A Base Tan...Get One.

With all of this talk about fun in the sun and laying on the beach, I think it's only appropriate that I touch on tanning safety and encourage you all to be smart about your sun exposure whether going on a cruise, going to the beach, or even just spending time outdoors right here in Ohio when the sun's out (which has been happening a lot lately, thank goodness)! I'll be sure to practice what I preach when Bryndi and I set sail on our cruise as well.

While there are many areas of sun safety that I could address, I wish to focus on the importance getting a base tan. Before going on a trip where you'll be spending a great deal of time in the sun, I think that it's incredibly important to get a base tan. Not only will this make you look better in pictures (as you won't be ghostly white when you begin your week at the beach), but it will also allow you to tan easier and burn less. This means that you won't have to suffer from those painful sunburns that make your skin blister and peel, causing you a lot of discomfort and the rapid loss of your tan which you worked so hard to acquire. Base tans can even protect you from sun poisoning and skin cancer. Chelsea Handler even mentioned the importance of a base tan the other night on Chelsea Lately, her latenight show on E!

To get a base tan, one must go to a tanning bed and purchase a tanning package, typically for either two weeks or a month before heading to the beach. Now, I know this might spark controversy, as many people are very passionately against tanning beds and often refer to them as "cancer coffins," but I think in this type of a situation going to a tanning bed is actually a very smart, healthy decision. I know that tanning everyday isn't smart and not at all healthy for one's skin, but when preparing for a trip or an extended period of time outdoors which will include a significant amount of sun exposure, I support using a tanning bed and greatly encourage purchasing a tanning package. I think it's much better to start slow and get that base tan, rather than to hit the beach white as a ghost and shock your skin with extreme sun exposure. I've gone to the beach both with and without a base tan, and I can honestly say that I had a much better time when I did have a base tan that when I didn't. When I had a base tan I was able to enjoy myself and spend a lot of time swimming and laying out in the sun, rather than hiding inside and covering myself in lotions and aloe vera gel all week.

While excessive tanning is unhealthy, I think getting a base tan before spending a lot of time in the sun is very important and will only benefit you. I know I'll be purchasing my tanning package in the next few weeks to get my base tan before heading to Florida and hopping on board "The Majesty of the Seas." I'm actually pretty excited about it too!

What are your thoughts on this? Am I crazy? Also, check out my friend's blog, http://truebeautyfanatic.blogspot.com/ as she'll be reviewing what tanning lotions work and don't work, as well as discussing lots of other great beauty tips and skin products to purchase (or to avoid!) as well!