THE SUN CAN CAUSE WRINKLES AND SKIN DAMAGE

 

If you are heading for the beach, the park, the Mall or anywhere outdoors, don't forget the sunscreen, hat and sun glasses! Studies show that more than a million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, and a there is a strong link between the sun and skin cancer.

According to scientific research there is no such thing as a “healthy tan”. Tanning is the skin’s reaction to damage already done. It is defensive attempt to protect itself from further harm.

The UV (or Ultraviolet) rays are the component of sunlight that is most harmful. Two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, negatively affect the skin by penetrating our skin and potentially damaging gene composition. UVA rays (the predominant type) tend to cause skin cancer after prolonged periods of time. Sunburn and the redness associated with sun exposure result from UVB rays, which are also a strong risk factor for skin cancer. Tanning Salons attempt to filter UV rays, but are believed to be just as harmful as tanning in the sun.

People still want that healthy glow of a sun tan, but we don't think is it worth the risk of skin cancer and/or skin damage. The suns rays will age your skin prematurely and cause wrinkles and discoloration.

 

Below are some tips for if you are going to be exposed to the sun for a significant duration of time:

• Avoid falling asleep in the sun. It's tempting to nap to the sound of the surf and the hot sun can make you sleepy, but you could wake up looking like a lobster.

• If you are determined to get some color, try a low SPF level sunscreen. Something as low as SPF 8 will be better that no protection at all.

• If you do get a sunburn, aloe vera gel or cream containing Aloe Vera can soothe your skin, help repair it and reduce peeling.

 

For more tips on preventing skin cancer, please visit the Skin Cancer Foundation's prevention page.

At wrinkle advice.com we recommend two alternatives to tanning:

 

1) Be pale

Some people actual look better with pale, porcelain-like, skin. Your skin can look flawless if it has an even tone that has not been discolored or damaged by the sun. Look at celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman. Delicate, smooth white skin can be very attractive

 

2) Use Sunless tanning lotion

If you look good tanned but you don't want to risk skin damage or even worse, skin cancer, sunless tanning might be a good option for you. You can get a nice even tan without the harm cause by the sun. Here are some tips for using sunless tanning products:

• You can a sponge paintbrush, available at any hardware store, to apply the self tanner. This can help to apply it evenly and get hard to reach places like your back. You can even try using a small sponge roller.

• Avoid using the sprays. They are difficult to apply evenly. If you like a spray brand, try spraying the product onto your sponge paintbrush and apply it that way.

• To avoid brown stained hands, wash your hands frequently while applying the sunless tanner. Use a soapy nailbrush to scrub palms, fingers, and fingernails. You can also try cleaning the palms of your hands afterwards with Baby Wipes, Wet Ones, or similar products.

• You can also try wearing gloves. Inexpensive medical supply gloves will keep your hands clean. You should still wash your hands afterwards incase some sunless tanner seeps underneath the glove.

 

• Apply less or no sunless tanning lotion to areas such as elbows, knees, feet, armpits and hairline.

 

For more information on sunless tanning, please visit the Skin Cancer Foundation's page on Sunless Tanning.

 

 

 

If you have any questions or comments please contact us at info@wrinkleadvice.com