Tanning: Why It Is Best to Fake It, Not Bake It

Summertime is in full swing, and many are opting for the beach and more outdoor activities due to COVID restrictions. As a result, I have seen many clients with everything in between beautiful golden brown to burned skin over the past month. The truth is tanning is not ideal for our skin, you see, that radiant glow is our body's response to damage at the cellular level and an attempt to protect itself. According to the FDA, the brown color or extra melanin only provides about 2-4% of SPF, which is not enough to protect you from further skin damage. We want you to continue to enjoy your outside activities, and keep in mind the long term risk associated with tanning.  

What Are The Negative Effects of Tanning Outside or In a Tanning Bed?

Your health and appearance are at stake when you tan outside or in a tanning bed. Both the sun and tanning beds produce harmful UV radiation that is known to cause skin cancer and accelerate the aging process. The fact that you tan and not burn can be misleading and can be more dangerous for some people. For example, darker skin tones rarely burn; however, they are still at risk of getting skin cancer. Skin cancer is often detected too late in darker skin tones making it more deadly.

UV radiation is the number one cause of premature aging! When you are young, the body is continually producing and storing enough collagen and elastin to keep the skin tight and plump. Once you reach the age of 25, the process begins to slow down, and your body begins to make and store less collagen. When you add UV exposure to the mix, it causes the enzymes that break down collagen to become overactive, resulting in wrinkles and sagging of the skin. Have you heard the saying, what you do to your skin today will reflect ten years from now?

What Are Alternatives to Tanning Outside or In a Tanning Bed?

Fake it, don't bake it, it took your mama nine months to make it! Let's get serious, spray tanning and sunless tanning products are the best alternatives to help you get that golden glow. Spray tanning is a treatment that you receive at your local salon, spa, or spray tanning business while bronzers and sunless tanning lotion are DIY options. I have never had a spray tan, but have heard you are usually in and out in about 20 minutes. If you have never had a spray tan either, I suggest you read Cosmos article on what to expect the first time you get a spray tan and Self's article about things to avoid before getting a spray tan. 

What is the difference between sunless tanning lotions and bronzers?

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to bronzers and sunless tanning lotions, and they come in various forms like lotion, gel, powder, mousse, etc. Sunless tanning lotions contain sugar that interacts with proteins in the skin to produce a darker skin color or fake tan. This process usually takes anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours to achieve results. I consider this a semi-permanent tan because it fades after about 3-7 days as the body begins to shed the dead skin. Bronzers range from temporary, similar to a make-up application, to a more semi-permanent option. For example, the Image Skin Care's Face and Body Bronzer gives you natural-looking sunless tan with a golden shimmer. You can use it just once for a special occasion or daily until you achieve the perfect color. Once you reach the desired tone, you can use it every few days to maintain the color.  

The Brow to Toe team wants you to have a safe and fun summer. We are here to serve you and ensure you look your best while participating in your summer activities. Has it been more than six months since your last skin consultation? Now is a great time to come in to analyze your skin so that we can help you achieve glowing skin for the holidays.