Baby It's Warm Outside

Finally!

It's nearing the end of April and we are FINALLY experiencing some warm weather here in NY!

We're finally able to pull out more skirts, tank tops, and sandals and enjoy the sun!

My only reservation about exposing my skin right now is the fact that I am so pale!!! I give casper a run for his money.

This is why so many men and women focus on tanning when this time of year rolls around. Truth be told, a lot of people look better, and even healthier when they are tan. That is, unless you over do it.

Personally, I don't obsess about becoming tan. I know I'm never going to look like a native from Jamaica or something. But I do understand the obsession. Tan skin can be very attractive...but sometimes the trying to achieve the attractive part..isn't so pretty.

Take me for instant. Since I am so white still, I am very likely to burn without wearing the protection of sun block. If you could see my arms right now, you would have a version of a redish "farmer's tan" styled burn, with a slight burn on my shoulders. This is only from 2 consecutive days out in the sun for a total of 4 hours combined. And that really isn't a lot of time.

When I was younger, I wouldn't have minded that I was burned. In fact, I would probably continue laying out, because that burn will eventually turn into a tan. But today, I am wiser about the effects that the sun's harmful UV rays have on my skin. So from now on, I am going to carry a tiny bottle of sunscrean with me.

Let's face it, skin cancer is not in style.

These harsh effects on our skin are the reason, among many others, why people have turned to artificial tanning supplies, or "fake and bake" if you will.

This is very tricky. If done properly, you will end up with a beautiful glow giving the illusion that you are beach goddess. Most of the time, however, people end up with streaks, splotches, or, the worst: looking orange.

In my opinion, the best way to avoid these results is one of two options. Either go to a professional spray tan salon or, what I turn to, buy a bottle of moisturizer that gradually gives you skin some color. I personally use Jergens, but basically all lotion brands have come out with something like this.

Another good option is misting spray of self tanner, such as Neutrogena. It helps you apply the tanner evenly across your body and is streak and mess free!!

In conclusion, if you don't "fake it" and choose to lay out and tan, please wear sunscrean. I promise, you will still get color.