Though we all love to look tan (somehow it even makes us think we look skinnier) not much could be worse for us than laying out soaking up the sun. The ultraviolet A & B rays (called UVA and UVB) are what damage your skin and lead to wrinkles, brown spots, sun damage and, all too often, skin cancer. A tan is just your body's way of trying to shield itself from those harmful rays.
Tanning booths aren't any better even though they advertise that they only use harmless UVA rays. True, UVA rays take longer to cause harm, but in the end, they cause damage anyway as they go deeper into the skin than UVB rays.
You could be in greater danger if you have certain risk factors for skin cancer, like:
- You have light eyes or fair skin or blonde or red hair.
- You have had serious sunburns or sunburn easily.
- You played outside a lot as a child or laid outside to get tan or used tanning beds as a teenager.
- You have lots of moles, freckles or birthmarks.
- You have a family history of skin cancers.
How to avoid skin cancer?
Avoid the sun--especially from 11 am -3 pm. If you can't, wear clothes made from tight-woven fabric with long sleeves and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Stay in the shade (and remember up to 80% of the sun's rays go through clouds and can penetrate water up to one foot below the surface. The rays also reflect off water, snow and white sand.)
Wear wrap-around sunglasses that are rated to block at least 99% of UVA sunlight.
Use sunscreen rated 15 SPF or above. Apply a half an hour before going out in the sun and reapply often--especially if you are sweating or swimming.
Check yourself monthly for signs of skin cancer and alert your doctor to any new marks or changes.
So, now that you are up on how to protect yourself from skin cancer what can you do to get that beloved golden glow? Stop by Believe and pick up one of the hottest products around (even featured on The Today Show) Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads.
What Is It? An anti-aging self tanner in the form of a single step pre-soaked towelette containing Active Vitamin D, Microencapsulated DHA and Soy Proteins that delivers color deep into skin to prevent fading through surface exfoliation. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids exfoliate, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sunspots for an even, streak-free glow.
Who Is It For? Anybody who wants professional results at home to transform dull texture & tone into radiant, glowing skin better than Mother Nature herself reducing the need for foundation and concealer.
Why Is It Different? An Alpha Beta Glow Pad is the only anti-aging, exfoliating sunless tanner that contains active Vitamin D (the sun vitamin) to provide smoother, healthier skin and natural radiance year-round. Microencapsulated DHA and Soy Protein deliver color deep into skin to prevent fading through surface exfoliation. Provides odorless, streak-free application & long lasting customized color. Prepared and packaged for convenient and easy use.
How Do I Use It? Apply evenly to face and body AM or PM. Increase the number of repetitions to achieve a deeper glow. Wash hands immediately after use.
There you have it--a gorgeous golden tone with all the benefits of a tan with none of the risks. Stop by Believe and get your glow on.
Here's to a healthy summer!