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Show Too much sun is tough on you Want to get a good, painful, blistering sunburn? It's easy. Just stay out in the sun in your shorts or swim suit all day on the first truly hot, sunny day of the summer S season. YouH get your burn. Or, do you want to begin I picking up a summer tan without burning? That"s easy, too. Just follow the simple rules of the American Ameri-can Medical Association: 15 to 20 minutes exposure the first day; 20 to 25 minutes the j second day; 25 to 30 minutes J the third day; 30 to 35 j minutes the fourth day. I Thereafter base exposure I time on the degree of redness and tenderness of your skin. The shorter exposures are for i those with light skin; the J longer times are for darker skin. Remember this about tanning tan-ning -- it can't be rushed. Trying to rush it will only result in a burn. The burned ! skin will peel, leaving you pale : and pink again, j Of course, the AMA also points out that there is no i health value in tanning. In I fact, it contributes to early I aging, and wrinkling of the I skin, and to proliferation of skin cancer. But, if you insist on a tan, start slow and build up gradually. Consider the time of day for your suntanning. The sun's rays are most potent between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., standard time. You won't get much tan before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m., standard time. Don't forget that you can burn on cloudy days, on the water, and at high altitudes. Suntan lotion can be helpful in preventing a burn and promoting a tan. The lotions contain a chemical sun screen that absorbs some of the rays, while letting others through. They also contain a lubricant to keep the skin from drying out too quickly. Suntan lotions must be reapplied at least once every two hours, and whenever the film may have worn off or washed off. If you burn - ointments, wet compresses and soothing lotions will help the discomfort. discom-fort. A bland cold cream or a lightweight mineral oil may be applied to the skin. If the pain is excessive or if extensive exten-sive blistering is present, consult your physician. |