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Summer time means beach time, and time at the beach goes hand in hand with deep tans and sun bleached hair; the atypical summer look. By now we are all aware of the dangers of baking in the sun in order to achieve that golden brown tan, and despite overwhelming evidence, some people still think that sun bed tanning is a safe alternative. Fact: it’s not.
Sun beds are not a good bet
People feel that they look better with a tan, that it gives them that sought after healthy glowing summer skin. The truth is that there is no such thing as a healthy tan, and evidence has shown that some sun beds have a higher concentration of harmful UV rays than what people are normally exposed to in the UK.
Cancer risk
The long term side effects of excessive tanning are extremely dangerous, and sometimes even fatal. The most common side effect, other than deep unforgiving wrinkles and leathery skin, is skin cancer. There are three common types of skin cancer, and they are basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
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Many people are unaware that certain types of skin cancer like squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma can spread to vital organs in the body through the blood and lymph nodes, causing irreparable harm, and oftentimes even death. Using a sun bed highly increases your chances of getting skin cancer.
All this can be prevented, however, by staying away from sun beds and taking proper precautions on the beach this summer.
Fake bake
If you are one of those people who feels naked without a tan, then skip those dangerous UV rays and opt for a fake bake. Yes, artificial tans have been known to turn people various shades of hideous orange, so it is important to find the right type of fake tan that works for you. There are a number of good fake tanning lotions on the market, and over the years fake tanning products have improved in smell and texture, and are generally easy to apply. Another way to get radiant summer skin is to go to a spray tanning salon. No mess, no fuss.
Protect yourself
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Sunscreen is probably the most important thing you need this summer season. Anything from an SPF of 30 and up is considered effective, and remember to re-apply throughout the day, especially if you have been lazing on the beach or sipping cocktails by the pool.
Accessories such as sunglasses and hats are key during the hot summer months, as they protect your eyes and face from harmful UV rays.
Exfoliating skin regularly, using a good moisturiser and drinking plenty of water are also ways of getting glowing summer skin.
March 24th, 2010 at 12:31 am
I am one of those people that has to have a tan. I try to spray tan every two weeks but there are times when I am traveling and that is not an option. It took me two years and what seemed like hundreds of self tanners to find the perfect one for me. All I wanted was a self tanner that was bronze, easy to apply, natural looking and did not streak. I couldn’t find one product that offered all of these things. I talked to my local salon and they told me about Lasting Envy: Spray Tan In a Can. The first time I tried it, I was hooked. It never streaks and I can apply it by myself. The tan is a very natural bronze, it fades evenly and no one knows that it is “fake”. It’s the perfect size for traveling so I take with me everywhere. If you are looking for a truly fantastic self tanner, I would recommend you try this product.