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Q: Dear SunSafetyRules.com, thanks
a lot for this service you provide! I have a question for
you: are there any products available that can help me get
a tan in less time? If so, can I purchase them online? I want
to make the most of my weekend at the beach.
Thanks, Gina
A: Dear Gina, yes there are some tanning products that
will help you get a head-start on a gorgeous tan! For example,
Bain
de Soleil Mega Tan Sunscreen Lotion With Self Tanner, SPF
4
is multi-tasker that combines temporary self-tanner with a
little bit of sunscreen (SPF 4), so you develop deep, luxurious
color in just one afternoon.
In the same way Hawaiian
Tropic Tan 2 Max Spray, Deep Tanning Salon Formula  's
powerful tanning formula is enriched with Tyrosine and Riboflavin
that will maximize your skin's natural tanning potential.
Exotic moisturizers prepare your skin for intense tanning
and help to hold your tan for weeks longer. Both products
can easily be bought online at drugstore.com .
Q: Hi guys, my fiance sent me your
url. I admit my sun concern comes from the fact that I am
a big fan of Andre Agassi, the tennis player, and I play tennis
all summer long + I shave my head. I generally put some sunscreen
on my legs, arms and face when I'm playing tennis, but what
about my head? Sometimes it's too hot and I'll remove my cap
but do I need to put sunscreen on my head too? That would
seem a bit strange, not to mention "greasy"
Keep up the good work, Anthony
A: Dear Anthony, first of all bravo for taking steps
towards a healthy stay in the sun by apllying sunscreen while
playing tennis. That's already a lot more than men are usually
willing to do. What you don't know yet, is that you're not
the only one concerned about his shaved head when being in
the sun, that's why there's a whole line of products created
for special needs like yours. The brand name says it all:
HeadBlade
 HeadBlade
Headshade Sunscreen SPF 15  .It
is not greasy at all and it won't run into your eyes even
when sweating. HeadBlade products can be bought online at
drugstore.com.
Q: Hello, eventhough I like my skin
pale, I sometimes give in and go to the pool with some friends.
What is the best spf for my skin considering a big portion
of my back and arms is covered with tattoos? I feel the skin
there is very very sensitive. And I've seen older people with
tattooes that seemed "faded away" like pictures
in the sun, you know? How can I prevent that from happening
to my beloved tattoes when I grow older?
best, Kacee
A: Dear Kacee, for each problem we have a solution,
and for yours, too. A new line of SPF products is called Tattootogo.
Aftercare for a new tattoo has been a subject of debate in
the tattoo community for many years. Tattoo artists have had
to recommend a variety of products available from your local
drug store. These products were intended to prevent cuts,
burns, scrapes and abrasions from becoming infected and not
for the healing of new tattoos. The majority of these products
contain petroleum or lanolin which, when applied to a new
tattoo, can clog skin pores and actually retard your body's
healing process. There is also the possibility of allergic
reactions to these products, and, application to a new tattoo
can cause skin reactions leading to loss of ink and permanent
damage to your tattoo.
The
Original Tattoo Goo Color Guard SPF 30 UV Sunscreen Stick
 and
Color
Guard Rejuvenating Spray Sunscreen, 30 SPF  are
the first products designed to rejuvenate color, revitalize
and protect tattoos! Indeed, the sun and time are the enemies
of your tattoo. The powerful ultra-violent rays (UVR) of the
sun change fade, and destroy all it comes in contact with
over a period of time. It takes only 1 hour of direct sunlight
to ruin a new unprotected tattoo. Color Guard® Spray with
its unique formula acts as a shield for your tattoo while
it rejuvenates the appearance of your tattoo.
Color
Guard Spray
along with companion product Color
Guard Stick
were established to create exclusive skin care products to
improve and protect the longevity of tattoos whether you are
involved with water sports, sunning, skiing or working outdoors.
The rays of the sun are very powerful and penetrate most cloth.
So even though you might not be burning underneath that bikini
bottom, your tattoo will be slowly fading. Color Guard®
is not a sun tan lotion. It is a product developed to combat
the rays of the sun and preserve your artwork and the rich
vibrant colorations Yes in any weather, sun or cloudy hot
or cold. Unless you’re indoors, wear multi layers of
clothing or in a totally light filleted area, sunrays are
always present. Therefore the sun deterioration of color is
always present. The ultra violet rays of the sun easily pierce
through clouds and fade color.
BTW, their new addition to the line is the The
Original Tattoo Goo Color Guard Aftercare Soap  ,
ormulated to provide a broad spectrum germicidal kill while
being gentle to the skin. The soap’s specially formulated
cleansing agent PCMX-L cleans at a deeper level to prevent
bacterial growth and infection by removing more dirt and dead
skin cells. New healthy emerging layers of skin are exposed,
an important step in tattoo healing and piercing aftercare.
All these products can be bought online at drugstore.com.
Q: Sunscreen irritates my skin. Do
you know of any brands that are for sensitive skins?
thanx, Pam
A: Some people suffer reactions
to the ingredients in sunscreen. If you do, experiment with
different brands, particularly those designed for children
or sensitive skin. Fragrance free sunscreen is also a better
option, as it is often this component that stimulates the
allergic reaction. Try brands like Baby
Blanket  or
Coppertone
Kids 
: they are delicate enough for babies' skin, so they should
be good for you, too.
Q: Hello SunSafetyRules, you rule
=) I want to know whether I still need to apply a sunscreen
lotion even if I already got a medium/dark tan, or is my skin
safe in the sun now?
XOXO Beth (Miami)
A: Dear Beth, you are lucky to live in such a beautiful
place where "the sun always shines" but this is a reason more
for you to wear a sunscreen all the time! Even if you
have a tan, you still need to wear SPF products (you might
want to find out more about SPF for
your own phototype) to protect your skin from the danger
of sun exposure. I advice you to trade your daily moisturizer
for an SPF 15 moisturizer that will prevent your skin from
aging, and will also help you prevent skin cancer - all year
long, not only during summer months!
Our best bet is to try Neutrogena
Moisture Oil Free Formula, SPF 15, Sheer Tint
which is clinically proven to combine long-lasting moisturization
with effective sun protection for softer, smoother, younger-looking
skin. Sheer hint of color gives skin a healthy, natural glow.
So you have all the benefits in one product. And now enjoy
the sun!
Q: Hello, this is Danny. I would
like to ask you if I need to apply a lot of sunscreen lotion,
and how often? My wife and I have different views about this.
I do lots of watersports and I don't have the time to stop
every now and then for a dose of SPF... I feel quite silly
doing that, you know? Any clues would be appreciated,
Danny
A: Hi Danny! Remember that it's always better to use
too much SPF than too little! The common problem with SPF
sunscreen is that people tend to use small amouts of it, and
then it's easily gone when rubbing with a towel, your clothes,
or sweating, etc. If you want to avoid applying SPF too often,
try using a sweatproof SPF like Coppertone
Sport Ultra Sweatproof/ Waterproof Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30
that bonds to your skin on contact and won't dissolve, or
run into your eyes and sting. It has been created especially
for water sports fans like you!
Q:Dear SunSafetyRules staff, I have
a question for you: this year I will spend a short holiday
in an exotic place where women are used to sunbathe topless.
This would be my first time, but I don't want to miss the
fun! Is it safe? Do I need special products? If so, can you
give me hints?
regards, Beth
A:Dear Beth, the glands will not be harmed by the sun,
and the skin in the breast area will not be damaged if you
apply SPF to it. So all you have to do is find a good SPF
for delicate skin. My suggestion is to use a higher
SPF if this area has not got any tan while the rest of the
body already has.
Even better, use an anti-age SPF, just like you would use
for your face, because it will also mantain your collagen
and elastin - the two elastic fibres that give tone to the
breast area. Check out products like DDF
Moisturizing Photo-Age Sunscreen, SPF 30
a moisturizing formula that can minimize free radical skin
damage caused by exposure to UVA/UVB rays and environmental
pollutants. Contains DDF Redox™II Antioxidant Complex for
maximum protection from sun damage and premature aging.
Q: Good morning. My 6 year-old
boy hates when I call him to apply sunscreen all over his
body and face. He starts jumping around and he drives me crazy.
Every time is the same, and with the years it just seems to
get worse... This year I thought of tricking him applying
a very high spf (I thought 40 would do it) only once in the
morning, so that would keep him safe all day long. Is that
a good tactic? Do you have any advice on which high spf should
I get him?
A sun-loving mom from California
A: Hello. I understand your problem but
believe me when I say one single application of SPF will
not be enough, not for an adult, even less for a child.
It is extremely important that the SPF gets applied and reapplied
several times during the day. Try to make it a little funnier
for him with a convenient spray product like Coppertone
Water Babies Sunblock Spray, SPF 45 
so the application of SPF becomes a refreshing, fun moment
instead of a duty. Or even better, use a product that shows
you were you have applies sunscreen: AVON
SUN Kids Disappearing Color Sunscreen 
is a lightweight sunscreen with disappearing color that virtually
eliminates missed spot! If you still prefer a lotion, try
something that smells great, for example Kid's
Sun Block SPF30 by Alba Botanica :
kids are sure to love the fresh watermelon fragrance of this
fast absorbing, non greasy, water resistant lotion. You might
want to add a Kids
Sunscreen Stick
to your kid's beach routine, it has a free clip so your child
can carry it around all day long. It's perfect for areas like
the nose, the cheecks etc.
But be sure to reapply every 60/80 minutes, based on your
little rascal's phototype. Moreover,
it is mandatory to keep child away from the sun between 11am
and 4pm. You can take your child to the beach early in the
morning and late in the afternoon (read
more on how to protect your kids here). Furthermore, always
bring a hat or cap and sunglasses. Let him choose the style
of these accessories so you can be sure he'll be wearing them.
 
Q: Hi, I just want to be sure that
using an elevate SPF like 30 or 40 will not prevent me from
getting a tan. I have fair skin and I have always been told
to use such products.
Thank you for your time, Leigh
A:Dear Leigh, first of all, SPF lotions and oils are
formulated to give you only the best of sun exposure, that
is a beautiful tan. Second, it's way more important to prevent
skin cancer than getting a tan, don't you think? So never
ever skip your SPF in order to get a tan in a shorter time.
Using a 30+ SPF will slow down the tanning process but you
can later use a lower SPF after the initial days in the sun
(check our SPF guide for your
phototype). Remember that fair-skinned people must pay
great attention when they're outdoors, not just during summer
months but all year long. And now wear your SPF and enjoy
the sun!
Q:Is it true that the heat of the
sun works against cellulite and fat? Shall I leave my legs
without SPF so that the direct heat works more than the filtered
heat? I've heard about this many times but I have never had
proof it really works. Actually, I have the feeling my legs
don't really like the sun: they feel heavy after a day at
the beach. Any advice on this? But if you look at all those
models that come from warm countries like Brazil or other
places, it really makes you think it might work like that!
Thank you, Kay
A: Dear Kay, I don't know where this strange idea comes
from but I can assure you that sun is not an anti-cellulite.
Quite the contrary, excessive heat can compromise circulation
and make your legs feel heavier, if you lay down in the sun
for a long time. So, first of all the main rule is to apply
a specific slimming SPF that will help you mantain beauitful
and healty skin and burn a bit of fat: Bliss
Ray of Hope SPF 15 
for example has exclusive sun-activated spheres that release
caffeine and carnitine onto problematic, heavy, or orange
peel areas. Fully potentiated by the sunlight, ray of hope
is the first ever suncare formula that provides SPF protection
with a simultaneously activated slenderizing action
ensuring a dark, bikini-ready bod!
And second, get up and move during your stay in the sun. Especially
play in the water, do some (free!) aquagym in the salty water
of the sea, lay close to the sea and let the tiny waves caress
your body for a healthy (and free, again!) hydromassage. At
the end of your day at the beach, you might want to use a
lotion that freshens you and helps your blood circulation,
like Bliss
Moisture Milk, Mint 
wich is a highly-hydrating, fast-acting formula with antioxidants,
firming proteins, and exfoliators that simultaneously soften,
smooth, stimulate and invigorate.... And honestly I think
beautiful girls and boys come from all over the world; if
we see a lot of good looking people in warmer countries, it
might because the warm climate makes them exercise more, swim
more and live outdoors more than we do. All this adds up to
a better shape!
Q: Hello SunSafetyRules.com, I love
your site. I am going to be a mom just after the summer, but
I don't want to skip my days at the seaside, this year. I
love the ocean and I like to swim, lay in the sun, etc. My
skin is quite dark (my mom is from Mexico) but still I fear
the sun might be a problem for me: I read that pregnant women
should not get too much sun. Is it true?
thank you!!! Tamy, Mobile, AL
A:Hi Tamy, congratulations for your baby!!!
The sun is not necessarily harmful for you, but you surely
need to be more careful than just careful! I can suggest you
to use special products for Moms-to-be and not "normal"
SPF products. Your body is going through a lot of changes,
and you'd better prevent any possible problem. For example,
there are special PSF products like Belli
Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen, SPF 25 ,
a lightweight broad-spectrum tinted facial sunblock that blends
invisibly into the skin. Used daily, it can protect against
chloasma or "the mask of pregnancy"-- dark brown
splotchy areas on the face that occur in 70% of pregnant women.
It contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to guard against
UVA rays, UVB rays, and environmental pollutants. This product
is oil free for all skin types, and can be worn alone or underneath
makeup. I am sure you will have a great summer waiting for
your baby to arrive!
Q: Hello, I have acne-prone
skin and SPF creams make the situation even worse - plus the
sweating etc. I am going to spend 3 weeks in sunny Miami Beach
and I guess I really need to use some SPF when I'm on he beach
but I fear it will make my skin even worse.
Please help! Kevin
A: Hi Kevin, always wear sunscreen! While acne may
improve slightly after brief periods in the sun, studies show
that prolonged exposure actually promotes comedones and, of
course, sun damage. Moreover, some kinds of acne medication
make skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is even
more important for you.
When choosing a sunscreen, look for SPF products that are
oil-free and have a protection factor of at least SPF 15+
for both UVA and UVB rays: one of the best is Jack
Black Oil-Free Sun Guard, SPF 20 ,
an ultra-lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that absorbs into
skin immediately with no odor. The advanced SPF 20 formula
provides maximum protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays
while minimizing skin and eye irritation. And it can be easily
applied to your body, face, scalp, or combed through hair
without lingering stickiness, or oily residue to weigh hair
down.
Q: Do I need sunscreen if
I only intend to sit under a beach umbrella? I don't really
like the sun anyways...
A: Hello! Yes you do need SPF products if you stay
at the beach, even when under a beach umbrella or a cabana...
The sand and the water around you reflect the sun rays, and
you can get burnt if you don't apply SPF. Most people get
a burn exactly like this: sitting under a beach umbrella feeling
safe while they're not.
Q: I suffer from herpes on
my lower lip. I just know it's coming back as soon as I get
some sun. What can I do to prevent it this year? Is there
a suncreen especially for this problem?
A faithful reader
A: I know oral herpes can recur from sun exposure.
Since there is no real cure for herpes, I suggest you to protect
your lips and the area around them with a very high SPF lip
balm. This is the only way to try to avoid another summer
outbreak; there are many good ones, and since they come in
all kinds of flavors, it shouldn't be a problem finding one
that suits your tastes: Natural
Ice Medicated Lip Protectant with SPF 15  ,
Blistex
Medicated Lip Conditioner, SPF 20  ,
Kiss
My Face Certified Organic Lip Balm, SPF 15  .If
you should have an outbreak again, pass a tiny ice cube on
the area to help reduce inflammation.
Q: There is no way I am going
to let my pale skin fry for days before getting a hint of
tan. All my lucky friends get golden immediately while I'm
still trying not get burn. How can I prepare my skin for the
sun? Eat carrots, perform weird rituals? I hate this white
face of mine. Let me get rid of it soon!
Laura
A: Dear Laura, you can easily get rid of your pale
face, but don't trade safety in the name of tan! You could
try tanning pills like Dolisos
Elu Sun - Natural Skin Tanning Caps 
that are a combination formula developed to supply from within
key nutrients that help retain a healthy tan and help maintain
a normal moisture level of the upper layers of the skin. They
make your skin receptive to any type of UV light that will
in turn produce a great looking tan. Start taking them a week
or two before your holiday begins, and your friends will be
envious of your quickly-earned tan.
Q: Dear SunSafetyRules, can
I ask something too? I have a bad problem with stretch marks,
and I thought that maybe a little tan could "mask"
this problem, but I am actually too shy to hit the beach like
this... I know this sounds silly, and it probably is... do
you have any advice on what products I could buy? Thank you
for any help you might want to give me, Bri
A: Hi Bri, of course you can ask us all the questions
you want, and we will try to do our best to answer. There
is a secret-weapon product from Joanne Connell, also used
on the set of Baywatch, that is called Hollywood
Sun Self Tanner - Strech Mark Repair  and
it does just what the name says: it tans and moisturizes your
skin while penetrating quickly and evenly. In this way you
only need to buy 1 product, and you will feel more beautiful
in just a few days: a golden tan will make you look better
while you are repairing your strecth marks. Stop feeling ashamed
of your body and find easy solutions like this to make you
feel better.
Q: Hello SSR, I'm a guy and I don't
want to look like and idiot applying tanning lotion at the
pool. This is going to be my first vacation with my girlfriend.
I can't start applying oily stuff on my body like a girl.
Give me something that's good for me, and not for her!
A: Hello! You shouldn't worry about looking silly when
you apply SPF in front of your girlfriend! Try to make it
a fun thing instead, and share this important activity with
her: you apply it to her, she applies it to you... seems interesting
enough? Plus she'll be happy to see you take good care of
your skin by applying SPF.
There's no need to worry, there is plenty of products formulated
for men, so you don't necessarily borrow your wife's, your
mother's or your girlfriend's SPF lotion: there are many,
many great brands are created for guys like you and they offer
extremely good suncare products. Here's a short list of our
favorites:
Q: Hello there, you have a great
site. I've learned a lot through it, please answer to my question:
at what point of my daily skincare routine should I apply
sunscreen?
Thank you very much, Sandra
A: Dear Sabdra, if you are using several
skin-care products (good for your skin!) the rule is that
the last product you apply before going out in the morning
is your SPF. If you apply sunscreen and then apply your moisturizer
or an acne product, you could be diluting or breaking down
the effectiveness of the sunscreen you've just applied. So
remember: sunscreen goes on as last thing because it's what
shields out harmful sun rays.
Q: Dear Sun Safety Rules people,
I would like you to tell me whether or not I can wear fragrance
when I go the swimming pool.
Kath
A: Dear Kath, you can use perfumes,
deodorants and fragrances that do not contain any alcohol,
otherwise you might end up with an allergy, a break out or
stains over your body (and clothing, too). Luckily enough
new alcohol-free fragrances are being developed this summer,
and the top fragrance for the summer is
CK One Summer by Calvin Klein  -
a unisex fragrance that can be worn during the day, too.
Q: After reading your great tips,
I started wearing long cotton skirts during summer, but this
still hasn't solved my biggest warm weather problem: the hot
humid weather here in Florida can cut a day short when you
begin to chafe from body parts rubbing together. What can
I use to prevent this embarassing and painful inconvenience?
I have tried talcum, SPF lotions, body oils etc. They work
the first 20/40 minutes, but then the effect fades away and
the pain begins...
Maureen
A: Dear Maureen, friction causes chafing,
blisters, rash, saddle soreness, and skin irritation. Enough
to ruin an outdoors day! There is a new product on the market
that looks like a stick deodorant but is actually a personal
lubricant. It will prevent chafing & blisters. It is not
greasy but it does eliminate the friction. Bodyglide
SPF 25  is
a great product for sun and for friction. 2-in-1 formula Bodyglide
SPF 25 can be used head to toe for skin exposed to sun or
that never sees the sun. Sun Screen: It stays where you put
it. And on your face, it won't melt and run into your eyes.
Skin Lubricant: It arrests friction and creates a smooth,
non-oil, protective barrier. Use it on face, hands, feet,
legs, inner thighs, inside of arms, on shoulders, chest (nipples),
with sports bras. Cyclists use it for saddle sores. The advanced
technical formula gives you dependable protection and long
lasting comfort against friction. It penetrates your skin
right where you put it and won't clog pores. It washes off
with soap.
if you have any more questions, feel free to send
them at
and our experts will try to answer you as soon as possbile
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