Get Outside! - Practice Safe Sun Fun

Soaking up the sun is one of the most splendid sensations on earth. That is, of course, if you do it right. Doing it right means practicing safe sun fun, or protecting yourself from the sun’s damaging UV rays without giving up the great outdoors entirely. These savvy tips from Fake Bake tell you how to get out and enjoy the sun without worrying about its harmful effects.

1.) Go for protective clothing.

Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and other cover-ups are a great way to shield your skin from the sun. They come in tons of lightweight materials and adorable colors, and even in sun protective fabrics designed to block out harmful rays.

Don’t forget to add the equally adorable wide-brimmed hat. Hats with wider brims not only cover your face, but they add a layer of protection over certain spots that are easy to forget about, such as your scalp and the tips of your ears.

2.) Make sunglasses your new BFF.

Sunglasses are a must for sunny days, and the fashionable options are pretty much endless. The sun’s UV rays are known for causing eye problems, like cataracts, and you want to keep yours protected at all times. When it comes to selecting your new favorite pair, make sure they’re listed as blocking at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.

• UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, causing premature aging
• UVB rays are responsible for sunburns

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3.) Slather on the sunscreen.

It takes as few as 15 minutes for UV rays to damage your skin, so make sure you slather on the sunscreen before you even head outside. You also want to re-apply it at least every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating. Apply the sunscreen to every part of your body that will be exposed to the sun.

When it comes to selecting a sunscreen, make sure it has:

• An SPF of 30
• Broad-spectrum sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays

SPF stands for sun protection factor, and it indicates the level of protection against UVB rays the product offers. Higher SPF ratings do deliver more protection, but not a lot more. The higher the SPF you pick, the smaller the difference in protection you get.

• SPF 15: Blocks about 93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30: Blocks about 97%
• SPF 50: Blocks about 98%
• SPF 100: Blocks about 99%

You won’t find a sunscreen that protects against 100% of the harmful rays, which is why protective clothing and other measures remain important — even with sunscreen.

4.) Don’t be fooled by cloudy days.

Just because the sun’s brightness may be dimmed by clouds doesn’t mean its rays are. In fact, 80% of the sun’s harmful rays can go right through the clouds. Keep your sunscreen slathered and your protective clothing in place even on cloudy days. 

5.) Get your timing down right.

The sun is at its peak at noon, but its rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule your sun time early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the most brutal hours. You can still head outside during the sunniest times, but select an activity or outing where you can stay in the shade. Sit under a tree at the park or bring an umbrella to the beach.

6.) Choose a tan that's right for you.

Even though it’s well-known that tanning from the sun can be harmful to skin, people still crave that sun-kissed glow. Well, you can get your glow without the sun, thanks to a lineup of healthy tanning options. Try a self-tanning gel, lotion, liquid, mousse or serum for a sunless tan that’s as gorgeous as it is safe for your skin.

Self-tanning products are incredibly advanced these days, designed to enhance any skin tone to create a natural-looking, radiant glow. You’ll even find specialized products made specifically for facial skin, with anti-aging ingredients as part of the mix.

7.) Know the skin you’re in.

Becoming familiar with your skin makes it easier to spot any changes that may crop up. Keep an eye out for new skin markings, such as areas with color changes, moles, scaly spots or moles. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes, or schedule regular skin exams with a dermatologist. Skin cancer is easier to treat when it’s caught early, so it’s smart to be aware of what’s going on with your skin.

Now that you know how to have fun in the sun while staying safe and healthy, all that’s left is to get out and enjoy it. Make sure you stock up on your protective clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and self-tanning options and you’ll have everything you need to look and feel your best all summer long. Shop Fake Bake sunless tanners now.