How To Avoid Spring Break Sunburns

Hint: Skin cancer sucks, so stick to spray-on.

Before you shell out money for a tanning package there are a few things you should know. According to Dr. Craig Naugle, a dermatologist at Hulston Cancer Center (3850 S. National Ave., 417-889-3332), using a tanning bed to get a base tan will actually do more damage than good. The reason, he says, is because you’re less likely to use all-important sunscreen in a tanning bed. While we aren’t telling you to completely avoid the sun (or tanning beds) there are a few things you can do to stop yourself from turning into a steamed lobster.

• Get a “mystic tan,” which is the term industry pros use for spray-on tans instead. The chemicals are similar to any self-applicable tanning lotion; it stains your skin a deeper color. Just remember to exfoliate dry skin first so you don’t look orange and streaky.
• Wear waterproof sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30.
• Apply sunscreen every two to three hours.
• Bring a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella for shade if you’re going to be out in the sun for a long period of time.

If you follow these guidelines you should be able to enjoy a pain-free spring break, and help prevent melanoma or other skin diseases from being a part of your future. Besides, asking someone to rub sunscreen on your back is a great way to flirt.