As a fellow pale person, my first instinct is to tell you to “embrace your healthy, gorgeous, undamaged skin” and find inspiration in other famous pale beauties such as Scarlett Johannsen, Reese Witherspoon, Dita von Teese – etc. etc.”) BUT I know all too well the need to conform when everyone around you is tanned, not wanting to stick out like a bright white beacon, and – in spite of knowing better – wanting to enjoy the feeling of having a real tan and feeling “normal.”

I’ve struggled with this dilemma many years. In my early 20’s, I used tanning beds and was amazed at how dark I could get. I could never quite get that dark in natural sun (being a type 2c). So it felt wonderful being brown for the first time. Then when all the anti-UV propeganda began to surface, I stopped and basically stayed “sun smart” the next 10 years. I think having done so is what’s kept my skin looking super young. But recently, that urge to get some UV exposure has returned and I’ve spent the last couple of years battling with that urge (because for me it feels SO good!). But then I consider I had my “fun” back then in my 20’s and now it’s time to be responsible and salvage what I’ve still got (at 41).

Since you’re still so young and you can avoid doing any damage (you’re already off to such a good start!), I’d HIGHLY recommend you try the self tanning route first. Or get a proper airbrush tan done by a technician. You may find that’s all you need to give you the colour boost you’re craving. If that’s still not enough and you really want the UV exposure, then be sure to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich food, drink green tea, and take the internal supplement “Heliocare” which helps guard against damage.

If you DO opt for UV, then use a strong sunscreen on the face/neck/chest and match them up with self tanner &/or bronzer.

Finally, it’s interesting that you say YOU don’t have a problem with your pale skin, but it’s the teasing from others pressuring you to become tan. Realize those folks will come & go, and may not even be in your life in another 10 or 20 years when your skin begins to show signs of sun damage. So if you decide to tan, it should ONLY be because YOU prefer the look and not to please others. Realize that more and more people are opting to remain pale and it’s not such an anomaly anymore. These days it really is “anything goes.”