Very fair-skinned - how do I look tanned?
Are you fair-skinned, and want to look tanned?
I'm being slightly disingenuous in answering this request, because my honest belief is, "don't bother".
Fair skin is useful. It allows the body to create vitamin D with much less sunlight than darker-skinned people need.
But of course, fair-skinned people have pale skin. They often also have blue eyes and blonde or red hair.
So, what to do?
My advice? You can spend lots of time in the sun, and suffer premature aging of the skin and a higher risk of skin cancer. You can use sunbeds, with the same risks.
Or you can go the fake tan route, and spend a shed-load of cash and an extraordinary amount of time on your fake tan. Chances are, you will still end up looking orange or just plain weird.
Fair skin is beautiful. Dark skin is beautiful. Each suits the person who has it, it matches her hair, eyes, and body.
Speaking personally
I have very pale skin, fair hair, and blue eyes. My skin freckles. I live with it, it's me, and I intend to spend no time at all trying to fake a different skin tone.
My sisters, brother, parents and son are all very fair as well, and there's nothing wrong with it!
And I reckon I'd just look weird with fair hair, blue eyes, freckles, and a deep tan, whether real or fake.
I'm not at all sure my skin would ever achieve a deep tan anyway, naturally, and orange skin and blonde hair - not a good look.
Love your skin. Keep it clean, and mosturised. Protect it from too much sun, and glory in being yourself.
What to do instead of tanning
The best thing to do for your pale and beautiful skin is to make it as attractive as possible!
Moisturise well, exfoliate to remove the dead cells which can clog up your skin and make it dull, and glory in healthy, lovely skin.
Exercise always helps keep your skin glowing, and drinking enough water to make sure you are properly hydrated is very important.
Getting sun-burned is a bad idea, both short-term (it hurts and peels) and long-term (cancer and premature aging). So sun-cream, and a hat and long-sleeved top in fierce sun, are very important indeed.
Fair-skinned women unite against the tyranny of the tan!
- Safe in the sun: what's in a sun cream? Netdoctor site
Not all sunscreens are equal. Use these tips to choose a sun lotion that gives your skin the best protection. - Baby Sun Safety - Sun Cream, Block, Protection Wear Advice...
- Preventing skin cancer - skin care
- Healthy Travel - Safety in the Sun
Travel Health: Safety in the Sun -- Each year thousands of new cases of skin cancer are reported. It is important when travelling to recognise both the long and short-term risks associated with too much sun exposure.
