Thread: How can I get a good tan over vacation without burning?

I have relatively fair skin and lots of freckles on my face, but nowhere else. I'm Irish and I don't burn too easily, but I also don't tan very easily. I'm going on vacation to a tropical place and I want some advice on safe ways to tan without burning. I also was wondering if there are any specific things that will help make tans last. Thanks!

when it starts to burn run for cover

Use a very good tanning lotion and don't stay in the sun too long. A burn does not tan. So you want to limit your exposure at any one time.

Freckles are a huge warning that you should not be in the sun. Fair skin means you have less melanin making you more susceptible to sun damage. With freckles, your more likely to end up with them getting darker (not a good thing)

Aside from all that...

Use a sunblock with SPF30 (anything higher is a waste)
Sunblock only blocks some of the sun, not everything
If you spend enough time in the sun, you'll get a tan (depending on skin type)

I'm 1/2 Irish and 1/2 Italian; thankfully my skin is 100% Italian as I tan easily and don't scar. My sister looks 100% Irish; fair skin, freckles, red/brown hair and burns after 5 mins. It's all in the jeans, but following that advice will get you the best tan your body will allow. If it's not good enough, top up with a self tanner