Take care – Wrinkles and pains are the dark side of the summer sun.

Oh – finally. Bright days, strong sunshine, birds singing and a the air seems clear and fresh. Outside the life-giving sun beckons with promises of warm holiday time, outdoors, impromptu gatherings and experiences. No doubt about that the life-giving force of light is of great importance for our mood and wellbeing. But no roses without thorns, and no sun without a shadow side.

The sun is harsh on the skin – and the series of threats ranges from itching, dehydration and increased wrinkle formation to severe burns and increased risk of cancer. But you can do much to get the full benefit of the sun, while you reduce the disadvantages: Common sense, healthy lifestyles and a little extra help for the body – both in terms of protecting and rebuilding. So taking care of your skin is something you should not take lightly.

20 square feet of sensitivity

The skin, which covers an area of approx 20 square feet, is your body’s largest organ and it is more than just surface. Indeed, the skin consists of three very different layers – and wrinkles that appear on the skin’s surface is actually formed due to changes under the skin’s surface. The three layers are called the epidermis, the leather skin (dermis) and the subcutaneous tissue, which is a layer of fat. Between these layers there are both blood vessels, hair roots, sweat glands and sebaceous glands.

Elastic – but not forever

The subcutaneous tissue consists mainly of a protein (collagen), which gives the skin structure and of fibers (elastin) that makes skin elastic. Vitamin C is an important part of the process of forming fibers. The elastic fibers are challenged over time due to various influences, both outside and inside: sun, wind, drying, smoking, diet, air pollution, X-rays and pesticides. Free radicals, which is aggressive oxygen, is a major cause of skin aging. But you can, to some extent neutralize the free radicals with antioxidants, both through your diet and through skin care.

Diet and care

Greedy vegetables, berries and fruit contains a large number of important antioxidants in the form of bioflavonoids, also called P-vitamin. In nature there are numerous – perhaps up to 20,000 different – bioflavonoids. They are water soluble and easily absorbed quickly into the body and has numerous beneficial features – including a halt to the wrinkle formation. So the battle against wrinkles starts with a good diet, and the best followed up with the right skincare products and dietary supplements.

Sun is not just light

Age, diet and external factors are crucial for the formation of wrinkles. And during summer the sun is an additional, external threat. Sun damage is mainly due to the invisible ultraviolet rays – and there are several types of them. They affect the skin differently and require different protection. The body builds self-defenses, among other things the skin becomes thicker, and pigments will be “induced” by the production of melanin. But the process takes time – and burdens, moreover, the skin, which risks being “overworked”. This is why you should help your skin with serious and consistent skin care. Before, during and after the sun’s challenges.

At Garnier hair color you will find lots more articles on health and fashion.

Spray tanning is the best alternative to the sun, it has provided us an easy and quick way to get our tan without worrying about the damages a sun tan could cause to out skin over the time. However, not all spray tans are successful, there are several things you need to know before you decide to get one.

If you don’t want to have bad experience with spray tanning then it’s a good idea to prepare yourself the right way before you get it.

You should begin by exfoliating your body to make sure that all the dead skin is removed and that when you spray tan the spray will reach the surface of the skin and therefore not be removed easily after a wash.

It’s also a good idea to shave and wax your legs before you head for a spray tan because by removing your hair you could possibly remove some of the tan itself, not all of it but some it, causing it to make you seem you’ve been mud wrestling.

The bronze in the solution is known to sink into fresh pores making you have a rather spotty look than a tanned body.

Remove any makeup, perfume or deodorant you are wearing in order to allow the spray tan to do it’s job without any interference by other products which will prevent it from reaching your skin.

If you’re getting your spray tan in a booth then things may be a little different, you will need to stand different position during process but the workers of the salon will inform you of this.

There is this special cream that spray tanning salons offer you that you’re supposed to put on your nails and heals before you get in the booth.

Make sure your hair is nicely covered before you enter the spray tanning booth, it isn’t very necessary but it’s good to keep on the safe side.

Most spray tanning products have been approved by the FDA but any product can turn dangerous and harmful to you if it’s inhaled, so you need to be careful.

When you’ve got your tan and you’re ready to get dresses again, make sure you wear loose clothes even if you the tan is dry. You shouldn’t wear anything tight or too fitted at least 4 hours after else some of the tan will rub off on the clothes.

Spray tans last from 5-7 days as it is normal for it to begin to fade after every wash, but if you prepare yourself the right way your tan will be able to last you a lot longer than that.