As an ivory-skinned Floridian, I know just how punishing the sun can be if you don’t have a great tanning lotion in hand. Not only can you pay on Day One with a serious burn, but you can feel the effects years later. There are ways you can protect yourself in the sun and still enjoy some great color in the process.

Some of my favorite tips for getting my skin to look a healthier and browner without frying myself to a crisp include:

• Using the best suntan lotions - A good lotion will help protect you from the sun’s damaging rays. It won’t, however, leave you feeling greasy, dirty or uncomfortable. When a good lotion is found and used properly, the skin will not burn. It will take on a nice brown to bronze tone without causing damage in the process.
• Keeping it realistic - Starting out with super white skin and expecting to go from that to pure bronze in minutes just isn’t realistic. When I get fed up with my coloring, I get the best suntan lotion I can find and give myself a little bit of time to cultivate color.

Creating a beautiful tan when the slate starts out chalky white isn’t impossible. It does take a little time and the right products. The best will allow color to develop and cut the risks for ramifications down the road.

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