The dreaded season has finally come: Winter in Ohio. Snow is fun for sledding and skiing and whatever else, but let’s face it—the winter climate is no good for our skin, hair, or eating habits. I’m proud for keeping my winter coat of pudge to a minimum this year, and my hair seems to be doing all right. It’s my skin that’s taking a beating, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Whoever takes the time to care about their skin already knows that dryness is a huge factor in the winter. This also means that those who know about it probably know how to take care of it. What I’m most concerned about is how to maintain a healthy glow as my skin turns whiter than the snow outside.
I have an account at a tanning salon, as do tons of other girls and guys around here. I like tanning as much as the rest of you, but have you guys noticed how much negative attention tanning beds are getting? In almost every issue of Cosmo, there’s a multiple-page-long story about melanoma skin cancer due to using tanning beds. They avidly “practice safe sun” and give out tips for achieving the same bronze look without absorbing harmful UV rays.
Now, when I look at these tips, I tend to roll my eyes and think about how much easier it is to get a “real” tan at my tanning salon. But lately, my views are changing.
Recently, Cosmo posted an article on how to get an even, sun-kissed glow amidst all the snow and clouds we see around this time of year. It focuses on self-tanning lotion and gives steps for how to make it look legitimate as opposed to looking like an Oompa Loompa (been there, done that). I can’t even lie—I think I might go out and buy some to try it out. If Cosmo’s right in preaching that “practicing safe sun” is as good as the real thing, why not?
But if I turn out as orange as Snooki, they’ll be hearing from me.
I mean, I guess I shouldn’t be too worried since Cosmo confirms that the super-tan is out of style anyways. All we should want is a healthy, natural radiance: The happy medium between washed-out white and those clowns on Jerseylicious.
