A tan makes you feel healthier, slimmer and more attractive. Whether, this perception of vitality associated with tanned skin is based on society and media attitude is debatable.

However, when living in Spain it is easy to forget just how much sun exposure we receive on a daily basis. Generally, northern European skin is not equipped to deal with such quantities of exposure. You just need to take a walk around Marbella’s, Puerto Banus to instantly spot the expat women who have spent the last twenty years sunbathing constantly. Many of them attempt to patch their faces up with face lifts and the equivalent but the truth is you can’t turn back time and sun damage is difficult to repair to its original state.

We all know that the sun ages, so why persist with damaging our skin? We have to remind ourselves that the tan is temporary and fades in the winter, even when you are living in Spain. Also, ask yourself if you really want to spend the last thirty years of your life with prune skin.

To prevent your skin from appearing old and unhealthy, simply protect yourself from the sun by:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Apply sunscreen on a daily basis
• Cover exposed skin: wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Always seek the shade.

I know that you’ve heard it and read it a thousand times before, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded. The Spanish sun is powerful especially in the summer months. Don’t go mad and toast yourself, there’s no rush, it’s not going anywhere. If you follow the basics above that you already know, you will be thankful in the future!