Sunkissed skin is a glow like no other. It’s natural looking and can bring out your undertones and freckles even more than normal. However, it doesn’t come without costs. UV exposure, especially without sun protection, can do all sorts of harm to your skin. From sunspots to skin cancer, the effects can be severe.
So, you’re in a tough spot. You want to be enviably glowy but also want to do what’s best and healthiest for your skin. What to do? Here are a few ways to strike that balance while still achieving a beautiful glow.
1. Even Your Skin Tone
The base of your glowing skin is rooted in skin care. The products you apply and their distinct benefits naturally have a direct impact on what your skin looks like. However, with more options on the market than you can count, knowing where to start is challenging. First and foremost, examine your skin to see what your biggest concerns are.
Pay close attention to texture, whether it’s dry or oily, and discoloration. Then, you can craft a plan to target each of your concerns and create a base for your glowiest skin ever. Textured skin can come from a failure to properly cleanse, so take up a double cleansing routine. This ensures you remove all makeup and skin care from the day to leave your skin perfectly clean.
Dry skin can benefit from an intense moisturizer with glycerides or hyaluronic acid. Meanwhile, oily skin requires sebum-controlling products featuring niacinamide. When you have discoloration, it’s worth researching melasma. This skin condition is characterized by dark spots on the face that can pop up during pregnancy or from sun exposure. Using specialized treatments that target this discoloration directly can be the difference maker you’re looking for. With any of these skin issues and treatments, keep in mind that consistency is key to see results. Be patient!
2. Prioritize SPF
It’s no secret that sunscreen with ample SPF is vital to preventing UV damage. However, it’s challenging to know what level of SPF is enough, how frequently to reapply, and when to wear it. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
As far as what level of SPF you should use, that’s fairly straightforward. Look for a broad spectrum option with an SPF of 30 or above. It’s proven to protect against 97% of harmful UV rays, which are the main cause of skin cancer. But if you have fairer skin, there’s evidence that upping your daily sunscreen to SPF 50 or above is advantageous.
Reapplication is another key aspect of your sunscreen routine. The rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours if you’re not sweating or swimming. If you are active or in and out of water, opt for a water-resistant formula and reapply more frequently. When in doubt, choose to apply more often than recommended to be safe.
When it comes to when you should wear sunscreen, the answer is simple. It needs to be worn every single day, rain or shine, for you to reap the most benefits. Even if you never step foot outside, UV rays can enter through windows or open doors. And clouds also don’t mean damaging rays aren’t present. So, it’s best to incorporate sun protection into your daily routine to keep your skin safe and glowing.
3. Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Many people love to bake in the sun for a bit of a sunkissed glow. Their tanned skin screams summer and can boost confidence — both of which are great. However, lying in direct sunlight for hours on end can do a number on your skin. Even more so if you’re applying tanning oil or low-SPF sunscreen.
Instead, take advantage of spray tans and other artificial tanning products. With several forms available and a range of tones to choose from, there’s an option for everyone. And each allows you to build a tan from the comfort of the great indoors.
Even better, there are options available for nearly any price range. You can head to your local drugstore and pick up a gel, foam, or lotion that can give you some color. Or invest in a sunless tanning membership to get a professional’s help in achieving your desired glow. No matter which option you choose, your favorite products will give you that ‘just got back from vacation’ look.
Despite the appeal of a natural sunkissed glow, it’s a dangerous gamble to make. No matter how beautiful your tanned skin is, it’s not worth the potential harm. With ample UV-free options to choose from, you can have the best of both worlds.
Glow You Can Feel Good About
The temptation to lie out in the sun and get a tan is undoubtedly present. But you’ll only have a nice bronzed color for a little while before it starts to fade. The damage to your skin, on the other hand, will stick around much longer. So, take steps to make healthier swaps that don’t force you to compromise on a stunning glow. You can still get the look you’re after while being safe.
