Difference between revisions of "Tan Safely"
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| − | + | Do you want a sun-kissed glow but don't want to increase your likelihood of getting wrinkles or cancer? While there's really no such thing as a healthy, safe tan, it ''is'' possible to reduce the negative effects of tanning by taking the following steps. | |
| − | [[Category:Sun and Sunless Tanning]] | + | [[Category: Sun and Sunless Tanning]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#*UVA and UVB rays are a type of radiation linked to cancer. Prolonged exposure can greatly increase the likelihood of cancerous cells growing in your skin. | #*UVA and UVB rays are a type of radiation linked to cancer. Prolonged exposure can greatly increase the likelihood of cancerous cells growing in your skin. | ||
#*A tan works as a shield from radiation. Imagine thousands of tiny umbrellas in your skin; they open more the more they are exposed to the sun, which in turn makes your skin look darker. | #*A tan works as a shield from radiation. Imagine thousands of tiny umbrellas in your skin; they open more the more they are exposed to the sun, which in turn makes your skin look darker. | ||
| − | #*A tan does not cause cancer but is rather the visible evidence that damage to your skin cells has already occurred. <ref>http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/In-search-of-the-safe-suntan.shtml</ref> | + | #*A tan does not cause cancer but is rather the visible evidence that damage to your skin cells has already occurred. <ref name="rf16078">http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/In-search-of-the-safe-suntan.shtml</ref> |
#Always apply sun protection before tanning. Going into the sun without using sunscreen greatly increases your risk for cancer. | #Always apply sun protection before tanning. Going into the sun without using sunscreen greatly increases your risk for cancer. | ||
#*Sunblock is a product that uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to completely block out UV rays from the sun. This means you will get no tan while wearing it. | #*Sunblock is a product that uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to completely block out UV rays from the sun. This means you will get no tan while wearing it. | ||
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#*Use an SPF no lower than SPF 30. | #*Use an SPF no lower than SPF 30. | ||
#*Use a shot's glass worth of sunscreen or sunblock on your entire body, concentrating on the areas most in contact with the sun (shoulders, nose and face, arms, back). | #*Use a shot's glass worth of sunscreen or sunblock on your entire body, concentrating on the areas most in contact with the sun (shoulders, nose and face, arms, back). | ||
| − | #*Sunscreen and sunblock must be reapplied every two hours, or after entering water.<ref>http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/grooming/get-a-man-tan-54480</ref> | + | #*Sunscreen and sunblock must be reapplied every two hours, or after entering water.<ref name="rf16079">http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/grooming/get-a-man-tan-54480</ref> |
#Know when and how long to tan. UV radiation is at it’s highest between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so be extra cautious during these times. Try to tan in increments to minimize damage; one hour a day is a safe amount of time. | #Know when and how long to tan. UV radiation is at it’s highest between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so be extra cautious during these times. Try to tan in increments to minimize damage; one hour a day is a safe amount of time. | ||
#Use a tanning oil to help accelerate the tanning process. Tanning oils contain certain chemicals that intensify UV rays, which darkens your skin faster. | #Use a tanning oil to help accelerate the tanning process. Tanning oils contain certain chemicals that intensify UV rays, which darkens your skin faster. | ||
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#*Self-tanners may not contain sunscreen. You can still get skin damage with a sunless tanner if you spend prolonged periods of time outdoors. Be sure to apply a sunscreen in addition to your self-tanner to keep your skin healthy. | #*Self-tanners may not contain sunscreen. You can still get skin damage with a sunless tanner if you spend prolonged periods of time outdoors. Be sure to apply a sunscreen in addition to your self-tanner to keep your skin healthy. | ||
#*Be sure the self-tanner you choose does not require time in the sun in addition to the lotion. Some self-tanners blend in with the other sunless options, but are not sunless at all. | #*Be sure the self-tanner you choose does not require time in the sun in addition to the lotion. Some self-tanners blend in with the other sunless options, but are not sunless at all. | ||
| − | #Avoid tanning pills. These contain a chemical dye that, over time, can turn your skin orange and damage your liver. <ref>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunless-tanning/SN00037</ref> | + | #Avoid tanning pills. These contain a chemical dye that, over time, can turn your skin orange and damage your liver. <ref name="rf16080">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunless-tanning/SN00037</ref> |
#Maintain your tan. Apply lotion regularly to reduce the number of dead skin cells you shed, and increase the longevity of your tan. | #Maintain your tan. Apply lotion regularly to reduce the number of dead skin cells you shed, and increase the longevity of your tan. | ||
===Visiting Tanning Salons=== | ===Visiting Tanning Salons=== | ||
#Be wary of tanning beds. They may not use real sunlight, but they still expose you to the UV rays that cause skin damage. | #Be wary of tanning beds. They may not use real sunlight, but they still expose you to the UV rays that cause skin damage. | ||
#*Tanning beds work by simulating the radiation put off by the sun. This means that they don't reduce the risk of skin damage at all compared to natural sunlight. | #*Tanning beds work by simulating the radiation put off by the sun. This means that they don't reduce the risk of skin damage at all compared to natural sunlight. | ||
| − | #*Using an indoor tanning bed before the age of thirty increases the likelihood of getting skin cancer by 75%. <ref>http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/health/indoor-tanning-dangers-1209</ref> | + | #*Using an indoor tanning bed before the age of thirty increases the likelihood of getting skin cancer by 75%. <ref name="rf16081">http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/health/indoor-tanning-dangers-1209</ref> |
| − | #Look for alternatives to a spray tan. The spray-tans available at these salons are not FDA approved, and may cause damage to your body if ingested through the nose and mouth. <ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2013/05/28/how-to-tan-safely</ref> | + | #Look for alternatives to a spray tan. The spray-tans available at these salons are not FDA approved, and may cause damage to your body if ingested through the nose and mouth. <ref name="rf16082">http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2013/05/28/how-to-tan-safely</ref> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
