Holiday Skincare

Safe Tan Plan:

• Apply suntan lotion before you go into the sun, and before you dress, to ensure that you don’t miss any areas.
• Gradually build up the time you spend in the sun. Never be tempted to stay in the sun so long that your skin burns – it’s a sign of skin damage.
• Stay out of the sun between 12 non and 3 o’clock when the sun is at its hottest. Move into the shade or cover up with a t-shirt and broad-brimmed hat.
• If you’re playing a lot of sport or swimming, choose a special sports formula or waterproof formulation.
• Lips need a good lip screen to protect them from burning and chapping.
• If you have sensitive skin, there are hypoallergenic products around, so ask your pharmacist.

Fake Tan Plan:
The safest tan of all is one that comes out of a bottle! There are three main ways to face a tan.
1. Bronzing Powders: These are designed to be used on your face, and they act in the same way as a blusher. Make sure that the one you use is not too pearlized, or you’ll shimmer a little too much in the sunshine.
Wash-off Tanners: A quick way to create an instant tan on your face and body. Simply smooth on the cream, then wash it away at the end of the day.
Self-tanners: If haven’t tried these formulations for years because you remember the awful smell, color and streaky results, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the improvements that have been made. In fact, choose carefully and you’ll create an acceptable alternative to the real thing. These products contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is absorbed by surface skin cells and turns brown in the presence of oxygen, creating the “tan”. This process usually takes 3-4 hours, and the effects last until these skin cells are naturally shed – which can be from a few days right up to a week.

Self-tanning Tips:

• Use a body scrub first to rub away the dead flaky skin that can create a patchy finish.
• Massage plenty of body lotion into the area to be treated. This will combat any remaining dry areas, and give a smooth surface on which to apply the tanning lotion.
• If there’s a shade choice, go with the lighter one, because you can always apply more to get a darker color.
• Use a small amount of the product at a time – you can apply a second layer later.
• Work the product firmly into the skin until it feels completely dry. Any excess left on the surface is likely to go patchy.
• If you’ve applied self-tan to your body, wipe areas that don’t normally tan with damp cotton wool (cotton) – armpits, nipples, soles of feet and fingers. On the face, work the cotton wool around eyebrows, hairline and jawline.
• While there are self-tanning products that offer some protection from the sun until you wash your skin, it’s best to use them in conjunction with the best sunscreen for your skin type.