I know this isn't Corgi (or even dog) related, but it's that time of year where everyone wants to spend time outside soaking up the sun (at least here in AZ), and I have a few tips on how to get some color in your skin without sacrificing safety.

1. Don't wear sunglasses for the first 10 minutes you're outside. - Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, which is tied to your optic nerve, which is sensitive to sunlight. In other words, seeing sunlight triggers the production of the hormone that triggers the production of melanin. Without it, there's actually a greater likelihood of sunburn (and a lower chance of sun tanning) because melanin is produced to protect your skin from further UV damage. At the same time, it's important to protect your eyes from UV damage. Consider not wearing sunglasses during the beginning of your time in the sun, so that the pituitary gland is stimulated, then put on your sunglasses for the remainder.

2. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and applying generous amounts of lotion daily. - Well hydrated skin is less likely to burn and more likely to tan, and since the melanin that gives you color is located in the outer layer of your skin, you'll keep your color longer by slowing down the rate at which your skin peels or sheds by applying moisturizer regularly.

3. Shave, wax, or exfoliate prior to spending time in the sun. - Exfoliating right before spending time in the sun will expose a fresh layer of skin that won't shed for a while (although it may also increase your chances of sunburn, so be careful.) Don't shower immediately after sun exposure either, let the melanin in your skin absorb the tan. It's ideal to shower before and then bathe the next day if you can wait that long. Also, tanning won't be as efficient if you're very hairy, hence the shaving or waxing first.

4. Limit the amout of time spent outside, and give your body time to recuperate.- Instead of spending 3 hours in direct sun in one day, try to break up your outdoor activities into smaller pieces, such as one hour or a half hour at a time. This reduces the likelihood of sunburn and also gives your body time to equip itself with melanin which not only gives you color, but also protects your skin from the next round of sun exposure. Additionally, your skin will continue to tan for at least 24 hours after being exposed, so you need recovery time, or you will burn.

5. Wear sunscreen. - Moderate your exposure to UV further by wearing sunscreen. The more naturally fair your skin, the higher sun protection factor (SPF) you'll need. Remember that SPF extends the time you can spend in the sun without suffering from additional damage--it does not eliminate sun damage altogether. For example, with SPF 10, you can spend 150 minutes in the sun (2.5 hours) but only get the effects of spending 15 minutes tanning.

I hope this helps. I compiled this information from several articles on wikihow.com. If you have sun safety tips for people or pet, feel free to add it here. Thanks for reading.

Heather