Warmer weather is finally here, and as summer approaches, we’re looking forward to lazy days spent next to the pool and on the beach. While spending time outdoors is great for your mental wellbeing as well as for your vitamin D production, it’s important to take precautions against one of the biggest threats to our skin: the sun.

Exposure to some sunlight can be good for you, but overexposure can be extremely harmful. The sun’s UV rays penetrate the outer layers of our skin and have the ability to reach the deeper layers where they can potentially damage or even destroy skin cells.

UVA rays are the type that cause ageing (think fine lines, wrinkles and that leathery texture we’ve all seen before) and UVB rays are the ones responsible for burning the skin. Without protection against both of these rays, your skin will not only burn, but it can also develop sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and even precancerous and cancerous growths.

Living in South Africa means that you are likely to develop a tan during summer, even if you take all the proper precautions. Follow these simple do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and healthy glow this season.

Tannings do’s

DO get a fake tan

While a little bit of sun exposure is good for our vitamin D production, there is no such thing as a healthy tan, with any level of skin darkening indicating damage. The best way to get a golden glow is to use self-tan products at home. Modern formulas are easy to use, offer even, natural-looking colour and don’t result in any mess or fuss. Australian Gold offers a variety of easy-to-apply formulas:

Australian Gold Instant Sunless Mousse (R264.00) is a quick-dry, oil-free formula that delivers a natural-looking, Aussie-glow all year round. It allows for even, streak-free coverage in one easy motion.

Australian Gold Instant Sunless Lotion (R304.00) helps your skin develop a rich, sun-kissed bronze colour in no time. It offers the perfect balance of caring and bronzing ingredients for summer-ready skin that’s healthy and nourished.

Australian Gold Instant Sunless Spray (R312.00) combines bronzing ingredients and nourishing moisturisers to feed and protect skin while developing a sunless tan that lasts longer. Its oil-free formulation dries quickly and allows for even, streak-free coverage.

DO avoid direct sun during peak hours

The sun’s rays are at their strongest between 10am and 2pm. Try to schedule your outdoor activities outside of those hours, and if not possible, find a spot in the shade and cover up with a sun hat, sunglasses, kaftan or other protective materials.

DO apply after sun lotion

Even if your skin hasn’t been burnt by the sun, it’s important to hydrate it after sun exposure as the sun can be incredibly drying. After sun products are specifically formulated with this in mind, offering plenty of hydration and cooling formulas. Piz Buin After Sun Lotion (R104.00) is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, and combats the effects of sun stress by cooling and moisturising skin for 24 hours with aloe vera and mint extract.

DO choose a broad spectrum SPF formula

It’s important to select a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection to ensure you’re protected against sunburn as well as against developing signs of ageing. Piz Buin In Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 (R172.00) offers advanced UVA/UVB filters to protect the skin from the sun. It is also enriched with antioxidants to prevent premature skin ageing and is non-greasy to allow skin to breathe.

Tanning don’ts

DON’T forget to reapply SPF

Even when a sunscreen is water-resistant, you’ll need to reapply it after each and every swim to ensure you get full protection. In general, it’s recommended to reapply after every two hours, however, you may need to do this more often if you are swimming or sweating, and less often if you are indoors.

DON’T bake in the sun

We all know that a fake tan is the healthier option, but regardless of this, there will always be people who opt for a natural tan instead. If you’re going to go that route, it’s important to take precautions. Don’t lie in the sun and bake during peak hours. Rather get your tanning time in early morning or late afternoon. Protect your skin with a tan-enhancing SPF product like Piz Buin Tan & Protect Tan Accelerating Oil Spray SPF30 (R216.00) which protects skin from the sun while helping enhance the natural tanning process with a special ingredient called melitan.

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion (R248.00) is formulated with a powerful blend of bronzing ingredients, ideal to achieve a dark and natural sun-kissed look. The Black Walnut Extracts delivers an instant gold colour, the DHA focuses on providing a delayed tan. This product doesn’t contain an SPF so it’s essential to apply a sunscreen over it.

DON’T forget smaller parts of the body

It’s so easy to forget to apply SPF to your ears, lips or even between your toes, but don’t neglect these areas: skin cancer often develops on one’s ears because they’re usually forgotten when it comes to sunscreen! Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50(R152.00) is a great option for smaller or more sensitive areas of the body. It offers very high protection to sun sensitive skin and combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB sun protection with Calmanelle®, a unique anti-irritant shield complex proven to help strengthen the skin’s resilience to the sun. It provides hours of moisturisation to keep delicate skin soft. Piz Buin Moisturizing Sun Lipstick (R54) is perfect for lips – it offers SPF30 protection, has a lovely velvety texture, and a great flavour too!

However you plan on speeding your summer, be sure to be sun-smart – your skin will thank you for it.