Faking a Tan

The best way to have a tan and look after your skin at the same time is to use a self tanning product that stains the skin. These are improving all the time and, although they still need careful application so you don't get a streaky effect, this temporary staining can be very satisfactory. For best results get a friend to help you achieve an even tone and the shade you want. Some beauty salons apply a tanning treatment which lasts several days and is an excellent start to a holiday; it stops you feeling white and conspicuous and therefore being so impatient to lie in the sun that you run the risk of burning.

Sun lamps are also good but need to be used with caution you can burn just as badly from this artificial sunshine as from the real thing. Over a period of time, however, they prepare your skin for a sunny holiday and will prolong that carefully acquired tan after you come home, (The latest sun beds claim to tan safety by filtering out the harmful rays.)