Sunday, October 29, 2017

Sunless Tanning Lotion Is A Safer Alternative

By Haywood Hunter


Fair skies and sunshine draw people outdoors, but there is hidden peril in that natural beauty. The ozone layer providing protection from deadly ultraviolet radiation has been damaged, turning a relaxing pastime into a practice considered so dangerous it is commonly compared to smoking. Those who actively avoid sun exposure often turn to sunless tanning lotion to achieve similar effects without serious consequences.

Although efforts to ban the use of specific aerosols have been surprisingly effective in reversing ozone deterioration, unprotected sun bathing will still pose a problem for many decades, if not centuries. The use of lotions to create dark color within lighter skin cells eliminates the need for outdoor exposure, and reduces the amount of skin cell alteration caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Sunbathing without protection damages the outer layers of skin in a remarkably short time, and is known to encourage changes in cellular DNA. During exposure, the body increases production of melanin, a substance that helps absorb solar radiation while offering greater protection to new cells. Melanin is usually a dark brown or reddish color, and is responsible for the golden tones of an ideal tan.

Although that look is considered healthy and youthful, unseen cellular destruction is occurring. The most prevalent side-effects include permanent and premature skin wrinkling, a weakened immune system, and a greater chance of developing melanoma, an often-deadly skin cancer. Sunless tanning products employ chemical agents that mimic the natural process without as many dangers, even though they provide no actual screening protection.

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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