© Marie Claire
Don't let a little (ok, big) thing like sun sensitivity get in the way of a glorious bronzed look this summer!
Many of us love the look of a natural tan. A golden glow suggests health and vitality, can be slimming and complements summer clothes. With a lovely tan most of us feel a little boost to our self-confidence! Pale and interesting is a gorgeous look too, but it’s no surprise that for a few weeks each summer most of us love to look a little sun-kissed.
Thankfully, we’re all pretty clued up now to staying safe in the sun. Avoiding midday sun, always using at least a Factor 15 sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and covering up are routine for most people thanks to publicity campaigns about the risk of skin cancers and premature ageing.
But, are you aware that for many people with arthritis sun exposure can be especially damaging? This is either because of the drugs (Methotrexate is one example), which can leave you at increased risk of sun damage to the skin, or the condition itself. The sun can bring on lupus flare-ups, for example. If this is you, you need very high Factor sunscreens (at least Factor 30) and really should avoid any prolonged exposure to the sun. The pay-off for this extra care is that you’ll look 19 for ever. We hope.
So, what’s a girl or guy to do to get that sun-kissed look without the sun? Use self-tanning products, that’s what! The great news is there is no shortage of brilliant self-tanning products that require absolutely no exposure to the demon rays. They’re getting better all the time, too. It’s bye bye to whiffy smells or funny brown smudges on the sheets – ugh!
Self-tanning products come in creams, mousses, gels, spray-ons, wipes and goodness knows what else, in a range of shades, and there’s no need to spend more than a tenner to get a really good one. It’s also possible now to buy self-tanners without chemicals in, particularly DHAs that cause the strong smell, which is good news for very sensitive skins.
Streak-free varieties are winning plus points from beauty editors, as are self-developing versions that you apply, wait until they turn a shade that you like, and then rinse off, giving you total control of the colour. Tanning mitts are a good idea for a more even finish, as is exfoliating, but make sure you do that at least the night before and not immediately before applying. If you really do mess up the application you can even buy self tan removers. Rimmel does a very reasonably priced one.
Find out more…
Sun smart guide – Useful tips from Arthritis Research Canada
