Sun Bathing Tanning Tips Guide

Stay Safe in the Sun with our Sun Cream Tanning Tips Guide

How to get the best tan in the sun, on a tanning bed or by spray tanning

Pre-tan preparation for a suntan is essential to get the best tan for outdoor, sunbed and even fake tanning. 

Our best sun tanning tips:

1. Exfoliate the skin the night before tanning and apply a generous amount of moisturiser or aftersun lotion to get the skin really well hydrated. This removes the dead skin and the healthy skin can then be well nourished by the application of aftersun or moisturising lotion.

2. Use the best sunscreen factor for your skin type and apply generously and frequently. 

3. Do not stay too long in the sun too quickly. A gradually built up tan is a healthier tan which will last longer. 

4. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, this will also benefit your skin. 

5. After tan care is also essential to prolong your suntan. So after sunbathing, sunbed or fake tanning always apply aftersun to keep the skin in tiptop condition. 

What is SPF?

SPF is for short for Sun Protection Factor and this is a measurement of how well a sunscreen (sunblock) blocks out UVB radiation from the sun.

UVB are the rays which cause skin to burn, so a suntan lotion with a SPF50 offers greater protection than one with a SPF 30.

How do UVA and UVB rays differ?

UVA rays are the long wave end of the light spectrum and these penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. UVA rays can still penetrate the skin through clouds or glass.

UVB rays are the short wave end of the light spectrum and are the causes of sunburn.

How much sunscreen should you use?

A generous coating should be applied on all exposed areas of the skin and in particular,

the sensitive areas of the skin such as neck, nose, ears and tops of feet.

When do you need to apply sunscreen?

Ideally 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapplying frequently and particularly after swimming, even if you are using a suntan lotion that offers water resistant UV protection.

What is the best sun cream to protect children in the sun?

The best sunscreen to use is one with a high Sun Factor (SPF 50) and maximum UVA star rating.

How long can you keep sunscreen?

Sunscreen does go off, so always check the best before date. You should also check the lie span of the sunscreen, for example this is displayed as 12M for 12 Months being the period after opening for the sunscreen to still be good.

What if I burn, how do I treat sunburn?

If you start to feel burning you need to get out of the sun and quickly cool the skin with a cool shower. It is then best to pat the skin dry rather than rub it. And then apply an aftersun lotion, Aloe Vera based gels are among the best skincare products and to help reduce inflammation. It is then best to protect the sunburnt skin from further sun exposure for several days until the skin is healed.

How can I protect my eyes from UV rays?

Never look directly at the sun! And if your sunbathing using sunbed goggles or disposable sunbed eye protection such as Wink Ease, will block out 99% of the UV rays. 

Can I use a tanning bed on the same day as sunbathing?

No! As this would risk over-exposure, so it best to use one or the other but not both on the same day.