To Tan or Not to Tan?

So, on paper, this summer is looking to be one of the most exciting I've ever had. I leave for a two week Italy adventure in a few days, and then immediately after that I'm going to Bonnaroo (first timer). Now, as many of you probably know, I am a little pale...and by a little pale I mean I fall somewhere between the colors of apricot and snow. I don't have a problem with my fair skin, but it does come with its downfalls. Example: I go from snow white to lobster queen real quick. Even though I try to protect my skin, sun burns and I have a pretty fierce history together.


With all of my failed efforts of sun screen application and reapplication, I thought I might try something a little different this year. Instead of going out into the blistering-middle tennessee sun without any sort of skin preparation, I bought a groupon for a month of unlimited tanning bed use. Generally I am completely against the idea of a tanning bed, but I really hoped that getting a base of sun on my skin (before standing in it for hours on end) would help me to avoid getting, potentially, the worst sunburn I've ever had.


When I walked into the lobby of EuroBronz I felt pretty confident. The the woman behind the counter was super helpful and answered all of the questions I had. I told her I'd never tanned before and she sent me back for my first 5 minute session in room 3.

STEP 1: APPLY TANNING LOTION

Tanning lotion: like tanning oil, tanning lotion helps welcome the sun to your skin, but unlike tanning oil, it also protects your skin from sun burns. Buying lotion at tanning salons can be expensive, but buying samples (like I did) is a good way to start out. This was a sample of a lotion called "Mohawk," which retailed for $60 at EuroBronz, and I thought worked pretty well. I did not burn in the places that I used it generously. The sample was $3.68.

STEP 2: PUT ON PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR/PROTECT FACE

Waiting on me in my tanning bed was a small towel and a pair of eye protectors. It is mandatory that you wear these to protect your eyes from the UV rays projected by the tanning bed. Many people use the towel to cover their face in the bed, to avoid wrinkling and other post-tanning side effects. 

STEP 3: LAY IN BED FOR A TIME THAT SUITS YOUR SKIN

Things to remember when laying in the bed: 1) it is your responsibility to lower the top part...it will not lower for you, 2) do not attempt to look at the UV lights. Your eyes will thank you. 3) Lay still, and with your arms away from your body (otherwise you will get an awkward tanline). I also heard that you are supposed to rotate...but I never really gott that skilled at tanning.

I continued to go back for about 2-3 weeks. My schedule was: tan 2 days, skip a day, tan 2 days...etc. I progressed from 5 minutes to 7, and thought I saw a little bit of difference (needless to say I was getting pretty excited). However what looked like a tan in some like, felt like a burn in the shower. Discouraged, I made the (possibley premature) decision of discontinuing my tanning endever. Maybe if I would have kept it up I would have seen more difference, but it wasn't worth it to me to damage my skin further to get there. When it says on the bed,  "if you don't normally tan, tanning beds will not work for you," it is not kidding. Tanning is just not for me.


If you do decide to take up tanning, remember to research it first. You need to know about the real risks of it, and the safest way to go about it (not to mention the most effective ways).


So, what is my answer to my summer sunburn dilemma? Sun screen (with a HIGH spf), shirts that cover my shoulders, and retreating to the shade when possible (unless it means missing a great band). The risk of a bad burn is still there, but hopefully the chances will be a little slimmer.


Until next time,
Lo

Summer Skin Tips.

I have one more huge final exam standing between me and exhaling. Nothing has ever seemed like a larger obstacle before. The art history test I have Friday is like, oh, only the most intimidating club bouncer you can imagine. The key, though, is to get past the bouncer so you can freely get down in the club. This exclusive club I'm awaiting entrance to? Summer. 

With it arriving as quickly as it is, for most of us (despite the unseasonable 50 degrees it is at this moment) I thought it might be good to do a summer skin post. After all--we all show plenty of it when the sun comes out. Why not take care of it?

Key words: protect, moisturize, clean.

I think the first thing I want to say is obvious: sunscreen is important. Skin is a fragile thing (as I have learned many-a-painful sun burns). Making sure it's protected from UV rays is a big deal. MYTH: Sunscreen will stop me from tanning. There are different SPF's, people. Yes, if you wear an SPF 50 to the pool, you're going to get much less color than if you wear an SPF 15. But if you wear none at all you risk damaging your skin. 

Also: There are different kinds of sun screen. I personally prefer the spray on kind, but there are thin/thick formulas for whatever your heart might desire. I bet there's even ones that smell like something other than the typical sunscreen scent if you look hard enough. And get this: there are even sunscreens that are "color boosting." Bet you didn't see that coming

Wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis doesn't have to be a burden. Easy solution: get a foundation with a bit of an spf in it. There are even some body lotions with SPF. The only downside to foundation with SPF is that it does reflect light a bit more than foundations without it (but in the long run, it's definitely worth it).

Speaking of foundation: a really great alternative to foundation for summer is tinted moisturizer. Not only does it moisturize your skin, have spf, and have coverage, but it is so much lighter than typical foundation. It feels natural, rather than cakey, and gives you a dewey look, rather than one that appears to be melting (with the day). There are a lot of brands, I use a physicians formula one that I got from Walmart, but I know clinique has some great options as well. Heads up: I haven't heard the best reviews on Benefit's You Rebel. There are some other great options as Sephora, though.

Another thing that's important for your skin in summer? Exfoliate and moisturize. There is nothing worse than an "ashy" knee. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Exfoliating your skin will get all of the dead skin cells off and, in turn, make your skin feel great. Moisturizing will keep your skin from drying out. Finding an exfoliator that suits your skin is important, you don't want one that is too harsh or not harsh enough. I know that Lush Cosmetics have some products, as well as bath and body works and the body shop. Disclaimer: do not exfoliate too much. It could end up making your skin raw. 

What else should you exfoliate? Your lips, of course! As you know, I'm loving orange lips for this spring. But orange lips wouldn't be quite as cute if the orange was being paired with chapped lips. Lip scrubs are inexpensive, easy to use, and make your lips smooth and lipstick ready. Chapstick is nice, but it doesn't remove the dead skin that lip exfoliators do. I've heard good things about this Victoria's Secret FX Lip Scrub and Balm set. The instructions? "Gently massage the scrub onto lips for 30 seconds, then tissue off. Finish with a light layer of balm"

UM. BEST TIP OF THE ENTIRE ENTRY?

My summer skin secret that gets me compliments all summer long? Amazingly smooth legs. I'm talking no awful nair, no stinging wax, no crazy breakouts... How? Shave your legs with hair conditioner! A friend told me this trick senior year and I have never turned back. From what I can tell the conditioner doesn't dull my razor blades any quicker, and I always have positive results. I use cheap, generic conditioner (whatever is on sale, and usually a moisturizing formula), and BIC Soleil razors. The conditioner is almost good enough to use as moisturizer, but I always finish with a bit of Olay quench body lotion (aka my holy grail) I guarantee you'll be able to tell a difference.

Finally: it's end of the day. You're tired, hot, and sticky. My advice? Clean your face before you fall into bed. Not only will you feel refreshed, but you'll be more likely to avoid summer breakouts (aka, not cute). I never have turned my head from the Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. Your pores will be grateful, and you'll be able to feel a difference in the softness of your skin too. The wipes are more convenient for me than a face wash (other than when I shower), and I think they are equally as effective.

I hope this was helpful!

Until next time,

Lo

Currently Listening to: Sleigh Bells