Getting that Summer Skin Glow Safely
Every summer it’s the same thing. People want that warm, glowy, even summer skin tone that looks like you’ve been somewhere beautiful for two weeks. And honestly, that’s a fair thing to want. The problem is that a lot of people are going about it in ways that are doing real damage. When aiming for that perfect summer glow, do so safely and avoid methods that can cause lasting damage over the years.
Nothing Innocent About Burning to Get Tan
Here’s the thing about tanning in the sun. It feels completely natural, and technically it is, but what’s actually going on underneath is your skin panicking. When UV rays hit your skin, your body produces extra melanin to help block the damage. When skin tans, it is the skin responding to stress. Skin is protecting itself, which should raise a red flag rather than a green one. Over time, that defense can lead to unwanted sunspots, uneven skin tone, changes in texture, and deeper wrinkles. Summers baking in the sun are never a win, especially when it involves burning and peeling. Every burn increases the risk of skin cancer later in life.
There is no need to spend every minute between 10-4 everyday inside. Using high enough SPF sunscreen, taking breaks in the shade, and reapplying allow everyone to spend time outdoors. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a rash guard while poolside is a great way to prevent skin overexposure. Do not use the sun as part of your beauty routine to get summer skin.
Fake Tanning in Beds
People still use tanning beds, thinking it’s a more controlled version of sun exposure. Tanning beds emit concentrated UVA radiation, which penetrates the deepest into your skin and causes the most lasting damage at the cellular level. Studies have consistently linked tanning bed use to significantly elevated melanoma risk, and people who started using them young carry that risk for the rest of their lives. It is shocking that this is still an option, and even some gym memberships include access to these machines.
The color you get from a tanning bed is real. The damage underneath it is also real. You’re trading a few weeks of a tan for accelerated skin aging, a higher chance of developing hyperpigmentation, and a meaningfully elevated cancer risk. Given that self-tanners now exist and actually work, this trade-off makes very little sense.
Seriously Good Self-Tanners
This is where the conversation gets more fun because self-tanners are not what they used to be. The streaky orange disaster formulas from fifteen years ago have been replaced by products that, when you use them right, look genuinely natural. No UV exposure, no cellular damage, just color that develops over a few hours and lasts several days.
The ingredient doing the work is called DHA, and it reacts with the proteins in the top layer of your skin to create that darker tone. The risks are pretty minimal, mostly skin irritation for people who are sensitive or an uneven application that looks patchy. Neither one is a serious health risk.
To get a good result, exfoliate your whole body before applying anything. Dry patches on your elbows, knees, and ankles will grab the product and go darker than everything else if you skip that step. Blend carefully at the edges, especially around your wrists and ankles. Gradual tanning moisturizers are a great place to start if you’ve never used a self-tanner before because the color builds slowly. There are also spray tan companies that will come to your house for a special event. The advice is to do this a day or so in advance to allow a thorough shower to remove any lingering residue.
Even Out Skin Tone for Summer Skin Glow
If your real goal is smooth, glowy skin rather than just darker skin, a few ingredients are worth knowing about. A slightly less sun-kissed skin can be just as attractive in a summer outfit. Vitamin C serums help brighten skin over time and can address dark spots. Niacinamide is great for uneven skin tone and redness, and your local dermatologist will happily work with you to get you the products you need to achieve the skin look you want this summer. A gentle exfoliant like lactic acid, applied a couple of times a week, removes the dull outer layer and makes your skin look more alive without irritating it.
Drinking enough water, keeping your skin moisturized, and wearing sunscreen every single day are genuinely the most underrated things you can do for your complexion in the long term.
Summer Skin Glows Naturally
You can have great summer skin without wrecking your skin in the process. With self-tanners, safe skincare products, exfoliation, and the right products, skin can look beautiful without being tortured. If you have skin conditions that limit your desire to be outdoors and show off your skin, contact Buckhead Dermatology today. Acne, eczema, and other common skin conditions are often treatable, and the sooner you start, the better to get that summer glow you seek!