Luxury Skincare: "Hollywood Bronze" has become all the rage as the marker of health and beauty in our society today. Billions of dollars a year are spent in the tanning industry. However, all tans aren't created equal. Some can be hazardous to your health.
Basically, there are four ways that you can get a tan today. There is the natural tanning that occurs with sun exposure. There is the tanning bed. There are sunless tanning sprays, lotions, oils, and even tanning pills. So many tans, but what is safe?
Too much sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer and causes premature aging of your skin. Yet, in spite of bad press, some sun exposure is a good thing. It is necessary to insure that your body makes an adequate supply of vitamin D. When sunning, it is best to wear a sunscreen of SPF-30 or above. You will still get enough sun to make ample vitamin D and to give your skin a healthy appearance without the skin damage and the increased cancer risk.
Cancel your tanning bed appointment also. Tanning beds are OUT! Tanning beds use UV-A waves, which penetrate your skin more deeply. They cause sunburn, more rapid visible signs of aging, and cancer. Even "high pressure" tanning beds that promise less UV-B rays still damage the skin. You are safer lying out on the beach for four hours in the sun than spending just 20 minutes in a tanning bed. Tanning beds can also cause photosensitivity of the skin with a variety of foods, medications and even cosmetics.
One final thought as you are preparing for that big event and desire to look Hollywood glamorous, be prepared to get your tan within days of your event. Good spray tans only last about 5-7 days. Even natural tans only last two weeks to a month, depending on your age and how quickly the skin regenerates itself. A little natural sunlight and a good parabens-free spray tanner are you best bet for maintaining your beautiful, sun-kissed glow.
By Dr. Cheryl BryantBruce, M.D.
Elite Personal Physician Services, Inc.
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