The Teen Girl’s Guide to UV: How to Glow, Not Burn
Hey sunshine 🌞! Thinking about getting that summer glow without turning into a lobster? You’ve come to the right place. This guide will teach you the way to perfectly sun kissed skin.💋
🔢 What UV Index Do You Need to Tan?
Check the UV Index. If it’s:
Below 3: You’re not going to tan much.
3–5: Mild UV. You might tan slowly over time.
6–8: Perfect time to tan.🏆
9+: Careful! You’ll tan but also might burn in like… 10-15 minutes.
Pro tip: Use an app to know exactly what the UV Index is in your area. 👇
📲 Best Apps to Track UV Light
Circadian
My Circadian
DMinder
☀️ UVA vs UVB: Know Your Rays
Did you know that UVB is what gives you a tan but there’s also UVA?
UV stands for Ultraviolet and the two main types of ultraviolet rays are UVA and UVB.
Pro tip: If you get early morning UVA light on your skin (before 10am) it will help you burn less. Think of UVA like a warm-up for your skin. You’ll tan better if you prep it first!
✅ Tanning Do’s
DO get morning sunshine 🌅 (before 10am)
DO use an app to track UV light.
DO wear a hat instead of sunglasses. (see Pro Tip)
DO use a clean tanning oil or sunscreen.
DO drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.
DO go inside or cover up when you start turning pink.
❌ Tanning Don’ts
DON’T use toxic sunscreen. Baking chemicals into your skin isn’t a good idea.
DON’T forget to flip (don’t be that half-burned, half-pale girl 💀)
DON’T eat junky food - it makes you burn quicker.
DON’T forget that certain products in your skincare routine can make your face fry quickly (retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid). Best to use sunscreen.
DON’T stay out too long. Cooked ain’t cute.
Pro Tip: 🌞Your eyes help your skin know what kind of light you're in. When your eyes get sunshine (safely—not staring at the sun, okay?), it sends signals to your brain and skin so your body can adjust to the UV exposure and not burn as quickly.
Wearing sunglasses all the time messes with that light signal. ❌
Better choice? Rock a cute hat 🧢 to protect your face while still letting your eyes do their thing.
🥑 Food = Your Natural Sunscreen?
Yep! What you eat affects how your skin handles the sun.
🔥 Inflammatory foods = more likely to burn
Processed junk
Sugary stuff
Seed oils (canola, soy, corn, etc.) = bad news for your skin
🌱 Anti-inflammatory foods = better skin tolerance
Berries, grapes and melons
Tomatoes
Carrots & sweet potatoes
Leafy greens
Avocados
Coconut oil
Fish
Pro tip: 🍇 Frozen grapes are a yummy treat on a hot summer day!
🚫 Say NO to Chemical Sunscreens
Most chemical sunscreens are full of stuff that messes with your hormones and harms the earth (boo). 🌎 Some even break down in the sun and make things worse!
Look for zinc-based sunscreens instead. They sit on top of your skin like a shield and reflect UV rays. And they’re safer. Brands to try:
Pro tip: This clean tanning oil from Rowe Casa has carrot seed oil and raspberry seed oil which offer some SPF protection while also letting you tan! 🏆 You can also get the tinted version so it gives you a nice tanny glow!
💬 Final Glow-Up Thoughts
When you understand the UV and support your skin inside and out, you’ll get that golden glow in a healthy, happy way.
Glow smart, girl 🌞