Topics of Interest
July-December 2010
Tanning
There
is no doubt that a little color not only helps us to look better; we feel much
better with the sunshine! However, whether you are going abroad or not this
summer, it is wise to follow a few guide lines which will help you achieve a
good, healthy color with the minimum possible risk to your skin. We are all
becoming much more aware of the dangers of over-exposure to ultra-violet rays -
naturally or artificially created. Every year over 33,000 people are treated for
skin cancer in this country alone and around 1,000 die from it.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and its ability to tan is
determined by the number of melanocyte cells it contains - people with lighter
skins have fewer than those with dark skin. The skin protects you from injury
and keeps harmful bacteria out of your body, so the ability to tan is important
to survival. When UVA penetrates the dermis, it triggers the melanocytes to
produce melanin, which is excreted to the surface of the skin. Browning occurs
when UVB oxidises this melanin. Gradual tanning thickens the outer layer of the
skin which prevents it from absorbing as much UVA and UVB rays as non-tanned
skin.
If you use sunbeds to boost your colour before a holiday, you should be aware
that they only produce UVA which offer little protection because it lacks the
thickening caused by exposure to natural sunlight. When a City excecutive
was badly burned and suffered heat stroke from a broken sunbed timer in 1995, it
made people realize what dermatologists and beauty experts have been warning for
years - prolonged sunbed use can be very dangerous.
With modern lifestyles we are not exposed to sunlight as much as our forbears,
so when we do get out into the sun, it is important to build up the amount of
exposure gradually. It is the average holidaymaker who spends two weeks a year
in the sun trying to get as brown as possible who runs the greatest risk to skin
cancer.
There is a major
difference between tanning and burning - contrary to popular belief, a burn does
NOT turn into a tan!
In order to help the gradual build up of exposure to the sun, use a sunscreen
which offers both UVA and UVB protection. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
indicates the level of protection against UVB - the higher the figure, the
higher the protection up to 15-20 SPF. The best way to achieve a safe,
long-lasting color is to start with a high factor sunscreen e.g. SPF25-30 with
anti-oxidant, such as Sun TheraCare ( www.biomaniskincare.com) then change to a
sunscreen with a lower SPF, 10 or 8 perhaps, once a tan has developed. Re-apply
frequently, especially to the extremities - tips of ears and nose, nipples if
topless!. Build up over several days and avoid sunbathing between 11am and 2pm.
Provided you always remember the awesome power of the sun and treat your skin
with the care and attention it deserves, working on your sun tan should not have
any adverse consequences. Nevertheless, after any exposure to the sun, your skin
will probably need to be cooled down with a good toner or skin freshener.
One of the newer ways to tan is by using spray lotions. These generally contain
a mild tint. They are very effective, and at the same time are safe and gentle.
Our Clinic now offer this treatment and is administered by Kathleen. After the
initial consultation with her you will be exfoliated to remove dead skin cells
which will help absorption. An all-over body lotion is applied to moisturize and
make application of the self-tan easier. The tan will start to show through in
2-3 hours and can be topped-up regularly to give all-year round color.
The sun is good
for you - in moderation. It plays a role in the production of Vitamin D,
essential for the development and growth of bones, as well as the way cells
mature and grow. It would be impractical to avoid the sun totally, but sensible
amounts of it together with effective protection will make it one of life’s
simple - and safe - pleasures.
You can contact Kathleen directly at:
214-206-1788
