The sun is no longer a benign harbinger of fair skies. Damage to the protective ozone layer shielding the planet from harsh ultraviolet radiation has turned sunbathing into a dangerous practice, ranking with smoking as one of the primary causes of cancer. People avoiding this hazard often turn to sunless tanning lotion in an effort to recreate the healthy, vibrant look of a real tan without as many risks.
Even though reports indicate that world-wide efforts to heal this atmospheric wound are gradually working, it will be decades before sunbathing becomes standard vacation behavior again in many countries. Using a specially formulated cream that is able to safely darken light skin areas is one way to avoid serious burns, as well as dangerous cell changes that accompany them.
Sunbathing without protection damages the outer layers of skin in a remarkably short time, and is known to encourage changes in cellular DNA. During exposure, the body increases production of melanin, a substance that helps absorb solar radiation while offering greater protection to new cells. Melanin is usually a dark brown or reddish color, and is responsible for the golden tones of an ideal tan.
While it may look healthy, there is unseen damage occurring along with visible darkening. The most common long-term effects are skin wrinkling, an impaired immune system, and increased risk of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Sunless tanning uses chemical agents to mimic the same physical process without as many immediate dangers, but do not create any long-term protection from future exposure.
When the first bronzing creams appeared during the 1960s, enthusiastic users commonly turned bright orange. Today, the formulations have been greatly improved, although a slightly orange undertone is still sometimes noticeable. In an effort to entice consumers, manufacturers have also created pills containing food coloring agents, but they have not been approved by the FDA, and some side effects are troubling.
The safest products for topical application contain dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This is not a coloring, but a type of sugar that interacts with outer layers of dead skin cells, and the resulting chemical reaction produces the color. It lasts around a week before noticeably fading, and needs consistent reapplication for maintenance. While it can irritate the eyes if used carelessly, it does not cause premature aging or increase cancer risks.
Sunless products should be used as directed. Incorrect application results in unsightly streaking or embarrassingly blotchy dark spots, and the creams should not be used in conjunction with tan accelerators, which only increase skin damage. Sunscreen is still necessary outdoors for optimal protection, no matter how dark the epidermis has become. Choose the same protection levels as used before the darkening agents were used.
Exfoliation is always recommended before use, and application to separate sections of skin brings better results. Wipe down the excess on knee and elbow joints to prevent lines, and allow a minimum of ten minutes drying time. Keep the lotion away from eyes, and never ingest tanning pills made with canthaxanthin. When compared to the dangers of radiation, sunless tanning is beneficial in the long run.
Even though reports indicate that world-wide efforts to heal this atmospheric wound are gradually working, it will be decades before sunbathing becomes standard vacation behavior again in many countries. Using a specially formulated cream that is able to safely darken light skin areas is one way to avoid serious burns, as well as dangerous cell changes that accompany them.
Sunbathing without protection damages the outer layers of skin in a remarkably short time, and is known to encourage changes in cellular DNA. During exposure, the body increases production of melanin, a substance that helps absorb solar radiation while offering greater protection to new cells. Melanin is usually a dark brown or reddish color, and is responsible for the golden tones of an ideal tan.
While it may look healthy, there is unseen damage occurring along with visible darkening. The most common long-term effects are skin wrinkling, an impaired immune system, and increased risk of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Sunless tanning uses chemical agents to mimic the same physical process without as many immediate dangers, but do not create any long-term protection from future exposure.
When the first bronzing creams appeared during the 1960s, enthusiastic users commonly turned bright orange. Today, the formulations have been greatly improved, although a slightly orange undertone is still sometimes noticeable. In an effort to entice consumers, manufacturers have also created pills containing food coloring agents, but they have not been approved by the FDA, and some side effects are troubling.
The safest products for topical application contain dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This is not a coloring, but a type of sugar that interacts with outer layers of dead skin cells, and the resulting chemical reaction produces the color. It lasts around a week before noticeably fading, and needs consistent reapplication for maintenance. While it can irritate the eyes if used carelessly, it does not cause premature aging or increase cancer risks.
Sunless products should be used as directed. Incorrect application results in unsightly streaking or embarrassingly blotchy dark spots, and the creams should not be used in conjunction with tan accelerators, which only increase skin damage. Sunscreen is still necessary outdoors for optimal protection, no matter how dark the epidermis has become. Choose the same protection levels as used before the darkening agents were used.
Exfoliation is always recommended before use, and application to separate sections of skin brings better results. Wipe down the excess on knee and elbow joints to prevent lines, and allow a minimum of ten minutes drying time. Keep the lotion away from eyes, and never ingest tanning pills made with canthaxanthin. When compared to the dangers of radiation, sunless tanning is beneficial in the long run.
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