1. *Use sunscreen rated at least SPF 30. Make certain it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It should contain either Parso 1789, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Make sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun and don’t rub it in, let it soak in for deep penetration.
   
   
2. *Use waterproof, sweat proof and rub proof. This will provide you with about 80 minutes in the water. Make sure to reapply when you get out.
   
   
3. Wear sun glasses with UV filters to protect your eyes.
   
   
4. Check with your doctor if you are taking antibiotics. Some medications increase the sensitivity to the sun.
   
   
5. Enjoy the summer outdoors under a cabana or a big umbrella.
   
   
6. Avoid the sun during peak hours. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
   
   
7. When applying sunscreen, be certain to get behind the knees, the feet, ears, back of the neck along with the rest of the body.
   
   
8. Drink, drink, drink…water that is. Hydrating the body will help stave off fatigue, stomach aches in small children and some times nausea that is often associated with too much sun exposure.
   
   
9. *Small children should wear sun shirts or one piece swim suits. This will limit the amount of sun exposure to their skin. Infants should not be in the sun at all for more than a few minutes. Make sure to protect their eyes with hats or sun glasses.
   
   
10. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Pick a shaded place to reapply. Make sure you do not go back into the water or sun for at least 15 minutes. It is the perfect time for a bathroom break or a snack for kids.

Alternatives to the Sun

Still want that St Tropez tan? Try sunless tan solutions. I have found Clarins self tan the best. It doesn’t streak and you can get it in any department store. If you want to spend less, try Neutrogena self tan. It is available in most drug stores. For a more expensive alternative, try spray tans. These usually run around $25 per session. This is a quick, just under 10 seconds, solution and washes of slowly after about 5 showers. Most tanning parlors are now switching or at least adding this type of sunless tanning solution. *The dye is a vegetable dye that is harmless to the skin. It attaches to the dead cells sitting on the skin to form an even tan. Make sure to exfoliate first for a more even result.

And lastly, try the Hollywood tan. This is sprayed on using the same procedure as in a tanning salon but it is sprayed on by an esthetician rather than a machine. It will be much more evenly applied and in fact the technician can contour your body with the spray to make your body look more toned. That is a real plus to this type of tanning! It is also the most expensive alternative, around $40 per spray; but for those special events it might be just the look you want! So, enjoy a sunless tan, and don’t forget the great book to go with it!

Some of the material from Ways To Enjoy the Sun and Alternatives to the Sun was taken from an article in Parade 2005 by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld.