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The general medical recommendation is to avoid tanning. However, if you wish to get a light tan, follow these directions to do it as safely as possible:
- Don't be too anxious to get a tan. Remember that, in the case of sun exposure, less is best. A bad sunburn can ruin your holiday and increase your risk of skin cancer.
- When travelling abroad always bring sun screen with you. Selections in some countries can be limited and you may not be able to buy the brand/SPF that you want.
- Always wear sunscreen. Begin with no more than 10 minutes of exposure with no less than SPF 15 sunscreen. Early sun exposure is best done early in the day or late in the afternoon. Increase exposure gradually, but no more than 30 minutes.
- The remainder of the time you spend in the sun, apply a sunscreen with a high enough SPF (sun protection factor) to block all the sun's harmful rays. The higher the number, the more protection offered by the sunscreen/sunblock.
- Stop sun exposure as soon as you have a light tan. Don't risk skin cancer by trying for a dark tan. Use Sunblock with an SPF of 30 or greater).
- Don't forget that you can get a sunburn even on cloudy days or when sitting in the shade. The reflection of sun off water can be just as bad (or worse) than direct sun exposure.
- Be particularly careful if you're boating. Wind and sun combined can give you a very painful burn.
- If you don't want to tan, wear a sunblock at all times. Don't forget to apply it to all exposed skin areas, including your feet and ears. Your scalp can burn, too. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect hair and scalp.
- Wear reflective, light-colored clothing to cover up when not swimming. Long-sleeved, loose cotton clothing is cooler and give good sun protection.
- Be careful when snorkeling and re-apply sunblock frequently. Water will wash off most preparations fairly quickly. Even scuba divers who spend most of their dive time under the waves need sunblock to protect them during surface intervals.
- If you should get burned in spite of precautions, apply one of the sunburn remedy preparations containing aloe to soothe your skin and help prevent damage. Take lukewarm baths and showers rather than hot.
- If you should have fever (temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit), seek medical attention.
- As an alternative to sun exposure, get your tan from a bottle. There are some great bronzers available. Check your local pharmacy or your favorite cosmetics counter.
- Be very careful to protect your children. Their young skin is even more sensitive and vulnerable to the adverse effects of too much sun.
Tips:
- Be sure to follow the instructions for your particular sunblock or sunscreen preparation. And re-apply it often, since perspiration or water can wash it off.
- If you get burned and don't have an aloe preparation, try some cider vinegar. You can spray it straight on with a spray bottle, or dilute it 50-50 with water. Or try soaking towels in vinegar and applying them to the burned areas.
- Always wear a sunscreen preparation of at least SPF 15. You can still tan with this SPF, and you'll be much more likely to avoid an accidental sunburn.
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