Tan Yes - Burn No

For many years, people have constantly debated over the pros and cons of tanning. A lot of people are convinced - and by a lot of people I include myself - that getting bronzed skin is sexy, while other people believe that constant exposure to the sun is foolish and unhealthy. Both points are well taken and both are right in their own way. I have put together some facts about tanning in an effort to help you decide if tanning is or isn't right for you.

Advantages 

One of the most obvious advantages of getting a tan is that it makes you look really attractive - not like George Hamilton tan but a sexy bronzed look. Looking attractive and feeling sexy helps boost confidence - for those who think that beauty is skin deep. Tan free skin is good for non olive complexion people - usually Scandinavians with rosy skin who look great year round - but sun-kissed skin is better for us olive skin types. 
If you want to get that exotic, sexy and healthy glow, spend some time under the sun. Remember to not over do it, especially the first couple of sun outings of the year. Make sure that you always use sunscreen - trust me you will tan even with sunscreen all over your body - beforehand to prevent your skin from burning and after-sun lotion - or moisturizer - afterward. Aloe Vera is cooling and refreshing to the skin after sun exposure during the summer months. A sunburn is NOT a tan.
Tan = Good look!
Sunburn = Not good look!


Disadvantages 

Although a glorious tan can make you look attractive and sexy, the effects of tanning can be short lived. Depending on your skin type and infrequent exposure to the sun, you are bound to lose your tan in just a few weeks. On the other side of the coin, exposing yourself to the sun constantly to achieve that perfect tanned look can actually damage your skin. According to experts, skin that is constantly exposed to the sun tends to age faster. We don't want that to happen. A lot of people who spend too much time outdoors often have premature wrinkles on their faces and bodies. This so called "raisin look" is not very attractive and can be found most prominently in Boca Raton.  Also let's not forget that over exposure to the sun cause certain types of skin cancers.

There are also options to achieving a tanned look without ever having to go in the sun at all. I find that to be quite freaky. However in all honesty, I too have been known to use a tanning bed in my life once or twice before. I'm just saying!

Then there's the spray-tan option which seems most popular in Los Angeles ironically enough, since LA is a city where all you need to do is take a walk or drive with your top down and you will get sun kissed. But who wants to work that hard?

My recommendation - if you choose to tan - is to make it part of your life - hiking, walking, jogging , surfing, the options are endless - and have fun doing it. Yes, sun-kissed or even tanned skin can give you that beautiful glow, but attaining that glow as a result of some fun outdoor activity you really enjoy doing is a much better look on you!