Who doesn't cherish the idea of a year-round golden glow?
The question is, how do you get one without succumbing to the fine line-forming, skin-damaging effects of UV rays?
Shockingly, 80% of skin's aging is caused by UV rays. This is why you should never tan without applying sunscreen specifically designed to block UVA rays. While the damage may not be visible right away, the consequences can be damage to the DNA, inflammation of skin cells, photo-aging, and weakening of the skin barrier.
The good news is, there is a way to get tanned without messing up your skin. It's called self-tanning.
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that's divided into categories based on their relative wavelength: UVC radiation, UVB radiation, and UVA radiation.
UVC radiation is the least worrying as it doesn't really affect the skin. It's UVA and UVB rays you've really got to worry about.
UVB radiation affects the outermost layer of skin and is the main cause of sunburns. Due to its wavelength, UVB does not penetrate glass easily. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, is not filtered by glass, and is a major contributor to skin damage.
Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause a slew of skin-related abnormalities, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. Dermatologists say this is down to the breakdown of collagen and the formation of free radicals which affect DNA repair on the molecular level.
Now you know a little more about the sun's rays, here's how to protect yourself from it.
To keep your skin safe and prevent premature aging, it is advised to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30-50 on a daily basis, including on cloudy days.
Even in winter your skin needs protection, as harmful UV rays are present all year round.
Dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothes on particularly sunny days, and avoiding tanning beds at all costs. You can still increase your risk of skin cancer and sun damage using tanning beds.
If you want to slow down the signs of aging while maintaining a sunkissed glow all year round, it's worth getting acquainted with self-tanner. It comes in various forms: lotions, sprays, mousses, and gels. Spray tans are also a form of self-tanning.
Indeed, self-tanning products are a much safer alternative to sun tanning. Because you won't be exposing yourself to any UV rays, your skin won't suffer the breakdown of collagen or any other side effects that come with sunbathing.
Self tanning has been a popular beauty trend for decades. One of the most common self-tanning ingredients is dihydroxyacetone, also known as DHA.
DHA is a simple carbohydrate derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. Approved by the FDA, DHA is a non-toxic way to create a temporary bronzing effect on the skin. It achieves this by reacting with amino acids in the keratin of your skin, producing pigments that deliver a tanned appearance.
You'll find it in the ingredients lists of self-tanning sprays, moisturizers, and mousses. Overall, it is considered a safe ingredient that is well tolerated by most people.
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How to Use: Exfoliation before application of this product is recommended for a smooth, even tan. Apply a layer of product on dry, clean skin and let it absorb before getting dressed. It should take 15-20 minutes. Wait a few hours or apply overnight for sunkissed hue to fully develop. Daily usage is recommended for a deeper tan.
In addition to following the specific product instructions, here are some tips you might find useful to achieve the best results from your self-tanning products.
Gorgeous, golden skin has been in since we can remember. For years, people have been exposing their bodies to harmful UV rays in a bid to achieve sunkissed skin. Besides speeding up the aging process, doing this also puts you at risk of melanoma and many other types of skin cancer.
To keep your skin healthy and tanned at the same time, make self-tanning lotions part of your beauty routine. They really are the easiest, most effective, safest way to get golden sans sunlight.