Top Facts You Should Know About Tanning Before You Bake Under The Sun
From beaches to tanning parlors– tan is the buzz word for summer. Just thinking about how I am going to show off my sexy tan on the beach is giving me goose bumps already! There are many fact, myths and rumours about tan. Let’s find out what’s hot and what’s not about tan this summer.
1. Tan is skin damage
Yes, as annoying as it sounds– it is true! A tan is a sign of skin damage. Did you know that when your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it produces more ‘melanin’? This causes the skin to darken– which is known as ‘tan’. In plain English, the sun’s UV rays damage the skin, causing it to tan. Contrary to beauty advice, a tan is not a sign of good health.
2. Your favorite summer tan is dangerous– It may have deadly side effects
I must admit that I was a bit frail when I learnt that tanning can contribute to DNA damage. Premature aging and skin cancer are also possible side effects of tanning. Researchers suggest that our skin has a limited capacity of exposure to UV radiation. Do you know what this means? Well, every time you go out in the sun, or drag yourself to a tanning parlour, you effectively increase the total lifetime dose of UV which adds up the damage to the skin– even when there is no sunburn.
3. Faking it
Faking it– we are all very aware of this term, aren’t we? On a serious note, there are many fake tan products available in the market out there. You can still maintain that radiant glow on your skin with these fake tanning products. However, as opposed to common belief, not all ‘fake tan’ products are safe. There are products called the ‘tan accelerators’. These accelerators contribute to the production of ‘melanin’. Not a lot is known at this point of time but studies say that using tan accelerators for long periods of time may have side effects like increased risk of skin cancer and blistering. Tanning lotions, creams, spray tans, dyes, bronzers, tinted sunscreens, and spray tanning booths– there are many options to choose from if you desire to get a fake tan. Different skin types have different tendencies and reactions to external substances. Researchers suggest that powders or bronzers are less likely to cause damage. Consult your dermatologist before you take the plunge.
