned skin lasts longer and won’t start peeling.

A beautiful brownish tan is also supported by beta-carotene with vitamin A, which can be bought at the pharmacy.

Everyone is different

It’s important to adapt sunbathing and care to your phototype. Phototype is determined by the intensity of pigmentation – the natural colouring of the skin and the amount of melanin. It is determined according to the reaction to exposure to the midday sun. This is related to skin pigmentation, eye colour and hair colour.

We recognise four phototypes – phototype 1 is characterised by fair skin, freckles, blue eyes and red hair. The skin is sensitive and reddens easily. Phototype 2 has fair skin, blue-green eyes and blonde to brown hair. These people often get sunburnt. Phototype 3 is the most common; it is characterised by light brown skin, brown eyes and brown to dark hair. They tan easily, but only rarely get sunburnt. Phototype 4 has dark skin and very dark hair, as well as eyes. They practically never get sunburnt.

Keep your phototype in mind when choosing products and when deciding how long you will expose yourself to the sun’s rays. There’s no need to lie in the sun all day; after a certain time, the skin reaches its maximum melanin production. The maximum length should not exceed 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on skin type. Also avoid being in the sun between 11am and 3pm.

Apply sun protection products

We already know that sunlight can be dangerous and deceptive, so we should always have a suitable sun protection product applied.

Choose according to your phototype and preferences.

Phototype 1 should protect their skin the most, with products with SPF 50+. Try, for example, the tinted sun cream Holika Holika Make Up Sun Cream SPF50+, whose fruit blend soothes and hydrates the skin and nourishes it.

Phototype 2 should reach for SPF 30–50. For everyday protection of the skin from UV radiation, choose, for example, the moisturising sun cream Skin79 Waterproof Sun Gel. For effective protection and deep hydration, try for example TonyMoly UV Master Kids & Mum Sun Cream, which can also be used for babies.

For everyone else, products with SPF30 should be enough, such as a light sun base under make-up Yadah Oh My Sun Protection Tone Up Base, which brightens the skin and evens out its tone.

Also don’t forget that the sun tans you even in the shade! UVA radiation penetrates glass and even clouds. So protect yourself every time, not only when you are in direct sunlight.

Aftercare

You need to care for your skin even after you finish your time in the sun. Always use an after-sun product that soothes, regenerates, nourishes and helps your tan last. Try, for example, a cooling and moisturising gel with a fresh watermelon scent Holika Holika Watermelon 96% Soothing Gel, a light and soothing gel with aloe vera Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel, a soothing gel with a high content of coconut pulp suitable for face and body Skin79 Real Coconut Soothing Gel or a multifunctional moisturising gel with cactus extracts suitable for all skin types Yadah Cactus Soothing Gel.

More Korean cosmetics from the Sun ☀ category can be found HERE