TanningMalignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, has seen a sharp rise in recent years, perhaps from increased exposure to direct sun and the rays in artificial sun-beds. That golden glow may look good but....
Rays from direct sun OR artificial "sunbeds", cause damage to skin and may create vision problems, allergic reactions and depressed immune systems. After spending time in the sun, most of us get sunburned. Later, the burned layer of skin either peels away or darkens from an increased production of melanin. That darker color is a reaction to sun damage. Fair-skinned individuals have less skin pigmentation and are at a higher risk of sun damage. However, even darker-skinned people are not exempt from developing skin cancers. The best protection• Use a safe sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and that protects from both UVA and UVB radiation. • Reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Sunscreens wear off from swimming or perspiring. • Steer clear of tanning beds. • Wear sun-protective clothing • Eat a diet high in antioxidants. Foods like berries, superfoods and fresh produce eaten regularly produce natural antioxidants that your skin uses to protect you from excessive exposure. Getting a golden glow - safelyIf you're concerned about any ingredients (you ARE reading the labels, right?), look them up or ask your pharmacist for more information. If you want a rich color without exposure to damaging UV radiation, consider using sunless tanning products or bronzers. They've been greatly improved over the years, no longer give a streaky look and are generally regarded as safe alternatives to sunbathing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Keep in mind, however, many of these products do not contain sunscreen. They are intended to give you a darker color, not protect you from the sun. Unsafe productsSunless tanning pills are NOT safe and are NOT approved by the FDA. They may cause your skin to turn orange or brown or cause canthaxanthin retinopathy, the formation of crystals in the retina of the eye. They can also bring about nausea, cramps and diarrhea. Words of wisdomTake the time to find the products that work for you...so you can reach your sun tanning goals and "Greek god" look without damaging your skin or health.On vacations: We hit the sunny beaches where we occupy ourselves keeping the sun off our skin, the saltwater off our bodies, and the sand out of our belongings. Erma Bombeck
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