by Millie Tulle

Created on: July 19, 2010

Summer tanning gives skin those bronze undertones that makes it glow from within. The right tan can also give the illusion of increased definition and contour. However, it is precisely those hours in the sun that can result in leathery, dried, spotted skin later. Here are a few simple rules to attain that perfect golden bronze tone without compromising the integrity of your skin.

1. Tan often for shorter periods of time.

This is advice that is often easy to overlook. When that one weekend rolls around where you can afford to spend the entire day at the beach, it is easy to get a tan overload by cramming it all into one session. Take advantage of the less routined summertime to spend 30 minutes in the sun-bathing everyday. The rays won't penetrate as much into the deeper layers of skin where the sun damage really occurs. They will primarily affect the surface layers, which will slowly bronze. Over time, the effect is additive, and looks a lot more natural and healthy than sun burnt, flaky dry skin where the tan lasts for only a short time, with a lot more damage done.

2. Be kind to your face.

 The skin on your face is more susceptible to damage, especially the area under your eyes. Sun tan your face lightly, and supplement with help from a product, such as Jergen's Natural Glow. This will slowly bronze your skin over time as it leaves subtle color behind with each application. At the same time the lotion will moisturize your skin. A common mistake is to neglect the skin on your neck. A slightly tanned neck is attractive and makes your tan look a lot more natural.

3. Two words: aloe vera.

Aloe vera is the holy grail of post-tan skin care. It has an immediate cooling effect, and the gel permeates your skin, giving it immediate hydration. Try to find pure aloe vera gel. It works great by itself, and doesn't need any additives which will only serve to irritate your sensitive skin.

4. Natural exfoliation.

Exfoliation is the best way to renew your face, since it scrubs off the accumulation of dead skin cells. However, it is tricky business after tanning, as your skin is very sensitive, and improper exfoliation can cause damage. Don't exfoliate right after, or right before tanning. Also, don't pick really harsh scrubs, like apricot, for example, which has jagged edges. It is said that exfoliators with perfectly round beads are much gentler on your skin, but in my experience they hardly work. The best strategy is to whip up a natural exfoliator. A simple, yet powerful

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