Men may be from Mars and women from Venus, but both genders have a love of golden complexions in common. For men, tanning is all about achieving that perfect healthy glow while showcasing muscles or swimwear. The right tan can also give you an edge when it comes to attracting the attention of the opposite sex. We’ve all heard stories of men who spend hours in the sun in pursuit of a darker complexion. In many cultures, a tanned body is synonymous with outdoor activities like fishing, farming or manual labor. Men who are interested in upping their tan game should consider incorporating these 5 tips into their routine:
1. Choose your location wisely
Your first consideration should be choosing the best location for safe tanning. The obvious choice for sun exposure is a beach or poolside, but UV rays can also pose a risk to fair-skinned individuals indoors. Ask yourself if you’re likely to be exposed to harmful rays at work or at home, then look for a tanning salon that offers UV-free bulbs. If you’re visiting a salon for the first time, make sure to inquire about the tanning beds to make sure they meet safety standards. If you’re hoping to get a boost from the sun during the winter months, keep in mind that UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm. You can find online tools to help you calculate the strength of the UV rays in your area and plan accordingly.
2. The importance of sunscreen
Speaking of protection, you should never go to the tanning salon without sunscreen. It’s the best way to protect your skin from harmful rays while still allowing it to slowly build up a tan. The best sunscreens are labeled as “broad-spectrum,” which means they’re effective against both UVA and UVB rays. For best results, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you hit the salon. If you’re hoping to build up a darker tan, it may be best to forgo the sunscreen. The next important consideration when choosing a sunscreen is your skin type. If you’re prone to breakouts or clogged pores, you may want to look for a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic product.
3. Pick the right products for your skin type
Men’s skin is generally thicker than women’s, but it’s still susceptible to side effects from bad tanning products. If you’re using a product for the first time, start off slow until you know how it will react on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of products with fragrance or alcohol. Likewise, men with sensitive skin should stay away from products with menthol or eucalyptus. If you’re hoping to enhance your tan, you should look for a self-tanner. You can find a wide range of formulas, including sprays and lotions. For best results, always apply self-tanner before heading to the salon.
4. Don’t forget the rest of your body
While we’re on the subject of the tanning salon, it’s worth noting that most salons offer an all-over tan that includes a leg, arm and torso session. The only problem with this is that many men’s swimsuits cover the upper part of the torso, rendering the lower half of their bodies virtually invisible. If you want to maximize your tan, you can visit a salon that offers a lower-body tanning option. You can also be creative and try to build up a tan on the upper part of your body using DIY techniques like self-tanners or a sunlamp.
5. Don’t be afraid to try something new
We’ve all heard the stories of people burning themselves while attempting to sunbathe in childhood. Although the dangers of tanning have been repeatedly publicized over the past few decades, many men are still apprehensive of tanning salons. If you’re one of those individuals, you don’t need to be afraid of the salon experience. There are certain things you can do to make the process easier on yourself. If you’re new to tanning salons, you may want to try visiting during off hours to avoid a busy environment. You can also talk to a salon staff member about the best bulbs to use, and make sure to stay hydrated during the session.
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to impress the boss or woo a significant other, a good tan can go a long way. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for men to get that perfect shade of brown. When it comes to tanning, the most important thing is to protect your skin. By using sunscreen and picking a location that offers UV-free bulbs, you can avoid unnecessary burns and enjoy the benefits of self-tanners without the pitfalls of sunburn. Now that you’re armed with these five tips, you’re ready to get your hands on the best tanning products on the market. The only thing left to do is decide where you’ll be tanning.