Taken care of for the bronzed one in the Health Guide

Think of yourself tanned! With the necessary care, you will shine brilliantly!

For this reason, here are some practical suggestions to protect your skin and to avoid resenting the late nights, drinks, cigarettes and, of course, the sun.

BEFORE (prevention is the best…)

1.- Prepare your skin by drinking at least three liters of water per day to help maintain hydration before and after being in the sun.
2.- Apply creams daily containing vitamins A, E, D, collagen and or other ingredients. There is an ample variety available on the market.
3.- Of course, your diet counts a great deal. To look great in your bathing suit try to eat fruits and vegetables, above all apples, squash, and carrots which provide vitamins C and E (beneficial for the skin and hair).
4.- Try to drink carrot juice daily, which will help you get a very good tan, besides giving you energy.

DURING (start the fun and continue the prevention)

1.- Apply sun protector at least 45 minutes before exposure (remember that sun protectors are not magicians, and in spite of the fact they claim to be "water resistant" you have to re-apply them each time you go into the ocean or swimming pool, at least re-applied every three hours).
2.- Apply creams with sun filters to your hair since the salt water alters the static charge and makes it brittle and difficult to comb. (Once you decide to end your session at the beach, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo, preferably a baby shampoo).
3.- Don’t use perfumes before sunning.
4.- Avoid exposure to the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when its rays are at their strongest.
5.- Guard your eyes. That reddish irritation is due to not taking the necessary measures; wear sunglasses and try to frequently apply eye drops.
6.- For women: please let your skin breath and avoid the use of make-up during your visit to the beach.

AFTER YOU RETURN HOME (to care for your tan)

1.- If, for some reason, you did not follow the previous suggestions, there are some excellent gels to apply in the areas affected by the sun and they will diminish the hot sensation of the skin. Try to apply the gel once or twice a day.
2.- Condition your hair to eliminate any damage to the ends and to nourish it with special creams to restore it.
3.- Use non-greasy products with gentle ingredients on the skin and face.
4.- Hydrate your skin by drinking a lot of water and fruit juices.
5.- Take cool showers.
6.- For any lesions or other skin problems lasting more than three days after your vacation, consult your doctor.

TO KNOW MORE…

What are UVA and UVB rays?
Sun light produces infrared rays (heat), visible light (that permits you to see colors) and ultraviolet rays UVA and UVB, which produce the tanning and changes cells that are predisposed to cancer. UVA radiation is like a long wave and penetrates deeply into the skin (including the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin). UVB radiation has a short wave and has an effect of pigmentation more superficial. This is the light that burns, producing redness.

The important thing is to not abuse the sun and to be careful of these rays while on vacation and also daily, since greater exposure to sun rays, especially ultraviolet rays, increases the possibilities of aging and skin cancer.

HOW TO SELECT YOUR SUN PROTECTOR

Surely you have read the acronym SPF, which doesn’t signify anything other than the solar protection factor and measures the protection for ultraviolet rays (UV). They go from 1 to 50 and, the higher the number of SPF, the more protection they give. For example, if a person with sensitive skin takes 30 minutes to reach a pink tone and he uses SPF 30, (the most common), the skin protection will be 900 minutes.

Filters. They are used in sun protectors. The filter absorbs the rays and offers a natural protection.
Screens. They have solar protection with a SPF of 30 or more.
Tanning Lotions. They stimulate the production of melanin. They do not have protection.

FOR SMALL CHILDREN!

1.- If your children, nieces and nephews or younger siblings are newborns or are less than five months, they SHOULD NOT be exposed to the sun.
2.- Until they reach three years of age, much care should be taken, using special solar filters and adequate cotton clothing or light fabrics that allow the skin to breath.
3.- For older children, see that they keep moving, playing, running, etc. while in the water… it will be a lot better than having them spend a great deal of time in one place.
4.- It is important that they drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration or sun stroke.
5.- If you are pregnant, a good reason for not sun bathing is the appearance of spots called melasma, which appear on the face and normally do not got away after pregnancy.

For more information, consult your dermatologist before and after your vacation; enjoy yourself and take advantage of relaxing and entertainment. Remember, to be happy is the best advice to brighten yourself.