Sunless Tans

Here are some quick tips on how to get the best sunless
tan for your money.

wcco.com - Sunless Tans:
May 14, 2006 10:00 pm



I am one of those people who really likes the glow the
sun can give my skin but worry about the harmful
effects. So for years I have used sunless tanning products.

There are now all kinds of lotions, foams and sprays. The
sunless tanners use an active ingredient called
dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. It's a colorless sugar that
interacts with your dead skins cells. It's why the color lasts
for between five and seven days, just long enough for those
skin cells to slough off.

Despite what some tanning salons told us, the DHA in sunless
tanners is not the same DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found
in baby food.

The FDA has approved DHA or dihydroxyacetone for use
in sunless tanning lotions, but it has not been approved in
spray form. An FDA spokesperson told me that because the
FDA has not conducted tests, it is not sure about the long-term
effects the spray may have on a person's lungs or other
mucous membranes. It is why the FDA recommends people
wear goggles, nose plugs and lip balm.

Tips To Get Your Sunless Tan To Last

After doing all the research on the self-tanners, I thought it
might be helpful to provide some self-tanning tips. So below
are some of the ways the experts I spoke with recommend
getting a natural-looking tan in a bottle.

1. Exfoliate your skin using a sugar or other kind of scrub.
Concentrate on the areas of your skin that tend to be dryer,
such as your hands, feet, elbows and knees.

2. Apply the self-tanner to one section of your body at a time.
Be sure to rub it in thoroughly.

3. You can also try using plastic gloves. Many people do this
to avoid ending up with color on the palms of their hands. If
you do not have gloves, be sure to wash your hands completely
after applying the self-tanner.

4. To avoid problems around your hairline or eyebrows, you
can use a makeup sponge or cotton swab to blend the self-tanner
evenly into those areas.

5. Wait about 15 minutes before getting dressed.

Tips For The Spray Tan

1. Always wear goggles, a nose plug and lip balm.

2. Exfoliate your skin prior to going to get sprayed.

3. Lather a thick layer of the barrier cream on your hands
and feet, paying close attention to your nails and in between
your fingers and toes.

4. After you get sprayed, take extra time carefully wiping
off the spray, and take special care to rub it off your hands
and feet. If you'd like to be extra-careful, use a baby wipe
to get any of the excess color off.

5. Do not shower for between four and six hours after being
sprayed.

Summer warning: Skin cancer on rise

Here's just more alarming news that should make you
think before your next tanning session.

Sunless tanning is looking better all the time!

Lexington Herald-Leader 05/13/2006
Summer warning: Skin cancer on rise
By Paul Wenske
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWS SERVICE

As Americans shed their winter doldrums and embrace
the sun, experts are warning of a significant increase in
skin cancers and potentially deadly melanomas:

*The American Academy of Dermatology last month
reported an epidemic-like rise in skin cancers afflicting
more young people. Those warnings come on the heels
of lawsuits alleging that sunscreen makers have misled
consumers with exaggerated claims of skin protection.

Criticism also is growing about marketing efforts aimed
at persuading young people that they can get safer tans
in salons.

* Mayo Clinic researchers also last month reported that
one in five Americans will develop skin cancer -- and the
risk doubles after five or more sunburns.

* Mayo researchers also said women younger than 40
were experiencing tripling rates of basal cell cancers and
quadrupling rates of squamous cell cancers, treatable
diseases that historically have affected patients older
than 50.

* Melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer that can spread
throughout the body, also is on the rise. Researchers saw
60,000 new melanoma cases last year -- at a time when
other types of cancer declined. Last year, more of the
8,000 melanoma deaths included people younger than 20.

Makers of sunscreens say their products provide adequate
protection, and a national spokesman for tanning salons says
the devices are safe if used in moderation.

But dermatologists and other medical experts say there still
is a need for a coordinated national education campaign to
address the growing problem of skin cancer, one that includes
examining environmental threats that are reducing the ozone
layer, which filters harmful rays.

"At this rate, it's going to get worse rather than better," said
Debra Smith, who specializes in childhood cancers at the
University of Kansas Medical Center. "Some people think
cases are increasing because we are diagnosing it better. But
it's increasing too much for it to just be better diagnosis."
---------------------------------------------------------
How to protect yourself

• Use a generous amount -- about an ounce -- of sunscreen
about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Rays are
strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15
SPF and with "broad spectrum" protection from ultraviolet
A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

• Wear light protective clothing, including long-sleeve shirts.
Wear a cap, preferably wide-brimmed, to help protect your
face.

• Avoid the overuse of tanning beds, which can also damage
the skin. Consider using a sunless self-tanning product.

To tan or not to tan?

Well, here you go my friends. Here are two sides of
the coin in the argument about whether sunless tanning
is better (safer) than conventional tanning methods, i.e.
tanning booths or the sun itself.

In the article below you'll get the opinion of a dermatologist,
a trained professional, and a lobbyist, also a trained
professional albeit in a much different profession.

You decide who makes more sense!
=========================

To tan or not to tan?
By KATHLEEN ST. JOHN
Star-Tribune staff writer Tuesday, May 09, 2006

At this time of year, in anticipation of skin-baring summer
days ahead, many people begin weighing the risks of
tanning salons and sunbathing against the safety of using
a sunless tanning cream. Many will go the sunless route,
but some just can't resist the allure of warm rays on their
skin.

Is there a way to brown your body without courting cancer?

According to Scott Bennion of the Central Wyoming Skin
Clinic, the answer is an unequivocal 'no.'

'There is no safe tan,' Bennion said. 'Tanning is the
body's reaction to damage, so when you're tanning, you're
damaging your skin. Your body's trying to protect itself
against the sun.'Tanning beds are no safer than laying out
in your backyard, Bennion said. The UVA rays the beds
emit 'don't sunburn as easily,' he said, 'but they penetrate
much more deeply into the skin.'

However, Joe Levy, vice-president of the International
Smart Tan Network, a tanning-industry group, said he
believes that dermatologists like Bennion are overstating
the risks of getting a golden-brown glow the old-fashioned
way.

'To say that UV light is bad for you, and therefore you
should avoid sunlight, is like saying water causes drowning
and so you should avoid it,' Levy said. 'They have tried to
make this a black and white issue.'

Levy said his group strives to educate tanning-salon
owners and the public about the 'golden rule' of tanning:
'Never, ever sunburn.'

"The golden rule means something different to every
individual," he said. "We don't suggest that people who
cannot tan (without burning) go to tanning facilities.

"The (phrase) 'smart tan' implies that you should think
about what you're doing."

Levy said Smart Tan Network has worked with the Food
and Drug Administration to create guidelines for those
wishing to use tanning beds.

"This is not a random process," he said. "We have exposure
schedules that we have developed with the FDA … that
minimize the risk of burning, that allow an individual to
gradually increase their exposure times."

At Earth Tones Day Spa and Salon in Casper, owner Rhonda
Boyd said employees suggest exposure limits to their
customers.

"New customers start off at 5 to 10 minutes, depending
what type of skin they have," said Boyd. "With our 15-minute
bed, we encourage them to only go for 15 minutes if they've
been here before. Exceeding that limit, there are chances they
can burn their skin."

Despite these assurances of relative safety, Bennion is
skeptical."They have a nice spin on a lot of their arguments,
but the facts are facts," said Bennion. "Tanning booth rays
damage your skin."

"The tanning lobby is very strong in Washington," he said.
"They've managed to thwart efforts to make tanning more
difficult."

Besides sunburn and its subsequent problems -- sunburns
are linked to skin cancers -- Bennion was quick to point out
another side-effect of tanning, whether in the sun or indoors:
"It also ages you."

That just might be enough to send a few more people
scrambling for the sunless tanning aisle at the drug store.

Staff writer Kathleen St. John can be reached at 266-0586 or Kathleen.Stjohn@casperstartribune.net.

Sunless-tanning tips
* Choose a light- or medium-toned product, which tends to
look more natural.

* Before using the product, wash and exfoliate your skin
with a wash cloth or sponge to remove excess dead skin cells.

* Apply the sunless-tanning product evenly and lightly. Use
less product on dry or thickened skin, such as over your
ankles, knees and elbows. These areas tend to absorb more
product.

* After you apply the product to your face and body, wash
your hands with soap and water to avoid coloring your
palms. Be sure to remove any product from under your
fingernails. Then use a cotton ball to apply the sunless
tanner to the top of each hand.

* To prevent staining your clothes, wait until the sunless
tanner dries completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.

* Most sunless tanning products don't contain a sunscreen
and therefore don't protect your skin from sun damage.
Be sure to apply a sunscreen before going outside.

Source: Mayoclinic.com





sunless tanning product

Babying Your Skin : News : WHOI Online

Wow! This article will make you think twice about that
tan you've been planning on getting before summer hits.

Skin cancer is no joke. A relation of my girlfriend just
passed away from cancer a few weeks ago at the ripe
old age of 42. 42! That's sad! And it ain't pretty either.

And his sister has melanoma too. All from childhoods
spent in the sun.

Please, please, PLEASE be careful when it comes to
protecting yourself from the sun and consider the
sunless tanning route if you feel you need to get a tan.
=========================




Babying Your Skin



By Jen Christensen
Posted: Monday, May
08, 2006 at 3:13 PM


Skin Cancer
According to the American Academy of Dermatology,
more than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed
each year in the U.S. About one in five Americans will
develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
Risk is double among those who have had five or more
sunburns.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell
carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin
cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases.
The cancer forms in the cells at the bottom layer of
the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). They may
take the form of a persistent, non-healing sore (or
one that appears to heal and then re-opens), a reddish
patch, a raised pink growth, a shiny bump or waxy scar.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common
form of skin cancer. It accounts for about 16 percent of
all cases. It forms from the cells that make up the upper
layer of the epidermis. The cancer may appear as a
wart-like growth, a persistent patch or crusty or scaly
skin or an open sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal.
Squamous cell carcinomas tend to remain confined to
an area for a long time. However, they can eventually
penetrate to deeper tissues or spread to other areas
of the body.

Melanoma accounts for only about four percent of all
skin cancers. It forms in the melanocytes, the pigmenting
cells that give skin its color. In many cases, the cancer
develops in a new or pre-existing mole. Melanoma is
the most deadly form of skin cancer because it can
spread rapidly to the lymph nodes and other sites of the
body. Once the cancer spreads to distant areas, five-year
survival rates are only about 14 percent. The American
Cancer Society estimates 7,800 of the 10,600 deaths from
skin cancer are due to melanoma.

Reducing Risk of Skin Cancer
The time to start taking steps to prevent skin cancer is
during early childhood. Children spend a considerable
time outdoors. In fact, the National Coalition for Skin
Cancer Prevention in Health, Physical Education, Recreation
and Youth Sports estimates 50 percent of a person’s
lifetime exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light occurs
during childhood and adolescence. Young children have
very sensitive skin that is still developing and can get a
serious sunburn in just ten minutes.

New parents need to be aware that even infants need to
be protected from the sun. However, Mandeep Kaur,
M.D., a Dermatologist/Researcher at Wake Forest
University School of Medicine, says only about one
percent of pediatricians are taking the time to counsel
parents about sun safety. Physicians may be strapped
for time during well child visits because there is so much
information to pass on to parents.

Infants should be kept out of direct sunlight. When that’s
not possible, the baby should wear a long-sleeved shirt,
long pants and a hat. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen
on all sun-exposed areas of skin (like the face and the
backs of the hands) at least 15 minutes before going
outside. Pediatrician, Ari Brown, M.D., says sunscreen
is an important barrier of protection and should used
even if a child will only be outside for a few minutes.
The sunscreen should be waterproof and be labeled
with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. The
product should also protect against UV-A and UV-B rays.

All children (and adults) should avoid being in the sun
when the UV rays are the strongest – usually between
10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Reapply sunscreen every two hours -
sooner if coming out of the water or if sweating heavily.
Sunscreen should also be used on cloudy days because
the UV rays still penetrate the clouds, even though the
sun can’t be seen. Don’t assume you are protected from
the sun while in the shade. Water, sand and snow can
reflect the UV rays.

Health experts also caution against tanning beds. Many
teens believe tanning beds are a safe way to tan because
they avoid the sun. However, the devices still use UV light
to darken the skin. In fact, Kaur says tanning beds may
be worse for the skin than natural sunlight because they
provide continual direct contact with UV rays. He
recommends that people who want to have a “bronzed”
look stay away from tanning beds and the sun and use
sunless tanning products.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For information about sun protection or skin cancer:
American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org/, or
contact your local chapter
------------------------
The Curt and Shonda Schilling Melanoma Foundation®,
http://www.shadefoundation.org/
------------------------
National Cancer Institute, http://www.cancer.gov/
------------------------
National Coalition for Skin Cancer Prevention in Health,
Physical Education, Recreation and Youth Sports,
http://www.sunsafety.org/
------------------------
Skin Cancer Foundation, http://www.skincancer.org/
------------------------
SkinCancerNet (American Academy of Dermatology),
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/






sunless tanning

Fake a Tan with Sunless Tanning Lotion

Reasons abound to go sunless tanning as opposed to
baking in the harsh rays of the sun.

Here's a short article about sunless tanning that'll help
you get the most from your self tan.

Featured Article
===============================
Fake a Tan with Sunless Tanning Lotion

A great tan is associated with health and beauty. While
a bronze look is desirable, especially in the summer or
on holiday -- we all know the dangers of the sun's UV
rays. Is a temporary tan worth the permanent sun
damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer risk? Absolutely not!

You can save time and avoid these risks entirely with
sunless tanning lotion. Today's self-tanners give you a
deep golden tan, not the orange look of years ago.

Many new self tanning lotions are tinted and these are
the ones I recommend. Not only do they give you an initial
tan, you're more likely to apply the lotion evenly and
avoid streaking.

First, take a shower or bath and exfoliate your skin. Pay
special attention to your elbows, knees and any other rough
spots. These areas will soak up the self tanning lotion and
turn darker so you need to get rid of any dead skin.

Pat yourself dry and pin your hair up. Apply regular body
or hand lotion to the dry spots you exfoliated. Allow
yourself several minutes to completely dry.

You may choose to wear thin gloves to put on the self tanning
lotion and avoid getting it on your hands, but applying it
with your bare hands will probably result in a more even
application. It's your choice.

Start applying the lotion from the bottom - up, bracing your
foot on a chair or stool. Rub in lightly, you can always go
back later and apply a second time.

Don't forget the areas that would tan naturally in the sun,
the back of your legs, knees, arms, and neck. When applying
to your face, remember to smooth it on your eyelids and into
your hairline -- avoiding your eyes and hair. For people with
sensitive skin, there are self tanning lotions formulated
specifically for your face and will result in a more natural
look.

If you will be wearing your hair up, don't forget to apply
the self tanner on the back of your neck, and behind your
ears to look more natural.

When you're finished, wash your hands thoroughly if you chose
not to wear gloves, so your palms don't turn an unnatural
color. Use a hand towel to dry them completely.

Before the lotion dries, it's more likely to tan what you're
wearing too, so let yourself dry and put on some loose clothing.
If you're going to be sitting on a cloth chair or couch, sit
on a towel to avoid staining.

For a deep, dark tan before a special occasion, apply self
tanning lotion before bed, and again in the morning. Before
you go out, check yourself in the mirror for any streaks and
correct them with a damp paper towel. Apply bronzing powder to
your face and shoulders for a finishing touch, and hit the town!

Lorene Radenz is a freelance writer and the founder of
http://www.beautytipsonline.com and
http://www.ibizedge.com - websites for online beauty and business.
===========================================





sunless tanning

Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing

If you're thinking about going the sunless tanning
route for your next tan (which is, BTW, THE best way
to go to save yourself from complications later!), here
are a few tips and things to look for before starting.

The following article's complements of Cybernoon.com


Cybernoon.com:

Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing

BY A STAFF REPORTER Tuesday, May 02, 2006
12:36:49 IST

Most sunless tanning products don't contain a sunscreen
and, therefore, don't protect your skin from sun damage


You might think you have to choose: Expose your skin to
the sun's damaging rays to get a much-loved tan, or
avoid the sun and miss out on that sun-kissed glow. But
you have another option - sunless tanning products.

Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners or
tanning extenders, can give your skin a tanned look
without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Though generally recognized as safe, sunless tanning
products do carry some risks, depending on how they're
used and applied.

How do sunless tanning products work?
The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is
dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is the only color additive
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for
use in sunless tanning products.

When applied to your skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in
the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) to temporarily
darken the skin's appearance. The coloring doesn't wash off,
but it gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off. In
most cases, the color is completely gone after five to seven
days.

Many forms of sunless tanning products are available for
home-use, including lotions, creams, gels and sprays. They
typically go on clear, and you might see results after about
an hour. Full color appears within eight to 24 hours. Some
products contain a tint, which darkens your skin right away.
Besides home products, spray-on tanning is available at
salons, spas and tanning businesses. These professional
applications can provide an even, full-body tan.

Is sunless tanning safe?
Sunless tanning products are generally regarded as safe
alternatives to sunbathing. The FDA considers DHA safe
when applied to your skin.Spray-on tanning or mist-on
tanning from a salon or spa is typically applied to all parts
of your body - including your face - to ensure an even
color. This creates a potential for the product to get into
and around your eyes, near your nostrils or onto your lips.
The risks, if any, of inhaling or ingesting DHA are unknown,
so special care is needed to be sure that your spray-on tan
is safely applied.

Be sure to shut your eyes and hold your breath while the
tanner is applied. You may also want to request or bring
along protective devices such as goggles or nose plugs.

You may have seen ads for sunless tanning pills, but these
products are unsafe and aren’t approved by the FDA.
Sunless tanning pills contain large amounts of the color
additive canthaxanthin. When taken in large amounts,
canthaxanthin settles in parts of your body, including your
skin. It can turn your skin orange to brown and can cause
canthaxanthin retinopathy, the formation of crystals in the
retina of the eye. Tanning pills can also cause nausea,
cramps and diarrhea.

Sunless tanning tips: For an even-looking tan
Sunless tanning products no longer cause that orange-brown,
streaky appearance. Today the products offer an even,
natural-looking tan if they’re applied correctly and carefully.

For best results, follow these tips:
Choose a light- or medium-toned product, which tends to
look more natural.Before using the product, wash and
exfoliate your skin with a washcloth or sponge to remove
excess dead skin cells. Women should shave their legs for
an even application.Apply the sunless tanning product
evenly and lightly. Use fewer products on dry skin or
thickened skin, such as over your ankles, knees and elbows.
These areas tend to absorb more products.

After you apply the product to your face and body, wash
your hands with soap and water to avoid coloring your
palms. Be sure to remove any product from under your
fingernails. Then use a cotton ball to apply the sunless
tanner to the top of each hand.To prevent staining your
clothes, wait until the sunless tanner dries completely,
about 15 to 20 minutes.

Most sunless tanning products don’t contain a sunscreen
and, therefore, don’t protect your skin from sun damage.
If you spend time outdoors, be sure to apply a sunscreen
with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 before
going outside.






sunless tanning

No more fun in the sun?

Sunless tanning is definitely a better alternative
for those looking for golden brown skin and luster.

The State.com, South Carolina's home page asked a few
young adults what their feelings on tanning and it's main
detrimental side effect - skin cancer.

No more fun in the sun?

Each week we ask folks about town for their take on
a Health&Fitness topic. Send suggestions for questions
to cjgward@thestate.com. These days, the only
healthy tan comes from a bottle, and manufacturers
are coming up with better and better formulas for
sunless tanning products.

Skin cancer is the No. 1 cancer among Americans,
according to the CDC. For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/cancer/nscpep/about2004.htm.)

It's important to protect your skin from the sun's
harmful rays daily, not just at the beach. But do young
people really concern themselves with effects that
might not occur until later? Here's what a few people
in Five Points had to say:

Katie Allawos , 17 'I don't tan! I have red hair, and I
have the ability to tan, but when I do, my skin ends
up matching my hair, and I don't want to end up
looking like a carrot. I choose not to because I'm
concerned about damage to my skin.'

Tatiana Elkina, 17 'I walk out in the sun and five
minutes later I can see strap marks. I'm a little
concerned about the effects, but not much -my family
has no history of skin cancer.

Phillip Hartley, 25 'My primary concern about sun
exposure is skin cancer. I do burn, if I forget my
sunscreen. But I don't do that much anymore.'

Hiram Sipes, 25 'Yes, I am concerned about skin
cancer. I burned a lot when I was little, but not so
much anymore. I play soccer all the time, so I get
some sun. I enjoy being out in the sun, but I'd never
lie in a tanning bed.'

Emily Dawson, 21 'I tan. At the beginning of the
summer, I'll lay in a tanning bed a little, but during
the summer, I just lay out in the sun. I should be,
but I'm just not concerned about that right now.'




sunless tanning