We get asked that a lot, and with summer fully under way we would like to give this topic the space it deserves. First, moderate exposure to the sun is desirable. It aids the body’s production of Vitamin D and helps regulate mood. Some people react to sunless seasons with a seasonal depression because of the loss of full spectrum light.
But moderate exposure does not include sun bathing and tanning. Many people believe that tanning in a tanning bed is safer but may be surprised to learn that the FDA considers the damage your skin receives from an indoor tanning bed to be up to 12 times that of the damage received from a similar amount of time in the sun! Another fact that few people understand is that tanning occurs when the skin is exposed to Ultra Violet Radiation and the skin cells undergo changes (including darkening) as a result. Frequent tanning has been known to lead to accelerated aging, precancerous and cancerous skin cell changes, and a depressed immune system.
What can you do then to protect your skin and get at least a little bit of a bronze glow in the summer? First, whenever you go out be sure to where a good sunblock. Sun screens and sun blocks should be paraben free and a high enough SPF to really protect your skin. Our Protect Me broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 paraben free sunblock has the sun protection, the moisturizers and is paraben-free and water resistant. It can be worn under your makeup and is non-irritating for delicate skin.
The next thing you may want to do is use a self-tanner. If you are a mature woman you may remember the orange-y color and streaky results of early “tanning lotions.” These used mostly carotene for color and the result was not natural or consistent.
Modern self-tanners give you a bronze glow in about four hours from application. They go on smoothly and do not streak. So the result looks natural and you look great without risking the damage that can come from the sun. Ready to tan without the sun? Try Tan-Fan self-tanner and get the look you want with no sunburn!
