Facts About Sunscreen

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures the ability of a sunscreen’s protection against UVB rays, so “if it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours.” But the math is not congruent. This doesn’t mean that you can apply SPF 15 and be safe in the sun for 5 hours, because “no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication.”

In addition, SPF 30 does not provide twice as much protection as SPF 15. On the contrary, looking at percentages, there’s not much of a difference between the two. SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of all UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%. To top it all off, sunscreens that claim to be water-proof or water-resistant can be very misleading. If you’ve got your calculators out already, don’t forget to factor in that water-resistant sunscreens will wash off after about 40 to 80 minutes. When choosing a sunscreen, SPF 15 or 30 that is Broad Spectrum, meaning it protects from both UVA and UVB rays, is sufficient protection from the sun. Just make sure that you reapply every 2 hours, or about every hour when swimming, with a generous layer over your entire epidermis.

How do sunless tanning products work?

Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunless tanning products are commonly sold as creams, gels, lotions and sprays you apply to your skin. Professional spray-on tanning also is available at many salons, spas and tanning businesses.

The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outermost layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin’s appearance. The coloring doesn’t wash off, but it gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off — typically within a few days.

Most sunless tanning products don’t contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen remains essential.

What about sunless tanning pills?

Sunless tanning pills, which typically contain the color additive canthaxanthin, are unsafe. When taken in large amounts, canthaxanthin can turn your skin orange and cause hives. Sunless tanning pills can also cause liver damage and lead to the formation of crystals in the retina of the eye (canthaxanthin retinopathy).

What can you expect from sunless tanning products?

Sunless tanning products typically go on clear. It usually takes about an hour to see results. Full color typically appears within eight to 24 hours. People who have medium complexions without freckles often get the best results.

Is sunless tanning safe?

Topical sunless tanning products are considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they’re used as directed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DHA for external application to the skin.

When airbrush tanning, it’s recommended to protect your eyes, mouth and nose, and avoid inhaling the product. Be sure to wear goggles and nose plugs, and hold your breath while the spray is being applied.

Sunless tanning products can provide an even, natural-looking tan if they’re applied correctly and carefully. For best results, follow the package directions carefully.
In general:
•Exfoliate first. Before using a sunless tanning product, wash your skin with a wash cloth or sponge to remove excess dead skin cells. If you typically shave your legs, do so before you apply the sunless tanning product for an even application.
•Use a light touch. Apply the sunless tanning product evenly and lightly. Use sparingly on dry or thickened skin, such as over your ankles, knees and elbows. If necessary, ask someone to help you apply sunless tanner to hard-to-reach spots.
•Save the tops of your hands for last. After you apply the product to your face and body, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid coloring your palms. Be sure to remove any product from under your fingernails. Then use a cotton ball to apply the sunless tanner to the top of each hand.
•Take time to dry. Wait to dress until the sunless tanner dries completely.
Remember, most sunless tanning products don’t contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, protect your skin with generous amounts of sunscreen

Advantages of Airbrush Tanning

Everyone wants a healthy glow in the summer, but skin cancer is not worth the risk. Learn the advantages and the how to of airbrush tanning!

Gone are the days of lounging in the sun unprotected. We are now aware of the damage the sun’s UV rays can do to our skin, not to mention the painful sunburns and heat rashes that sometimes occur when trying to achieve the perfect sun tan. Nowadays, advancements have been made in the world of sunless tanning, and airbrush tanning has become a safe and natural looking alternative. Airbrush tanning… •Has a low allergy risk •Does not leave blotches or streaks •Covers skin imperfections such as scars, stretchmarks and blemishes •Naturally fades away instead of peeling off in blotches •Does not discolor clothing •Can blend in unwanted tan lines •Is dermatologist recommended and FDA approved •It can be applied in one quick session •No UVA or UVB rays involved •Gives skin a healthy, golden glow

Sunshine! How Much is Too Much?

The sun is a glowing radiation factory, giving off three categories of ultraviolet light: UVC, UVB and UVA. In the case of the UVC radiation, it is of no consequence to the skin because it is absorbed by the ozone layer before reaching the earth. However, the other two forms of ultraviolet radiation DO affect humans, mainly in the skin.

UVB rays are the ones that are responsible for the majority of our sunburns. To reduce the exposure to these rays, limit the time that you spend outside during the peak hours of ten a.m. and two p.m., especially in the summer months, and wear sun block with a high SPF rating when you cannot.

UVA rays can be a major cause of skin damage, although it was previously thought of as only a minor problem. This radiation is more dangerous because it penetrates deeper and remains at a more constant level of intensity, rather than varying like UVB rays do. Neither UVA nor UVB rays are able to penetrate glass. The damage caused by both can include premature wrinkling, skin cancer, collagen breakdown, and a lowered immune system.

Overly tanned skin will eventually take on a wrinkled, coarse texture resembling leather. Another potential skin issue is freckling, especially in fair skinned people, blondes, and redheads. Freckles can become larger with sun exposure and change to an age or liver spot. (These have nothing to do with age!)

It was once thought that tanning in a tanning bed was the safe alternative to sun exposure, but this is not the case. Even tanning beds can cause an unsafe build up of radiation in the skin and lead to the same skin issues as the sun does. If you insist on a tanned appearance, investigate sunless sprays, foams and lotions to protect your skin. Airbrush tanning is a safe alternative. Give us a call today to set up an appointment!

The Truth About Tanning Beds

I have to admit that I have been seduced by the idea of the tanning bed. All you have to do is lie down in a bright room for a few minutes and walk out with gorgeous tan skin? Sign me up! If 28 million Americans are tanning in beds and booths every year, there must be no harm in it, right? Wrong… like any other seemingly easy fix, it comes at a high price – and not just from your bank account!

Dr. Felix Müller invented the first tanning unit with UV lamps for the public consumer in 1956. Fifty-five years later, tanning beds and stand-up booths are made up of high pressure bulbs that hold a higher ratio of UVA light than that of the atmosphere. The UVA and UVB lamps used in tanning beds are 2-3 times stronger than then sun because of the pressure levels and proximity to your body. Call me crazy, but I’d think twice before entering any device that claims to be stronger than the sun itself!

Low pressure beds and booths are also an option, and are recommended for beginners because of their low pressure release of only UVB rays. I find this recommendation completely ridiculous considering that UVB rays are the most harmful to your skin! Because of their deep penetration, UVB rays are the leading cause of skin cancer. It has been proven that indoor tanning increases your risk of developing melanoma by 74%. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, killing approximately 8,650 Americans in 2009.”

Even the kids on the Jersey shore have come to realize the life-threatening effects of indoor tanning! On an episode of Extra, Dr. Deborah Sarnoff, the Vice President of the Skin Cancer Foundation, did a life changing intervention with the cast of Jersey Shore to enlighten them about the dangers of the “T” in their daily GTL. Pauly D even admitted that he was going to put his tanning bed up on craigslist! Whatever happened to the age of the parasol and the over-sized hat?

What is Airbrush Tanning?

What is Airbrush Tanning?

Airbrush tans are made from a DHA solution. DHA is a simple carbohydrate, not a harmful chemical! Additional bronzing solution is added, which adds a layer of color to skin. DHA reacts with the top layer of skin cells to form a tan. The solution is applied by a professional, while you stand with arms and legs spread. The tanning professional walks around and evenly sprays the bronzing solution on your skin. We do all the work, and in less than 20 minutes you’ll have a beautiful tan! Airbrush tans naturally fade away instead of peeling off in blotches and don’t leave orange streaks!

Is it Safe?

Airbrush tanning is a safer alternative to indoor tanning beds or to outdoor tanning, because you are not exposed to harmful UV rays. There is no risk of skin cancer associated with airbrush tanning. The solution used is completely organic! It’s dermatologist recommended and FDA approved, with a very low allergy risk.

What do I need to do before I go airbrush tanning?

24 hours before your appointment, you should exfoliate all areas which will be treated. An exfoliating body wash or scrub does wonders! You want to get rid of any dead skin so that the spray doesn’t stick to it and then flake off. Making sure you’ve exfoliated will ensure that you get the longest-lasting, most even tan possible!

What do I need to do after my airbrush tan?
Showers or baths should be avoided for the first four hours after airbrush tanning. Ideally, no soaps or shower gels should be used for the first eight hours after applications. You don’t want to wash off the solution!

How Long Will My Tan Last?

An airbrush tan can last up to a 10 days, particularly when hot baths and chlorine are avoided.

If you have any other questions, feel free to call! We welcome your questions and consultations are always free. (303)-722-4040