jenny!

Different Self Tanning Methods, Listed From Most to Least Safe.

Topical self-tanners

This means lotions/mousse/gels with DHA

Safety: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It works because the product contains DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the outermost layer of dead skin cells, temporarily darkening them.

It's the safest because it has...

No UV exposure

No DNA damage

No increased skin cancer risk

FDA-approved for external use

However, the risks are...

Mild irritation for sensitive skin

Patchiness if applied poorly

Inhalation risk if sprayed improperly (so avoid breathing it in)

Also, just my own anecdote: this works really well (Jergen's natural glow is my favorite— here is my before and after:)

Anyways, the sad thing about this is that it isn't permanent, and your melanin isn't really involved at all. However, if you keep using it, it works really well. I got super tan!

Professional Spray Tans

Same DHA as lotions, just sprayed evenly by a professional.

Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why slightly less safe than lotions:

Possible inhalation exposure

Eye and mucous membrane contact if not protected

Long-term inhalation safety data is limited

Still far safer than UV tanning. Just wear nose filters and protective eyewear if possible.

Gradual Tanning Moisturizers

These contain lower concentrations of DHA.

Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why safe:

Same mechanism as self-tanners

Lower irritation risk due to weaker formula

Basically the slow-burn of fake tanning... I ranked this lower because I see that the results aren't as quick.

Tanning Drops (Mixed Into Skincare)

Safety: ⭐⭐⭐

This is...

Still DHA

But mixing ratios can be inconsistent

Higher chance of uneven application or overuse

Basically, it is usually only applied to your face generally. So, only a tan face.

Safe overall, just requires restraint.

Oral “Tanning Pills” (Carotenoids, Canthaxanthin)

Safety: ⭐⭐

How it works:

Beta-carotene supplements tint your skin slightly orange

Canthaxanthin pills (less common, not FDA-approved for tanning) deposit pigment in skin

Risks:

Skin discoloration (sometimes unnatural orange)

Canthaxanthin linked to retinal crystal deposits in eyes

Liver strain in high doses

Unless you want to look like... "him," please don't use these. This is not a true tan.

Tanning Beds

Safety: ⭐️

Why it's dangerous:

Emits UVA and UVB radiation

Direct DNA damage

Increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers

Accelerates skin aging (wrinkles, loss of elasticity)

Even occasional use increases melanoma risk, especially under age 35.

DON'T DO THIS!!!!!

7. Sunbathing (Unprotected UV Exposure)

Safety: NO 🚫🚫🚫!!!!!!!!!!

Why worst:

Direct UV radiation causes DNA mutations

Strongly linked to melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma

Photoaging, hyperpigmentation, loss of collagen

Cumulative damage over your life

DON'T SUNBATHE, OKAY?

Ranked by effectiveness below (please keep safety in mind)

1. Tanning Beds

2. Sunbathing

3. Professional Spray

4. Self-Tanning Lotions/Mousses

5. Tanning Drops

6. Gradual Tanner

7. Oral Pills

Communication

Being direct is normal and expected

Bragging is a big no! Don't oversell yourself.

Debate is friendly

Correct others, especially pronunciation of words

Subtle/dry sarcasm

Small talk is SHORT! Conversations quickly move to real topics.

Personal questions come early

Silence is not awkward

Be clear, hinting is kind of confusing here!

Time

Punctuality really matters!

Calenders rule over. Plans are often made weeks in advance.

Spontaneous visits are rare, always ask first

Meetings always start on time

Etiquette

Split the bill

Birthdays are for everybody, congratulations to the whole family!

Bring something small as a gift when invited somewhere

Dont overstay

Shoe rules depend on the house, ask because there is no one set way

Three kisses as a greeting mostly among women

Firm handshakes

Say goodbye to everybody individually

Pets are family, and are found in cafes and houses often

Kids are included in conversation, and treated as independent people

Food

Have simple lunches

Dinner is around 6 PM

Offer coffee

Take one thing at a time rather than grabbing a handful

Don't expect or get huge portions

Popular foods I've found...: chocolate sprinkles on bread, cheese, and licorice. love them all, or pretend you do

Potlucks are common

Daily

Stay out of bike lanes

Weather and complaining about it is always a topic

Layered clothes matter

Be sustainable

Public transport is trusted

Values

Equality is key

Independence taught young

Respect privacy

Consensus decision making

Follow rules

Work-life balance is strong

National pride is pretty quiet unless it's about football.

ORANGE ON KING'S DAY! Join or be confused

Traditions

Sinterklaas. December 5 is huge for kids.

King’s Day = national party. Flea markets, boats, orange outfits...

Carnival. Big in the south, quiet elsewhere.

Fireworks on New Year’s. Very loud!

Birthday calendar in the toilet. I don't actually know why this is common???

Social

Here are some things about (general) Korea. Age shapes social dynamics a LOT. People often try to figure out who is older in the conversation. Honorifics are extremely important too, even in English. Words like "sister/brother/maam/sir/miss/mister..." all of that stuff.

Indirect communication is very common. This is because it "preserves harmony" of the dynamic and conversation. This also means open disagreement is softened or avoided. Emotional restraint is practiced in public often.

Silence isn't awkward in this cultural context... It means being thoughtful.

Group > individual

Compliments are often deflected out of modesty

"Saving face" is extremely important here. Both for yourself and others!

Public criticism is often very PERSONAL!

Family/relationships

Family responsibility is a lifelong concept, and stays for good.

Parents may stay closely involved in their adult children’s lives

Education is often seen as a family achievement, not just individual achievement.

Sacrificing for your family is extremely respected

Elders are treated with formal respect! Always.

Older siblings are often caretakers

Family reputation influences personal decisions often

Marriage = joining families, not just the two married people

Respect to your parents is super important.

Family gatherings are centered around food and shared labor.

Values

Effort is valued just as much as talent

Endurance/resilience is respected

Humility is more rewarded than self-promotion

Personal success might be downplayed in group settings

Emotional depth = actions, not words

Loyalty is super serious!

Social roles are situational (younger/older, junior/senior)

Harmony over blunt honesty

Respect in behavior over verbal statements

Food

Food time is bonding time! Sharing food is a bonding activity!

Meals are communal

Offering food repeatedly is out of care, not pressure

Refusing food outright may be seen as rejecting hospitality.

Elders often eat first or are served first

Pouring drinks for others (not yourself) is polite

Spicy food tolerance varies, so don’t assume!

Cooking for someone is a meaningful gesture

Taking leftovers home is normal and practical

Etiquette

Both hands may be used when giving or receiving items

Slight bows or head nods come with greetings

Names may be replaced with titles (Auntie, Teacher, Big Brother)

Removing shoes indoors is common

Physical affection in public should be subtle

Sitting posture can reflect respect in formal settings

Receiving praise may be met with denial out of politeness

Being punctual shows respect for other people’s time

Public behavior reflects on your group, not just you

North Korean Resources

KCNA Watch (official archive of DPRK media)

Information Center on North Korea

North Korea International Documentation Project (NKIDP)

Wilson Center Publications

University of Pittsburgh North Korea Guides (book lists)

Locating North Korea in Communication Research (2025 academic book)

Clothing

Neutral colors

Clean cut silhouettes, not too flashy

High quality clothing

Typical outfits

Fitted jeans/straight trousers

Cotton T-shirt turtleneck

Parkas, wool coats, puffer jackets

Adidas/puma sneakers

Sturdy boots

Outerwear

Long wool coats in winter

Puffer jackets

Rain jackets

Scarves are common

Hair

Women:

Natural colors

Low-maintenance haircuts

Minimal makeup

Men:

Neat short hair

Textured medium haircuts

Light stubble or clean shaven

Natural colors

Accessories

Backpacks rather than handbags

Simple jewelry

Glasses with thin metal frames

Communication

Smile often

Use soft voice tones

Avoid direct confrontation

Use "po" and "opo" to elders

Be indirect

Saying yes often means "I understand" not literal agreement

Filipinos may avoid saying no to prevent offense

Humor is a bonding tool

Small talk builds trust

Filipinos appreciate comments but respond modestly often

Hierarchy

Always speak to elders first when greeting

Use respectful titles

Family hierarchy strongly influences

Don't question authority in public

Show gratitude for small gestures

Social norms

Expect to be offered food and drinks. Accept them!

Bring small gifts when visiting people's homes

Remove shoes if others do

Don't bluntly refuse invitations

Insist on things

Food

Wait for the host to allow you to eat

Saying "kain tayo" (lets eat) is polite

Try a bit of every dish

Don't finish all of your food, it implies the chef didn't cook enough

Always praise the food

Family

Family is central!

Treat close friends as family

Community/family gatherings are huge events

Be flexible with time

Elders may influence marriage and romantic decisions

Body language

Raised eyebrows = hello

Pointing with lips is common

Don't point with index finger, rather the whole hand

Maintain eye contact

Standing too close is normal

Religious/Culture

Respect catholic traditions

Major holidays like Christmas are majorly celebrated!

Don't make fun of religious symbols or practices

Prayer before meals is common

Respect Muslim Filipino traditions, too! Ask if somebody eats halal before offering food

Gifts

Don't open gifts in front of the receiver unless invited

Practical gifts are appreciated

Don't give overly expensive gifts

Give with two hands

Behavior

Cleanliness is key

Be adaptable

Public affection must be minimal

Excessive bragging is frowned upon

Mindset

Remember. Native Americans encompass hundreds of distinct nations and cultures.

Learn to see land as a relative rather than a resource

Community needs over individual wants

Value humility. Avoid bragging!

Honor the authority of elders

Listen more than you speak

Reciprocate. Give just as much as you receive

Treat animals and plants as beings rather than objects

Be grateful for everything!

Treat silence as meaningful rather than awkward

Learn native humor. Often described as sharp and dry.

Respect personal boundaries

Treat your family as important

Remember time is relational and not strict

Remember not every question deserves or has an answer

Let actions speak louder than words

Practice patience

Avoid interrupting

Remember not all nations or tribes have the same beliefs

Etiquette

Don't use sacred terms casually

Don't assume somebody is native because of appearance

Ask permission before attending ceremonies

Ask to help

Don't record or photograph ceremonies without permission

Don't repeat sacred stories in public unless given permission

Respect personal space

Offer support over sympathy to grieving folks

Share food

Dont pressure people to explain their culture

Don't joke about stereotypes. Ever.

Learn a few local greetings

Acknowledge colonial history without making native people comfort you

Learn the correct name of the nation whose land youre on

Language

Remember many teachings are metaphorical and not literal

Avoid speaking over elders or storytellers

Pauses are a part of communication

Don't force people to communicate or translate in English for you