Lifestyle Choices

The only “safe” tan is the tan obtained from a bottle! Effective self-tanning creams contain the chemical dihydroxyacetone, which reacts with the keratin protein in the outer layers of skin to dye the skin brown. (Be careful! Dihydroxyacetone darkens all keratin protein, including hair and wool.)

This type of self-tanner is perfectly safe and can give the tan you desire if applied properly and uniformly. There are many formulas which give different shades of tan. The consistency of the cream or lotion also varies — self-tanner must be applied evenly to prevent splotchiness. Quite a few products are good, so experiment with several brands until you find one that you prefer.

Because your skin loses its outer layer of cells each day, you may need to apply self-tanner daily to maintain the skin color you want. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying a self-tanner or your palms will stain dark brown.

If you want a “darker” tan, just apply self- tanner more than once a day. Keep in mind that this tan does not protect you from the sun in any way! You must still use a sunscreen whenever you are outside.

Some self-tanning creams contain the natural amino acid, tyrosine. Although tyrosine is the molecule from which your natural pigment, melanin, is made, I have not seen evidence that it can be absorbed by the skin or that it promotes the production of your own melanin.

… not so, tanning accelerators!

Stay away from tanning accelerators, which come in the form of creams or pills. They can be dangerous! They most commonly contain a derivative of the compound psoralin. A tanning pill developed in Germany but not permitted in the United States consists of a combination of B- carotene and the carotenoid canthaxantin. All tanning accelerators when taken or applied photosensitize to UVA rays and accelerate the damage done by UVA.

In other words, tanning accelerators accelerate the premature aging of your skin, they decrease your skin’s immunity, and they accentuate phototoxicities and photoallergies. The oral forms of tanning accelerator can be especially harmful because they speed up damage to unprotected eyes, with the risk of such damage continuing for several days after use.

After taking the canthaxantin capsules, many patients complain of difficulty with adapting their eyesight to the dark. On examination, 75 percent of users were found to have minor abnormalities of their eyes’ retinal pigment.

These products should be avoided unless prescribed by a physician for treatment of a specific disease. If they are used, protective precautions (including wearing UV protective glasses for at least two days after use) must be taken, as directed.

It’s never too late!

Let’s face it — if we’re honest most of us would admit that they had not practised the best of “sun-habits” over the years. In the past nobody had the knowledge that is available today. Indeed, many people grew up with the belief that the sun, which felt so good, was also good for our health. Everybody can start taking the proper precautions immediately.

Do enjoy your travelling and your outdoor sports. But always protect yourself and especially your children from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays. Whenever you are in the sun, do as the Australians do: “Slip on a beach robe, slap on a hat, and slop on sunscreen.”

By doing this, you will keep healthy and stay looking young. You will learn a simple and effective program of lifetime skin fitness that treats your skin with the care that it really deserves!

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Sunshine? Self-tanning are fine…

• The Tanning Myth
• The Fact of Sun and Tan: How Much does it Age your Skin?
• Beauty and Skincare, what this Aging means to your Skin
• Skin is not safe from Sun Exposure part 2
• The Craft of Skin Care Part 3
• Fresh Eyes Look
• Modern Women Grooming Essentials: Facial Hair, Legs, Hands and Nails
• Hair Health and Beauty From The Outside
• Family and Health, Health Formula for your Loved Husband
• Hair Relaxers, biggest mistakes to apply chemicals