Tanning and Sunbathers Ideas

You need the sun. It gives you a good color, improves your mood and even more for your bones. But make sure you don't overdo the sunbathing, because this friend can become dangerous and make your skin look irreparably old.

Sunbathe sensibly
Getting a tan is an art. It's matter of enabling your body to produce melanin (the natural pigment which protects your skin by coloring it) in the best possible circumstances. Gradually increase the time you spend sunbathing but always avoid the hours when the sun is at its highest (the hours immediately before and after midday), because that is when its rays strike you vertically and penetrate much more deeply. Always put on suncream, changing the protection factor according to how tanned you are. Choose high factors to begin with and lower ones as the melanin takes over.

Try self-Tanning
A week before leaving for your holiday in the sun, prepare your skin at a beauty salon. Treat yourself to a programme of exfoliation (removal of dead skin), light touch massage (effeurage), and massage with oils that make your skin glossy and an application of self tanning cream. These products which have a base of fruit acids (AHA/Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and erythrulose or vegetable extracts should be used in addition to sunscreens to boost your tanning. You can also help your skin 'from the inside' by taking sun capsules with a base of carotene and selenium. However, consult your doctor before taking any capsules: high doses of carotene can poison the liver.

Key Facts

• Don't expose naked breasts to the sun or you may increase the risk of developing a cancer.
• At all times protect your hands, face, neck, and shoulders with sun block.
• When on holiday, always apply an after-sun or a particularly nourishing body cream every evening.