Many people enjoy that sun-kissed golden glow that comes from the
summer season, a winter vacation, or a tanning booth. Unfortunately, the
sun damages our skin, causing aging, and too often, skin cancer. Many
of us really like that golden glow, hence the advent of self tanners and
spray tans, which do not have the damaging UV rays, but, like many
things we have come to enjoy, these also come with a risk of damage.
A self-tanner is still by far the safest way to tan, most of the risk
is in the dangers of inhalation. If you are spray tanning make sure to
wear protection over your eyes, mouth, and nose. If you are using a
spray at home, protect your eyes, nose and mouth as well. Use caution
when applying lotion not to breathe in the fumes, apply in a
well-ventilated area.
The next area of risk comes from a chemical in tanners, its what
turns the skin dark, and is called DHA. This is not the same DHA found
in fish oil, this one enhances freedom and production of free radicals
in your skin. If everything you eat and drink is to rid your system of
free radicals, it seems silly to place them directly on your skin, that
is our largest organ!
According to Leslie Baumann, MD, if you really want to achieve that
colored skin, be prepared to perform damage control. She recommends a
topical moisturizer rich in antioxidants like grapeseed oil, vitamins C
& E, lycopene, green tea, and CoEnzyme Q10. These products also have
a short shelf life, make sure you toss them out after their expiration
date. You must stay out of the sun when using self-tanners, the sun
enhances the free radical effect. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
avoid any tanning products completely.
The other option is to learn to love the skin you’re in. Many
beautiful people are a pale shade and enjoy their lives fully. It all
depends on how much risk you’re willing to take, and what your
perception of beauty is. Darker skin is lovely on people that are born
with it, paler skin is lovely too. All shades of skin have their own
unique beauty, and that is exactly how it is intended to be. No matter
what you decide to do, always wear sunscreen! Wear protective eyewear
when out in the sun as well, protect your corneas from glare.
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