Pool Tanning

What better thing to do than to go swimming and indulge in a bit of pool tanning when the weather starts to get hot. I have many wonderful memories of time spent in my youth at the huge Olympic size public swimming pool. One of the best memories are those moments spent lying in the sun next to the pool, warming and tanning myself after having exhausted myself swimming. This habit has mellowed over the years as the message about pool tanning and skin cancer has registered. However, it remains an incredibly pleasurable pastime, which all makes sense when you read all the relatively new information about why the sun's UVB rays are so good for you.

Many sunbathers flock to public pools or to their own pools in their backyards, in preference even to the seaside and great beaches on offer. This is often because of the pleasure pool tanning provides, rather than the real outdoor type offering of the sea and the beach, which can be more about outdoor activity than just tanning. In general, any form of tanning isn't really any good for the skin as your skin's structure will be damaged, thereby increasing your aging process and if overdone, increasing your chances of cancer.

However, when pool tanning sensibly, there are wonderful benefits to be obtained by the creation of Vitamin D in your skin through a photosynthesis type process with the sun's UVB rays. Vitamin D is said to provide an increasing number of health benefits including helping to reduce your risk of getting cancer. Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with increased incidence of many cancers. Vitamin D normalizes cell to cell communication, impacts uncontrolled cell growth and allows cells to differentiate into normal cells with a normal life cycle. [Ref - see Dr Nalini Chilkov's aticle]

Sun safety measures should therefore include some protection from the UVB rays to prevent burning, but more importantly, good protection from the deeper penetrating UVA rays. The UVA rays will cause your skin to age prematurely, wrinkle and even cause skin cancers. UVB protection is certified through the SPF level, and the UVA through such measurements as the Boots Star system, where 1 is the lowest and 5 the highest.

So, if you plan on doing some pool tanning during the summer or any season for that matter, be sure you are properly protected with good broad spectrum sunscreen. The main thing is not to get sun burnt. So, choose a sun care product with the appropriate SPF rating, as well as high UVA protection and be sure to apply it from head to toe, or wherever exposed. Some areas are more sensitive than others and typically get sun burnt if not protected. Common areas forgotten include the ears, the back of the neck, your feet and even the space in between your toes.

While pool tanning, protect your scalp, especially if you do not have much hair, or have no hair at all. Surprisingly, many people are not aware that even with a full head of hair the scalp can be sun burnt and is one of the most painful places on the body to experience a bad burn. Wear a good hat, wide brimmed for extra shade, or wrap your hair in a damp towel to protect your scalp from the sun's rays.

To avoid the temptation of languishing far too long in the wonderful warmth of the sun's rays when pool tanning, remember moderation will provide for a happier tan in the end. Don't try to rush getting a tan by lying out next to the pool for hours on end. Time yourself and remember to reapply your sunscreen as needed. Usually every two hours is an ideal time frame for reapplication. This does depend on whether or not you are in and out of the pool or wiping sweat off with your towel.

Pool tanning is a great activity for couples. Both of you will look so sexy with beautifully managed, deep tans. This also makes you strong competition at the poolside for looking the sexiest! Or more so, with a whole bunch of friends - all tanned beautifully and not sun burnt and peeling.

Have fun in the sun and enjoy this vacation that you've worked so hard for. Make sure to take full advantage of your pool time and relax and pamper yourself. Tanning is all about having fun, absorbing those fabulous UV rays and looking your absolute best.

Bring on the sun!