A sun-kissed glow is in high-demand now that the weather is heating up, but before you hit the beach or salon, make sure you know the benefits and risks involved with popular tanning options

Spray tans: Getting a spray tan is the safest way to get bronzed skin, but some tanners can leave the skin looking uneven, streaky or unnatural. Before applying, it’s important to exfoliate the skin first and then apply tanner immediately after. If you’re using a particular brand for the first time, test the product on a small area of skin before applying to the whole body. Elle magazine suggests that beginners use a tanning mousse or gel that’s easy to control, but you can also head to spa as many offer professional spray tanning services. Find out if you have an allergy to dihydroxyacetone (or DHA) allergy before applying large amounts, and just be sure to avoid spraying near your eyes or inhaling the solution.

Tanning salons: Tanning salons make it possible to maintain bronzed skin all year long, but this option poses its own set of dangers. The Center For Disease Control states that even though tanning beds operate on a timer, the type of light bulbs used and the age of the bulbs can increase your exposure to UV rays to an unsafe amount. The damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (including wrinkles, lax skin, brown and spots), and a study by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute also shows that those who used indoor tanning devices were two and a half times more likely to be at risk for developing skin cancer than those who do not use tanning beds at all.

Sun Tanning: It’s healthy to get small amounts of sun exposure, as the UV rays help to generate Vitamin D in the body, but there are serious dangers that come with constant sun exposure. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., so to keep your skin healthy in the warmer months, the CDC offers these great tips for avoiding skin-related issues: 

•    Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
•    Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
•    Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
•    Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
•    Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
•    Avoid indoor tanning.

What are your thoughts on tanning? Tell me how you keep your skin healthy in the comments below.

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