It’s glowing, glowing, glam!

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had an affinity for the sun. During childhood, summer weekends were usually spent at the beach. I loved the sea; I adored basking in the sun’s rays. It just made me feel alive and fantastic. Throughout the year, my skin took on either of two shades — tan in summer, pale in monsoon season. Everyone would tell me that I always looked better with a tan and I believe this holds true for most people. I respect it, but honestly have a hard time understanding the skin-whitening phenomenon. Frankly, I find it quite bizarre.

There are very few looks that I find more attractive than bronzed skin and crisp linen. Here I am talking of skin that’s taken a wonderfully golden hue. Think George Hamilton in the ’60s and not that red-lobster-colored guy who forgot to put on any sun protection and is going to have an uncomfortable time sleeping tonight.

Developing the right color requires proper technique and procedure. After all, tanning is a serious business to the gilded few. It doesn’t happen just by slathering on some sunblock like butter followed by a couple of hours of lying under the sun. A lot of it has to do with before-and-after sun care. Here are four tanning tips that should help you achieve that healthy auburn glow all throughout summer, perhaps even way past it.

Exfoliate, exfoliate!

Prep your skin by exfoliating yourself well with a decent exfoliating scrub or a loofah. This helps ensure an even tan by clearing your skin of dead cells. An absolute must especially if you’ve tanned before and your skin is peeling. A good scrub will also help your skin absorb the sun’s rays faster. Your tan will also look smoother and will have that added sparkle.

Too lazy for a good scrubbing? Leave it to the pros. I recently tried the amazing Decleor Aromatherapy Salt Scrub treatment at the recently opened Marrionaud at The SM Mall of Asia. Aside from smoother skin, the treatment made me feel really pampered.

Get the right sunblock

If you want a tan that’s going to last and take on that golden hue, then it’s absolutely essential that you use an excellent sunblock or self-tanner. The best sun-care products invest heavily in research to come up with the perfect formula. This is what this billion-dollar industry is all about. I like bringing a variety when I hit the beach. I use a lower SPF (20) for the body and a higher one (30) for the face. The higher the SPF the longer you can stay out in the sun without doing too much damage to your skin.

If you’re thinking that using no sunblock or one with a very low SPF will achieve a darker and longer-lasting tan, then you could not be more wrong. Instead of a great tan, you could develop skin cancer very quickly. A decent SPF level helps ensures that your skin absorbs the sun sensibly, therefore lasting longer. It also helps prevent your skin from peeling, which is most unsightly.

When looking for sun-care products, buy ones that incorporate moisturizing elements to keep your skin hydrated. Natural ingredients work best so look for these in the item’s list of ingredients. It’s also practical to get one that’s waterproof for obvious reasons. Choosing scent and method of application (spray or lotion) are matters of personal preference. Here are a few that I’ve recently sampled and they all now find a regular place in my religious tanning regimen:

Murad Waterproof Sunblock (SPF 30). From the maker of some of the best anti-wrinkle products, this sunblock has a light pleasant scent, which makes it perfect for men. I found that it spread easily and was easily absorbed by skin right after application. Its mattifying elements also prevent you from looking like you’ve been spending too much time beside a deep fat fryer.

Dermalogica Full Spectrum (SPF 15). Dermalogica has always been one of my favorite skincare brands. This is the first time I tried one of their skincare products and I became instantly hooked. As with all their products, it smelled wonderful. My skin felt like it was constantly being rehydrated even after spending a considerable amount of time under the sun. After only a day’s use, it imparted a very even bronze color that usually takes a couple of days to develop.

Lierac Self-Tanning Spray with SPF 25. This boutique brand from France helps your facial and body skin develop a tan that looks very natural. The SPF 25 allows you to bake under the sun while the self-tanning formula acts on your skin. I loved the convenience of being able to spray it on instantly. It also left behind a fresh scent that had many of my friends asking me what cologne I was wearing.

Mario Badescu Moisture Magnet (SPF 25). Badescu’s signature "no frills" bottle offers serious protection and moisturizing properties. Way after basking in the sun, skin feels supple and smooth. It’s perfect for skin types that get dry and prone to peeling.

Apply well ahead of time, liberally and regularly.

Sunblock should be applied at least 30 minutes before heading out to the sun. This allows the skin to absorb the product and maximize its protective and moisturizing properties. One should apply a considerable amount. At least two full spoonfuls is a good measure to use on face and body. Of course, more if you’re hefty and less if you’re petite.

Product should also be reapplied every 30 minutes under continuous sun. Same practice if you’ve been underwater or have been sweating profusely.

After-Sun care

It’s imperative to moisturize immediately after you tan. Along with my sunblock, I make it a point to take a face and body moisturizer for application right after a tanning session. Under the sun, your skin’s moisture reserves take quite a beating. You’ve got to replenish those reserves or your skin is going to dry out and look like (ugh) leather. Make sure you apply at least twice a day for at least a week after tanning. Moisturizing locks in the tan so it will last longer. It also aids in keeping your skin from unsightly peeling.

Organic Pharmacy After Sun: This is probably as natural as you can get in after-sun care. Void of any artificial preservatives, fragrances and other chemicals, this product only contains pure organic products such as Marigold, Rose Hip, Orange extract and Green Tea. I loved its natural citrus scent and the creamy texture it left on my skin after application.

Maintain your tan with self-tanning products.

There are a number of products out there that double as moisturizers. Shiseido has a great combo self tanner and facial manager. I love the metallic tube packaging. Choose one that’s right for your skin tone since a few have the tendency to make some skin turn orange. After all, you want to be called a bronze hunk and not a carrot boy.

Dermalogica, Mario Badescu, Shiseido, Murad & The Organic Pharmacy products are available at Rustan’s Essenses.

Marrionaud is located at the second level of SM Mall of Asia

* * *

For comments, e-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.