Wednesday, September 23, 2015

By Haywood Hunter


Sunny days create dangers that were unimaginable a few decades ago. Because the ozone layer that shields surface dwellers from solar radiation has been degraded, sunbathing has literally become hazardous, and now ranks with smoking as a known, preventable carcinogen. Those who actively avoid outdoor exposure increasingly turn to sunless tanning lotion as an alternative way to achieve a natural-looking tan without the risks.

Although recent reports indicate that a multi-country ban on specific aerosols is allowing the atmosphere to recover slowly, it will be many years before sunbathing becomes less problematic, especially in regions with the most depletion. Applying a lotion that causes lighter skin to darken evenly avoids painful burning, and the subsequent skin cell alterations triggered by exposure.

Unprotected sunbathing affects the deepest layers of the epidermis in a relatively short time period, and the resulting radiation damage actually makes changes in DNA. To protect new skin cells, the body manufactures more melanin, the physical agent responsible for absorbing solar radiation. It is normally a dark brown or reddish color, and is what visually makes a tan golden brown.

Although it looks attractive and healthy, that darkening masks invisible damage that can manifest itself in increased and premature skin wrinkles, a general weakening of the immune system, and even melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Sunless tanning formulas employ chemical ingredients able to produce the same effect without presenting similar dangers, even though they do not actually act as sunscreens.

Early adapters of bronzing agents introduced sixty years ago sometimes turned bright orange, to their chagrin. Products available today mostly avoid that consequence, although some can still create a florid appearance if not used carefully. In order to attract more customers, some manufacturers have turned to pills infused with food colors unapproved for this type of use or level of consumption, and which can produce alarming side effects.

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.

If not used according to directions, careless application causes unattractive dark blotches or strangely prominent streaks. The creams should not accompany tan accelerating products, which speed color development while increasing epidermal damage. In order to prevent burning, it is still important to apply sunscreen outdoors no matter how dark skin may already look.

Before using a cream or gel product exfoliate thoroughly, and then spread the substance evenly over small adjacent patches of skin. To prevent lines, wipe down elbows and knees, and allow at least ten minutes for drying. Avoid eye contact, and do not be tempted to try products in pill form containing canthaxanthin. When compared to the consequences of actual radiation, the use of lotions or creams is a far healthier alternative.




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