As summer vacation quickly comes our way, we all begin to desire the beautiful glow of bronze skin. While, it may be tough to score a perfectly golden tan, here are some helpful tips to remember before you decide to bask in the sun.

Choose the Right Tanning Lotion: Although you may consider tanning lotion to be the quickest and easiest option for a summer tan, you must be careful when choosing a product. Some tanning lotions are simply a color additive that causes the surface of the skin to darken, while others contain certain oils that absorb ultraviolet rays, causing your skin to rapidly produce melanin. Despite obtaining a nice tan, such oils can lead to permanent damages in the skin. Hence, check the label before you purchase a tanning lotion to ensure that there are sun-protective ingredients in your product.

Exfoliate and Moisturize Your Skin: Because much of the outer layer of our skin is composed of dead skin cells, exfoliating allows the healthier skin underneath to get an even tan with a lasting effect. In the shower, gently scrub your body with a rough cloth or exfoliating soap in order to remove all the dry skin cells.

Then, be sure to moisturize your skin with lotion, preferably one that contains sodium PCA. This substance keeps the skin healthy by absorbing moisture from the air. Healthy skin that is well moisturized is more likely to tan well!

Also, apply moisturizer after you tan. Aloe-based lotion is effective in soothing your skin and preventing it from becoming flaky and dry after a long period of time in the sun.

Apply Sunscreen: Believe it or not, sunscreen is crucial to achieving the sun-kissed skin we all long for. Sunscreen with a low SPF can protect your skin from getting burnt by UV rays while allowing your tan to gradually build up. Apply sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 in order to prevent skin damage while tanning. To those with a fairer skin tone, try applying sunscreen with a stronger SPF to ensure that your skin does not burn!

Maintain Good Nutrition: You don’t always need a trip to the beach to give your skin the golden hue. If you want to go completely natural, try adding fresh produce to your diet. Fruits and vegetables filled with carotenes can add pigments to your skin and give it a healthy, tanned look. Carrots and plums are a few of the carotenoid-rich produce that can improve your skin’s color. For full effects, experts recommend at least five servings of these nutritious foods per day!

Follow these simple steps, and you’re on your way to the perfect summer tan! Just remember to allow your skin to gradually soak up the sun: patience is key! If you happen to choose the wrong tanning lotion or bake too long in the sun, don’t worry! Taking long, hot baths and rubbing lemon juice or cucumber slices on dark spots and streaks can quickly help fade unwanted color. Now it’s time to hit the beach and have some fun in the sun!