Want to get a tan but the weather is cloudy? Don't let yourself ruin your day. In fact, clouds do not prevent the sun's rays from reaching the earth, which is why it is possible to get a tan both when the sky is overcast and when the sun is shining. All you need to do is prepare the skin by exfoliating and moisturizing it. You should also go out in the morning, before the rays become harmful to the skin. Remember that tanning technically damages your skin, so don't go out in the sun too often and always apply sunscreen.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare and Protect the Skin
Step 1. Exfoliate your skin 24 to 48 hours in advance
Massage an exfoliating gel (readily available at the supermarket) on the skin a day or two before exposure to remove the superficial layers of the epidermis. Exfoliation is important regardless of the climate. In fact, it removes dead cells, which can block the sun's rays, resulting in an uneven and patchy tan.
- If you have already colored, do a light scrub, as aggressive exfoliation can ruin an already present tan.
- If you prefer to use a more natural exfoliant, mix a grainy substance, such as ground almonds or coffee, with your usual shower gel.
Step 2. Moisturize your skin the night before
Tanning damages the epidermis, therefore, before exposing it to the sun, it is good to take care of it as much as possible to keep it beautiful and healthy. The night before you plan to tan, apply a moisturizer to your entire body. Focus mainly on problem areas like knees and shoulders.
In order to get the best results, buy sunscreens designed to keep your skin hydrated during sun exposure. Although you think it is not necessary to protect it when it is cloudy, consider that the sun's rays pierce the clouds. In the open air it is therefore impossible to completely protect yourself from the sun, even when the sky is overcast
Step 3. Hydrate
It is advisable to drink more than usual before exposing yourself to the sun. The more hydrated the skin, the less risk you run. This way the epidermis won't dry out too much during the process.
Step 4. Apply sunscreen before going out in the sun
Never neglect protection, even when the sky is overcast. The skin can acquire a golden color while using sunscreen, which protects it from the harmful action of UVA and UVB rays. To protect yourself adequately from the sun, it is generally necessary to measure around 40 ml of cream for the whole body.
Step 5. Choose a full sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays
A cream with SPF 30 should suffice to adequately repair the skin. You can definitely use a sun protection factor above 30, but bear in mind that it offers no particular added benefits.
Method 2 of 3: Effective Tanning
Step 1. Go out in the morning
The best time of day to tan is early in the morning, regardless of the weather. As the sun becomes more and more dangerous as the hours go by, it is best to expose yourself before 10 in the morning.
Step 2. Look for a clear or almost completely cloudless spot
You may be able to find clear areas, even though it is cloudy. Also settle in an area free of obstructions such as trees or buildings, which create shade.
Step 3. Move while you tan
Do not lie in one position all the time, otherwise the result will be uneven. To tan your entire body, move regularly. For example, lie on your back, then settle down to your side. After a few minutes, lean on the other side and finally lie down in the prone position.
Step 4. Aim for an even tan
For an even complexion, allow around 20-30 minutes of exposure for each side of the body. However, be careful: if you notice that your skin is reddening, switch sides or take a break. Your goal is to get a golden glow while avoiding burns.
Step 5. Take a break every 20-30 minutes
Go indoors or in the shade for a few minutes. Don't go out in the sun for hours on end, otherwise you risk damaging your skin and increasing your risk of getting cancer.
Don't think that shelter isn't necessary just because the sky is overcast. Remember that the sun's rays are still strong and pass through the clouds without any difficulty
Step 6. Shower and moisturize your skin
When you finish sunbathing, take a quick shower to get rid of the residues of creams and oils from the skin. If you leave them on the skin for too long, you risk blocking the pores. Re-hydrate your skin when you get out of the shower - it will probably have dried out from exposure to the sun.
You can shower with hot or cold water - the choice is up to you
Method 3 of 3: Take Security Measures
Step 1. Protect the eye area by wearing a pair of sunglasses
The eyes must be protected even when the sky is overcast. So if you intend to spend time outdoors during the day, put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful action of the rays.
Step 2. Apply sunscreen several times throughout the day
Consult the bottle to check the frequency of application. The product should in fact be applied several times during the day to protect the skin from the sun.
In any case, you should reapply it immediately if you sweat or swim, as it goes away in contact with water
Step 3. Do not sunbathe between 10 am and 4 pm, which is the time when the rays are strongest
At this time of the day the sun is particularly dangerous for the skin. Therefore, avoid exposing yourself, otherwise you risk increasing the chances of contracting even serious diseases (such as tumors). The sun's rays are always harmful in this time slot, regardless of the climate.
Step 4. Check the expiration date of the sunscreen
Many mistakenly believe that they do not go bad. However, sunscreen also has an expiration date, just like any other product. Make sure you check it before you go out in the sun. Replace it if it has expired.
