Even with skin cancer rates rising, many of us still like to bake ourselves bronze in the summer. There’s something about wearing white with a good tan. It just looks–healthy. Yes, we know people who don’t take care of their skin in the sun are going to age faster. But, we are hooked on that healthy look.

Experts tell us that spray-tanning and bronzing sunscreens are safer than tanning beds. Tanning beds have been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer and are definitely not recommended.

Some dermatologist are telling us that mineral makeup is a great innovation and the mineral bronzers can give the same effect as a golden tan.

The main ingredients in mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are found in most makeup, but at a high concentration and without irritants like talc, preservatives, fragrance and dyes. Mineral makeups also have a built in SPF 15.

Mineral makeup can reflect light, giving a nice tone to the skin. Minerals are inert so you are less likely to have reactions to mineral makeups. Talc tends to absorb sweat and oils, leading to a creasing effect which is undesirable, but the mineral-based makeups are more likely to stay looking great even after a work out or a hot day in the sun.

The mineral bronzers should be applied on the forehead, cheekbones, nose and decolletage area. You want to apply the bronzer on places where the sun hits.

Another important tip for summer is to up your intake of water and vitamin C. This helps to repair tissue. Treat yourself to an anti-oxidant facial to help your skin in the summer. And here’s another natural home remedy that will keep your skin fresh and healthy in the hot sun. Brew a pot of green tea, jasmine smells really nice, let it cool, then put it in a spay bottle to mist your face throughout the day. This is inexpensive and very refreshing!