Advice on caring for your skin and sun 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 over a million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, and a there is a strong link between the suns harmful UV rays and skin cancer.

According to scientists 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.

woman in the sun

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 usually cause skin cancer after long periods of continuous exposure. 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 guidelines page.

At wrinkleadvice.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 staining your hands, wash your hands right after while applying the sunless tanner. You can also use a nailbrush and soap to scrub your hands, in between your fingers, and nails. You can also try cleaning the palms of your hands afterwards with Baby Wipes, Wet Ones, or similar products.

• Another tip for application is to 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.