How long does a tan last and how to maintain it?

How does a tan appear on the skin?

Tanning is a gradual darkening of skin color caused by the influence of ultraviolet rays. These rays, hitting the skin, stimulate the production of pigment in the upper layer of the epidermis, which is called melanin.

The body produces melanin gradually. After a short stay in the sun, the pigment begins to actively reproduce and after about a week it accumulates enough to obtain a dark skin tone. First of all, melanin performs a protective function, absorbing thermal radiation and thereby protecting cells located in the deep layers of the epidermis from death. When this protection does not work, you can get sunstroke or burn.

There are also cases of uneven distribution of melanin over the surface of the skin, and as a result of tanning, freckles or age spots may appear. In addition, the different content of this pigment in the human body causes increased sensitivity of some people to the sun's rays (as a rule, the skin is pale, difficult to tan; with prolonged exposure to the sun, a burn quickly appears and the skin peels off) and their excellent tolerance by people whose content melanin is higher (the skin initially has a darker shade, tans well, and there are practically no burns).

It should be remembered that excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to premature aging of the epidermis, the appearance of skin pigmentation and even skin cancer and melanoma. However, with a moderate, competent approach to tanning, in addition to a beautiful skin tone, you can saturate the body with vitamin D, increase the level of immunity and activate metabolism.

So, in order to maintain a sea tan for a long time in the future, you must follow the following recommendations:

1. Prepare thoroughly for sun exposure
2. Follow important tanning rules
3. Use cosmetics
4. Taking care of your skin after sunbathing

The right diet

Exposure to the sun dries out the skin, the layer of the epidermis peels off and takes away a beautiful tan. You should know how to maintain a tan for a long time by eating the “right” foods. Dry skin needs vitamin A; you can take it a drop daily in prepared form. You should also include foods with increased beta-carotene content in your diet. It is a strong natural tanning fixer and activator.

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A glass of fresh carrot juice daily will help maintain your tan for a longer period.

Also, eggs, liver, and milk must be present in the diet. Among products of plant origin, it is necessary to consume carrots, spinach, apricots, as well as vegetables and fruits colored yellow and red.

To maintain a dark skin tone, tyrosine, found in fish and vegetable oils, is also necessary.

Preparing for tanning

The tanning process requires careful planning in order to minimize the possibility of negative effects and obtain a beautiful, even, and most importantly long-lasting shade.

Preparing for tanning consists of several stages:

Cleansing the face and body

Before you start sunbathing, you should do a light peeling or body scrub. This preparation will help get rid of dead cells, and the tan will lie more evenly. You can carry out this cleansing procedure either using ready-made cosmetics or by preparing a scrub yourself. The most popular recipes are those based on sugar, sea salt and coffee:

• Mix half a tablespoon of sea salt with drinking water to a mushy state, apply to the skin and massage for five to seven minutes, then rinse with warm water;
• dilute four tablespoons of ground coffee with boiled water, apply to the body in a circular motion, rinse with warm water;
• Dilute five tablespoons of granulated sugar with drinking water, massage the skin and rinse with warm water.

In addition to the body skin, you should carry out the same procedure for the face, but in this case it is preferable to use peeling or gommage, since their texture is finer and they will delicately cleanse delicate skin. The following recipes work well as home remedies for facial peeling:

• Mix two tablespoons of ground oatmeal with half a tablespoon of natural yogurt and one tablespoon of strong green tea. Let the mixture sit for half an hour, then apply to the face and neck with massage movements and rinse with warm water after fifteen minutes.
• squeeze the juice of half an orange and half a lemon, add one teaspoon of sea salt and one tablespoon of milk to the juice mixture. Rub the resulting lotion into the skin and rinse with warm water after ten minutes. If your face is prone to pigmentation, then you should not use peeling based on fruit acids.
• combine one teaspoon of sugar with one tablespoon of cream, apply to the skin of the face and rinse with warm water after ten minutes.

After the procedure of exfoliating the skin of the body, it needs to be moisturized. To do this, use a body lotion or mist with a moisturizing effect. You should not use very fatty creams or essential oils as moisturizer, as this will negatively affect the tanning process. To moisturize your facial skin, you should also use moisturizers with a light texture.

Visiting the solarium

If you plan to get a tan in a resort area with very intense sun, it is better to start visiting a solarium two weeks before your trip. This is necessary to raise the level of melanin in the body and activate skin protection from burns. You should visit the solarium more often than once every three days, starting with a two-minute session and gradually increasing the time of stay, but not exceeding the maximum permissible mark of ten minutes.

Diet adjustments

Already at the stage of preparation for tanning, you should enrich your diet with products that contain beta-keratin, which helps the skin absorb the sun's rays. These products are distinguished by their orange color. It is also necessary to take a course of capsule vitamins A, E, C and B-12, which help preserve procollagen, a protein that protects against burns. And to prevent dry skin, you need to monitor the amount of water you drink per day, preferably at least one and a half liters.

Choosing a quality sunscreen

You should not rely on purchasing sunscreen upon arrival; it is better to choose a suitable product in advance, since it will play a decisive role in minimizing the harmful factors of the scorching sun.

Solarium as a panacea for maintaining a tan

The most proven and reliable way to prolong the preservation of a beautiful, even sea tan is to use a solarium. How to maintain a tan after solarium? Before visiting the solarium, it is advisable to use a good body scrub to remove dead skin cells. Before visiting the solarium, it is recommended not to shower so as not to disrupt the protective lipid layer of the skin. Use sunscreen, after the procedure, which should last a maximum of 7 minutes, apply a moisturizing lotion to the body.

To maintain a tan, you should not visit a sauna or bathhouse, because after this the skin loses its color.

By using these little tricks and tips, you will be able to maintain a beautiful sea tan for a longer period.

Tanning rules

First of all, it is necessary to observe the correct regime of exposure to sunlight. Under no circumstances should you sunbathe during the midday and afternoon, when solar activity is at its peak. At this time, there is a high probability of sunstroke or burn. The most optimal time for tanning is considered to be from the morning until eleven o'clock in the afternoon, or after sixteen o'clock in the evening.

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It is also necessary to consider the importance of gradually acclimating the skin to the effects of ultraviolet rays. For the first time, it is better to limit your stay in the sun to five to seven minutes, and then take cover in the shade. You don't have to worry about your skin tanning. The sun's rays can affect the skin even in the shade, penetrating through umbrellas, awnings and clouds, so in cloudy weather you should adhere to the same rules. Gradually, day by day, the time spent in the open space should be increased, but it should not exceed fifteen minutes.

While sunbathing, do not forget to change your position, turning either on your back or on your stomach. It is better to place a rolled towel under your head to improve blood circulation and try to relax as much as possible. If you feel drowsy, it is better to go for a walk or swim, otherwise there is a risk of falling asleep and getting burned.

Before going to the beach, you should apply sunscreen to clean skin and take it with you. There is no need to apply oils or products containing alcohol, as this can cause a burn. It is also worth taking sunglasses, a hat and drinking water to the beach.

After returning from the beach, be sure to take a shower and apply a moisturizer to your skin.

All of the above measures are aimed at avoiding burning. This is a very unpleasant phenomenon, accompanied by redness and itching of the skin, the formation of blisters and peeling of the upper layer of the epidermis, which does not look very aesthetically pleasing. In addition, burning may be accompanied by nausea, fever, headaches, rashes, etc.

It is also very important not to get sunburned because ultraviolet radiation has irreparable consequences for the body, including provoking cancer, since it eliminates the ability to change the DNA of epidermal cells. However, maintaining the correct tanning regime and using sunscreen will help avoid such unpleasant consequences.

Tanning in Turkey and creams that you definitely need to take with you

Getting a beautiful, even tan in Turkey without sunscreen is very problematic: this is due to the special activity of ultraviolet rays and being on the sea coast. Experts strongly recommend using the most powerful, most effective sunscreens with an SPF level of 50+.​

Ducray Melascreen

This cream is intended for use on all skin types; French manufacturers claim the following characteristics of the product:

• contains vitamin E;
• the texture of the cream is very light and delicate;
• serves to prevent the formation of age spots even with intense tanning;
• has a mattifying effect.

Ducray Melascreen is absorbed almost instantly, but if the skin is oily, then after applying the cream a thin film forms on it, which disappears within 10-15 minutes. This sunscreen can be used as a base for foundation and full-fledged makeup - decorative cosmetics do not roll off or “float” even at high air temperatures.

The cost of one package of Ducray Melascreen is 861 rubles.

Farm Stay

This South Korean product contains:

• snail mucus – has tightening, firming and moisturizing properties;
• herbal extracts – have an anti-inflammatory effect, soothe the skin after exposure to aggressive sunlight;
• beeswax – increases the elasticity of the dermis, eliminates peeling and sagging.

The cream is thick, but at the same time it is quite easy to apply and distribute over the skin. It is absorbed in 5-7 minutes, after which there is no feeling of stickiness or tightness left on the epidermis. An additional effect is mattification of the skin, which can be used when applying decorative cosmetics, without a specific foundation. The cream can also be used after sunbathing, when the skin needs soothing, softening, and moisturizing.

Farm Stay price – 590 rubles.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL

A very popular product from the famous French brand, suitable for use on all skin types, especially effective on combination and oily skin. The composition contains no aromatic fragrances, the texture is light, so the cream has the following characteristics:

• does not clog even the most enlarged pores;
• corrects secretion production by the sebaceous glands;
• removes oily sheen from the surface of the epidermis.

The cream can be applied to both the face and body; it is quickly absorbed and does not leave marks on clothes. It can be combined with decorative cosmetics - it does not crease, dry powder does not gather in folds, and does not “float” even in hot weather. Makes it possible to refuse tinting products because it has a slight mattifying effect.

The cost of La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL is 1600 rubles.

Clarins Creme Solaire Corps

The cream is produced in France, has a “heavy” structure, but is applied quite easily and spreads without problems in a thin layer over the surface of the epidermis. The product is absorbed within 15 minutes, but after that it does not leave a greasy film on the skin and does not cause the feeling of a sticky layer, although it is distinctly oily to the touch.

The manufacturer claims that its product moisturizes the skin, protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet substances and allows you to acquire a beautiful, even tan without compromising your health.

Price Clarins Crème Solaire Corps – 2249 rubles.

The Skin House UV Protection Sun Block

Produced in South Korea, it ensures a uniform tan without burns and has several pleasant “bonuses”:

• the secretion production of the sebaceous glands is corrected - oily sheen disappears from the skin;
• small wrinkles are smoothed out - facial wrinkles that have just appeared on the face;
• the overall tone of the face is evened out - making it possible to refuse the use of foundation when applying makeup.

With constant use of this sunscreen, the skin becomes smooth and velvety. The cream has a delicate texture, which ensures its rapid absorption and the absence of a sticky, greasy layer after application. Can be used as a base for decorative cosmetics, but first you will need to make sure that it is completely absorbed.

The cost of The Skin House UV Protection Sun Block is 1,440 rubles.

How to use creams correctly

In order for sunscreens to maximize their properties, you should use them correctly:

• Apply the product 20-30 minutes before going outside. This time is enough for the cream to be completely absorbed, then it will protect the dermis from ultraviolet rays from the first minute of being under them.
• The application procedure should be carried out naked and in front of a mirror. It would be wrong to use the product around clothing - you cannot hope for complete protection of the dermis from the sun.
• When applying, do not forget about the toes, feet, armpits, elbows, back of the neck and behind the ears. These parts of the body are more susceptible to sunburn than others.
• Sunscreens are used in Turkey even in cloudy weather. Clouds, even the “thickest” ones, transmit at least 50% of ultraviolet rays.
• Apply layers of the product every 2-3 hours, even if it is water-resistant. This rule works even if the sun is hidden in the clouds or if you are traveling in a car rather than walking under the scorching sun.

  

It is highly advisable to choose sunscreens for tanning in Turkey that are not only SPF 50+, but also waterproof, sand-repellent, and hypoallergenic.

How long can you sunbathe and how correctly?

In Turkey, you need to sunbathe properly, strictly following the recommendations of experts:

• Sunbathe only in the early morning (before 10-00) and from 16-00 until the evening. Some doctors argue that you can not leave the streets and beaches during prohibited hours, but you will have to be in stable shade - under a beach umbrella, trees, in buildings. You will definitely need to wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
• Be sure to use sunscreen, even if your skin is naturally dark and not susceptible to sunburn: in Turkey people get sunburned in the first 2 hours of exposure to the sun. If your vacation is in the summer, then the products must have a protective filter of at least level 50+.
• You can’t help but apply sunscreen to your face; the area around your eyes, cheekbones, nose and chin especially need protection. Body creams not marked “for the face” must be used strictly as directed, otherwise a severe allergic reaction or lack of ultraviolet protection may occur.

  

• You need to avoid dehydration. We are talking about the need to drink cold, clean water during the day and in a volume of at least 2.5 liters. Alcohol of any alcohol level is strictly prohibited.
• After returning from the beach, you need to take a shower and treat your entire body and face with moisturizer. If red spots are detected, then the use of special agents with anti-inflammatory properties will be required; if there is itching, then you will additionally need to take an anti-allergy drug (Suprastin, Tavegil and others).

Cosmetic and home tanning products

Today, there is a wide selection of sunscreens that are the main allies for obtaining an even, beautiful shade, without pigmentation and burns. Sunscreens have approximately the same composition, so when choosing a suitable product, you should be guided by the SPF level indicated on the tube. It is this indicator that reflects the protective capabilities of a particular product, and it should be in the range from thirty to fifty.

The lighter the skin and older the person, the hotter the climate of the chosen vacation spot, the higher the SPF level should be. Also, when choosing a sunscreen, you should pay attention to well-proven brands: Garnier, Vichy, Clinic, Librederm, Babchen, Nivea, etc.

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After choosing a suitable protective cream, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for its use:

• The cream should be applied at least twenty minutes before going to the beach so that the protection has time to activate and begin to act in full force already in the sun;
• After swimming, sunscreen should be reapplied. If swimming is not planned, then it is better to apply the cream every couple of hours;
• The product itself should be kept in a beach bag, otherwise it will lose its protective properties when exposed to direct sunlight.

For those who do not trust industrially produced cosmetics, homemade products can be an excellent alternative.

Such products captivate with their naturalness, low cost, harmlessness and the ability to change the recipe at your discretion. The main disadvantage of using homemade tanning products is that they are not able to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, they are used to give the skin a golden dark tone when not in the sun. That is, homemade recipes can be used when a trip to the sea is not planned, but you want to make your skin tan or use them as an additional measure to enhance your tan and achieve a uniform shade.

For home remedies to work effectively, they should be applied to clean skin of the body and face using cotton swabs, making sure that there are no streaks or smudges.

Apply the selected product for no more than twenty minutes to all exposed skin, not forgetting the area behind the ears, the back of the head and feet. You must stand while doing this to avoid smudging and bald spots. After washing off the composition, the skin must be moisturized. The procedure should be repeated three times a week until the desired tone is achieved.

If the result obtained is not satisfactory, then you can get rid of such a tan by mixing one part of alcohol with two parts of water, and wiping the treated areas of the body and face with the resulting composition. The most popular homemade tanning recipes are:

• A mixture of fifty grams of cocoa powder and one hundred and fifty milliliters of water.
• A mixture of three hundred grams of turmeric and one hundred milliliters of water.
• A mixture of the juice of two or three carrots and fifty grams of glycerin.
• A mixture of one hundred milliliters of olive oil and six drops of iodine (do not rinse off).
• A mixture of thirty to forty grams of dried chamomile and string. Pour the mixture with one liter of boiling water, leave for two hours, then strain and wipe the resulting broth on the skin in the morning and evening (do not rinse). The decoction should be stored in a glass container in a cool, dark place.
• A decoction of three to four tablespoons of onion peels. Wash the husks and add five hundred milliliters of cold water and cook over low heat until the water turns brown. Strain the broth, pour into a glass container and wipe the skin once a day without rinsing.

Burnt in Turkey: what to do

Here's what you can do yourself if your skin is burned in Turkey:

• apply a towel soaked in cold water to the burnt area - fresh, not salty, so as not to provoke irritation;
• treat problem areas with cooling lotions, but first make sure there is no alcohol in the composition;
• take a Paracetamol tablet to normalize body temperature and relieve pain;
• apply compresses from calendula decoction (prepared from 1 tablespoon of plant material and 300 ml of water) to burns.

  

It is strictly not recommended to lubricate burnt skin with sour cream, yogurt, kefir - you can introduce an infection into the subcutaneous layers. Moreover, these products form a greasy film on the surface of the dermis, which does not allow oxygen to pass through, and the skin must “breathe” for a speedy recovery. For the same reason, doctors prohibit the use of olive, sunflower and any other vegetable/butter oils against burns.

We recommend reading the article about sunscreen. From it you will learn about how to choose a tanning cream according to your skin phototype, how to use it correctly, as well as the best creams that are worth choosing. And here is more information about how to choose and use sunscreen correctly at sea.

The tan in Turkey is even, golden, bronze and even chocolate, but only if certain rules are followed. The use of sunscreens ensures complete safety of sunbathing for health and serves to prevent the formation of burns.

Skin care after sunbathing

The most important thing in maintaining a long-term tan is to moisturize your skin daily.

After obtaining the desired chocolate shade, you should avoid taking hot baths. It is better to give preference to a lukewarm shower and sulfate-free body washes.

After a shower, be sure to apply a moisturizer to the skin of the body and face, which can be based on oils, or you can purchase a special after-sun skin care product. There are many variations of this product - cream, gel, milk, spray. After-sun skin care products are selected individually; the main selection criteria are the product's light texture, rapid absorption, and powerful moisturizing effect. The following products are considered the most effective: after-sun spray with cactus extract Ambre Solaire (Garnier), refreshing gel for face and body “Protection and Moisturizing” of the Sublime Sun series (L'Oral Paris), moisturizing lotion Sun Kissed Skin (Nivea).

To care for your facial skin after sunbathing, it is mandatory to continue using sunscreen with a high SPF level before going outside, which should also be applied to the décolleté area.

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You should also use moisturizers twice a day based on hyaluronic acid, thermal water, glycerin, avocado and grape seed oils, rice extract and the addition of vitamin E and peptides. Products containing such components promote the regeneration of the epidermis, making it firm and elastic, which will allow you to maintain your tan for a long time.

In addition, it is recommended to use moisturizing masks with collagen and vitamin E for the skin of the face and neck once or twice a week.

Recipes for maintaining a tan

In addition to cosmetic products for skin after tanning, we can recommend several recipes at home that will help soothe and moisturize the skin of the face and body, as well as make the tan last longer:

• Recipe 1. Pour thirty grams of dried linden flowers into two glasses of boiling water and leave for an hour, then strain and add fifty grams of honey to the infusion. Wipe the skin with the resulting mixture and rinse after fifteen minutes.
• Recipe 2. Grind two egg yolks with one tablespoon of olive oil and add one tablespoon of warmed honey. Apply the composition to the skin and rinse after fifteen minutes.
• Recipe 3. Mix the pulp of two avocados with the juice of three or four carrots, then add one teaspoon of wheat germ oil. Apply the composition to the skin and rinse after fifteen minutes.

Two to three weeks after returning from vacation, the tan may take on a gray tint. In this case, you should carry out a light peeling of the skin, which will help remove the dead layer and return the tan to freshness. In addition to store-bought peels, you can use homemade peelings (sugar, salt or coffee).

Also, after a couple of weeks after your skin has tanned, you can start using self-tanning products that will help maintain the resulting dark skin tone.

Self-tanning products should be used at least three to four times a week. Modern products contain shimmering particles, gold dust, bronzer and other components that can refresh the tan and add radiance to the skin.

Diet

All nutritional recommendations for maintaining a tan are aimed at maintaining water balance in the body, which will help protect the epidermis from drying out, as well as accumulating the necessary nutrients involved in the formation of dark pigment. These recommendations are quite simple:

• drink at least one and a half liters of water per day;
• include sea fish, vegetable oils and nuts in your diet to provide the body with the “right” fat to maintain the elasticity of the skin and some amino acids that support dark pigment. In addition, oils and nuts contain vitamin E, which is necessary for the body both before and after sunbathing;
• continue to consume products with beta keratin to activate melanin production. Such products are easy to identify by their characteristic orange color: carrots, pumpkin, mango, peach, apricot, melon. Watermelon and spinach also contain a lot of beta-keratin;
• Include in the menu the use of foods containing vitamin A, which helps the golden hue to remain on the skin for a long time. A lot of this vitamin is present in milk, eggs, butter, cheese, beef liver and tomatoes;
• include in the menu the use of products containing vitamin C, which is a direct participant in the protection of the epidermis. It is found in all citrus fruits, strawberries, black currants, and tomatoes.

Tan support with a visit to the solarium

Immediately after returning from vacation, it is not recommended to visit the solarium, since the tan is still fresh, and you should not dry out the skin again. It is better to start visiting the solarium after three to four weeks to maintain the resulting tone. Visiting a solarium for such purposes involves one session per week, lasting no more than five to seven minutes. This is quite enough to maintain the tan in the desired condition without causing damage to the skin. After visiting the solarium, be sure to moisturize your skin.

Folk remedies for maintaining a tan

There are several fairly effective recipes for those who are interested in how to maintain a tan at home using folk remedies.

• You can wipe your skin with freshly brewed tea or coffee. Tea moisturizes well, closes pores and thereby retains moisture in all layers of the skin.
• Rubbing the skin with chamomile infusion after morning wash. The infusion should be prepared from 8 tablespoons of flowers and one liter of boiling water for 2 hours.

• A carrot mask will also help you maintain a beautiful tan longer. Finely grated carrots are mixed with olive oil, applied for 15-20 minutes and washed off with warm water.
• A tomato mask works well for tanning. Peel two tomatoes, crush, mix with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3-4 tablespoons of high-fat cottage cheese. The mask is applied for 15-20 minutes and washed off with cold water. For the whole body, the amount of ingredients should be increased, observing the proportions.
• A mask with oregano has the same effect.

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Grind the flowers and leaves of oregano into a paste, add 100 grams of honey and yolk, stir and apply to the skin for 15-20 minutes.

An effective way to extend the life of a beautiful tan is to rub frozen tea infusion cubes and take cool cinnamon baths.

Factors that contribute to the disappearance of a tan

After the skin has acquired a beautiful dark, uniform shade, you should pay special attention to factors that can damage the tan or accelerate its disappearance from the surface of the skin:

1. Taking hot baths, visiting baths and saunas. The fact is that when exposed to high temperatures, the upper layer of the epidermis softens and comes off along with the tan.
2. Using scrubs, hard washcloths, aggressive shower gels.
3. Rubbing the skin with a towel after a shower. To maintain your tan, gently pat your body and face with a towel.
4. The use of cosmetics or home remedies with a lightening effect or aimed at combating age spots. You should carefully read the composition of the products used for the body and face during and after tanning, and also be careful when using folk recipes. If the composition contains lemon, cucumber, aloe vera, their use may lead to the appearance of light spots on the skin and spoil the appearance of the tan.

Compliance with the correct regime of exposure to the sun, all the necessary recommendations for preparing for tanning and after it, careful selection of suitable cosmetics or home remedies and their systematic use will help not only to obtain an even, beautiful chocolate skin color, but also to maintain it for a long period of time.

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How to prepare your skin for a sea tan

To make your sea tan more lasting, you need to prepare your skin for a beach holiday. Before going to the sea, you need to carefully clean and thoroughly exfoliate your skin with peeling. Ideally, it would be nice to visit a beauty salon, but you can carry out this procedure at home.

The skin needs to be thoroughly steamed and treated with a special abrasive. In this case, the sea tan will lie more evenly.

A lasting sea tan effect can be achieved by tanning as follows:

• a short period of time should be in direct sunlight;
• Spend the rest of the time under a tent or umbrella.

Sunbathing this way is healthier and the tan lasts longer.

You can try to maintain the intensity of your tan for a longer period by using intense tanning lotions.

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It must be used with great care to avoid sunburn, which will not only damage the skin, but also leave unsightly spots.