Although everybody knows about the harmful effects of sunlight for health for years, it is difficult to resist the desire to have an evenly tanned, golden skin.
Fortunately, you don’t have to resist too much.
Modern cosmetics for sunbathing provide decent UV protection. Does this mean that there is such a thing as a healthy tan and, what follows, safe tanning?
Of course!
Stay with us and see how you can protect yourself against UV rays, while gaining a beautiful skin tone.
What tanning cosmetics should I choose?
Manufacturers of tanning cosmetics are outdoing themselves in creating new formulas of preparations that will encourage purchase. Among them, we can find sunblock, tanning lotion, face lotion, suntan lotion, or cream.
The stores also have special sun-tanning creams for children and tanning accelerators.
Let’s take a closer look at them:
Filters for sunbathing
Cosmetics for tanning are characterized above all by the fact that they contain sunscreens. Their effects can be different:
Physical (mineral) filters reflect and diffuse light. They are made of zinc, iron or kaolin oxide, among others.
Chemical filters absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays. They can be created on the basis of both natural and synthetic substances.
All this to make safe sunbathing comfortable but also practical.
Going forward: Tanning cream with mineral filter
Cosmetics for sunbathing that can be found in stores usually contain both types of filters mentioned above. However, for people with skin prone to allergies, creams containing 100% mineral filters are intended.
UVA and UVB rays
Balsams, lotions, emulsions and all other sunscreens contain filters that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Why are they harmful to us?
UVA rays make our skin age faster. In turn, UVB rays are responsible for the formation of sunburn. Both UVA and UVB can lead to melanoma (skin cancer).
If the chosen emulsion is marked “UVA / UVB“, this indicates a wide protection against UV radiation.
Cream with a UV filter
The degree of skin protection is marked on the packaging of cosmetics for tanning through the SPF agent.
What are you talking about?
Suppose that SPF 15 is inscribed on the packaging of the product, and we can be in the sun for 20 minutes without any protection. SPF 15 means that after applying the cosmetic we will be able to stay in the sun 15 times longer, that is 300 minutes, which gives 5 hours.
Of course, we must also take into account such factors as abrasion balm or washing in the water, but about that in a moment.
The higher the SPF value, the better protection.
In the stores you will find cosmetics for sunbathing SPF equal to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50.
Waterproof tanning lotion
As you know, sunbathing is most often associated with bathing in the water, therefore waterproof tanning lotion is advised, best reapplied each time after leaving the water.
Cosmetics for face tanning
The face is the body part most exposed to the sun, which is why it requires special protection. Balsams or oils for use on the body do not always have a consistency that serves your complexion and here you can help with sunscreen. Additionally, it is worth smearing the lips with a lipstick with a filter (which is also perfectly suitable for application on elbows or knees!).
If you are waiting for a longer stay on the beach, maybe it is worth reaching for a set of cosmetics for sunbathing? The whole series is offered, among others, by such producers as Ziaja or Lirene.
Tanning accelerator
Proven ingredients stimulating the production of melanin, like carrots and walnuts, can be found in so-called tanning accelerators. They allow you to get a tan in a shorter than usual time, but be careful!
You can not stay in the sun for too long after they have been applied, as it can cause sunburn!
Sun care cosmetics for children
Children’s skin is particularly delicate and exposed to UV rays, which is why you have to take care of it.
How to do it?
Choose a tanning cosmetic designed especially for children,
Look for preparations that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Choose a cosmetic with a larger SPF filter 25. Although it may seem tempting to buy SPF 50, you must remember that it prevents the body from synthesizing vitamin D from the sun’s rays.
Bear in mind that mineral filters are safer for children, especially newborns and infants.
Where can I buy cosmetics for tanning?
Cosmetics for tanning offers many manufacturers. Among products avaiable in Poland there are such brands as Garnier, AA (sun-tanning products for allergy sufferers), Kolastyna (well-liked tanning lotion), Vichy, Ziaja, Dax Cosmetics, Soraya (dry oil for sunbathing), Bioderma or Lancaster.
Prices of tanning cosmetics
A small tube of tanning emulsion may cost less than 10 PLN (2,50 euro). The price of the most expensive tanning cosmetics reaches up to PLN 600 (120 euro). It’s worth remembering to buy such preparations before you go on vacation.
In tourist destinations they reach high prices in the summer
At the end a small surprise in the form of a comparison of tanning cosmetics:
We invite you to share your comments about particular suncreens. Let’s help each other in getting a beautiful tan 🙂