Thursday, 2 November 2017

Sunless Tanning Lotion Is A Safer Alternative

By Haywood Hunter


The sun is no longer a benign harbinger of fair skies. Damage to the protective ozone layer shielding the planet from harsh ultraviolet radiation has turned sunbathing into a dangerous practice, ranking with smoking as one of the primary causes of cancer. People avoiding this hazard often turn to sunless tanning lotion in an effort to recreate the healthy, vibrant look of a real tan without as many risks.

Even though reports indicate that world-wide efforts to heal this atmospheric wound are gradually working, it will be decades before sunbathing becomes standard vacation behavior again in many countries. Using a specially formulated cream that is able to safely darken light skin areas is one way to avoid serious burns, as well as dangerous cell changes that accompany them.

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.

Enthusiast adopters of bronzing agents often turned bright orange when those products were first introduced. Modern lotions rarely cause that problem, although they can still produce a slightly orange cast. Most are also available in cream or gel forms, and some manufacturers offer pills for internal ingestion. They contain food colors not approved for that use, and can have troubling side effects.

Products proven safe for use contain DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. It is not an actual coloring agent, but a type of interactive sugar that encourages a chemical reaction with dead skin cells, resulting in darker tones. The effect lasts around one week before starting to fade, and must be consistently maintained. Some cases of eye irritation have been reported, but there is no danger of skin cancer or wrinkling.

Sunless products should be used as directed. Incorrect application results in unsightly streaking or embarrassingly blotchy dark spots, and the creams should not be used in conjunction with tan accelerators, which only increase skin damage. Sunscreen is still necessary outdoors for optimal protection, no matter how dark the epidermis has become. Choose the same protection levels as used before the darkening agents were used.

Exfoliation is always recommended before use, and application to separate sections of skin brings better results. Wipe down the excess on knee and elbow joints to prevent lines, and allow a minimum of ten minutes drying time. Keep the lotion away from eyes, and never ingest tanning pills made with canthaxanthin. When compared to the dangers of radiation, sunless tanning is beneficial in the long run.




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