When you’re pale, going to the pool or the beach can feel like an exercise in standing out. With all those beautiful, tanned legs running by, it’s tough to reconcile that you’re stuck looking like a vampire. While being a bronze beauty may have been popular back in the day, more and more celebrities, women and men are realizing the damaging effects that too much time in the sun can have on their skin, particularly if you’re naturally fair. In fact, getting a glow that’s more in line with your natural coloring is in right now, and you don’t even have to spend time slathering on the sunscreen to achieve it either. By following these simple rules, you can look healthy and sun-kissed in a beautifully natural way.
Rule #1: “Sunbathe” intelligently
If you’re of the pale persuasion (type A skin), this rule might sound like it goes against every bit of advice that you’ve ever gotten. After all, most fair-skinned people have probably experienced light sunburn at one point in their life, or experienced even more severe burns with increased exposure. As you probably already know, burns of any severity can have a huge, damaging effect on your skin and its aging process. However, were you aware that getting the right amount of sunlight could actually be exceptionally healthy for your skin?
Your skin needs vitamin D to allow it to repair itself and keep it at its optimal health. One of the best sources of this vitamin is through the sun’s rays. While you can get vitamin D through some foods such as oily fish, liver or cheese, the rays of the sun allow your skin to naturally produce its own required levels of vitamin D. The key is limiting your exposure time. If you’re light-skinned, aim for 20-30 minutes of early morning (before 9am or after 4pm) sun exposure a day to achieve the maximum benefit of this important vitamin.
Rule #2: Always wear sunscreen.
While this may seem to contradict Rule #1, sunscreen needs to become an important part of your daily routine throughout the year when you’re pale. If you’re concerned that means you’ll miss out on all that great vitamin D action, don’t be. According to a study from King’s College of Dermatology in London, wearing sunscreen has no impact on your skin’s ability to produce vitamin D. When they tested groups wearing sunscreen versus those who didn’t, both group’s levels soared, but the sunscreen group was less likely to burn.
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer, either. The sun’s rays can be damaging any time of the year, particularly to your face. Make sunscreen an important part of your skin regimen, and look for moisturizers that have it already built in. It will save you a step and will help your skin from suffering premature signs of aging.
Rule #3: If you must tan – get a spray tan.
Let’s face it, you’re pale. Your skin tone wasn’t meant to go out and become a bronze goddess. However, feeling like a ghost on the beach is also isn’t fun. One of the easiest ways to achieve a beautiful golden glow is to go for fake methods, such as tinted moisturizers, gradual tan moisturizer or spray tans. Though it may be tempting to ask for the highest, darkest levels, start gradually until you build it up to a color that looks natural with your skin-tone. After all, nobody wants to end up looking like Tan Mom or that they had a fight with a fantasy tan booth.
If you’re at all concerned with any potential sun damage you may have experienced in the past, one of the best things to do is to consult a dermatology expert. Oftentimes they can offer advice on cosmetic procedures that might help lessen the effects of the damage.
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