sunbathing wisdom

i have been sunbathing for approximately eight years now. i think it might be because of the climbing/mountaineering/athletic folks i came across, all tanned and glowing. or it might be a simple case of "the grass is greener at the other side of the fence". 

regardless of reason, the point of this entry is that, despite of the sunbathing mileage i've collected year after year after year, i always seem to take a slip and get into a sunbathing mishap. just when i think i've got things down pat...even while my last booboo is still burning in my memory...i end up overlooking a crucial detail that causes me to burn again. literally.

so, to all aspiring sun-bathers out there, here's are a few tips and reminders before laying your back unto the beach towel:

1. apply sun protection. even if you say you'll get covered by shade at some points of the day, that doesn't mean the sun won't get to you. so no ifs and buts to this one. 
2. check the SPF. remember, the higher the SPF means the longer you can stay in the sun before burning. and choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
3. apply all over the body. some body parts i consciously apply on are: forehead, cheekbone area, ears, shoulders, and feet. these are areas we either (a) feel don't need sun protection, or (b) don't realize get hit by the sun a lot, therefore getting dark the fastest. as for me, i only realized this after seeing black, shriveled toes hugging my flipflops.
4. apply your sun protection evenly. unless you want a wash-out or gradient effect on your body. and i personally don't have taste for gradient effects.
5. in relation to the previous point, apply spray-on sunscreens with care. i think this one i learned from another person's experience, who ended up having round patches of white on the back after spraying the sunscreen by him/herself. unless you're sure you can spread your suncscreen evenly, even on your own back, then don't be shy to ask for a friend's helping hand. 
6. do it gradually. this was my major flaw...and still constantly commit. if i haven't sunbathed for a long time, and am so pale, i'm so determined to get dark in one day that i (almost consciously or clumsily) forego all aforementioned tips.
7. don't fall asleep (too soundly). the root of my downfall in 2007.
8. and last (for now) but definitely not the least....my freshest lesson and tip....*DRUMROLL, PLEASE*: check the sunscreen's expiration date. *APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE*

i. thenk. you.

bow.