Top Ten Skin Sins: Tanning

If you asked a woman what her number one style essential is, she might say a sundress, ruffled skirt, or a pair of sandals. But for many women, a more accurate answer would be a tan because according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, millions of Americans intentionally expose themselves to ultraviolet radiation each year to achieve a darker complexion.

Whether outdoors or in, the popularity of tanning stems from its symbolic associations such as physical fitness, sensuality, and wellness. However this is ironic considering that beyond the small amount required for producing Vitamin D, ultraviolet radiation is poisonous to human health. Consider these startling statistics:

• Approximately 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in more than 2 million people annually in the United States, making it the most common form of cancer.* 
• The World Health Organization states that one in every three cancers diagnosed worldwide is a form of skin cancer, and roughly 132,000 of those cases are malignant melanoma. 
•  The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified UV-emitting devices (tanning beds) as carcinogens. Other known carcinogens are cigarettes and plutonium.  
• 30,000 million people in the United States tan indoors each year despite the fact that 10 minutes on tanning bed is the equivalent of 10 minutes in the Mediterranean sun.*
• Indoor tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma.*
• Melanoma is uncommon in African, Latin, and Asian populations, but when found, is frequently fatal.*
• Up to 90 percent of the characteristics associated with aging are caused by the sun*
• Certain skin types identified on the Fitzpatrick Classification Scale are organically unsuitable for tanning (Find where you fit here) 

Glisten & glo Kit

So rather than damage your skin's integrity--and risk your health--to attain a "glo," consider these skin-friendly tips!

• Avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation
• Wear sunscreen daily and use products that contain sun-protecting ingredients like antioxidants (Revive Hydration Mist, Daily Defense SPF 30+)
• Enhance your natural skin tone with makeup meant to bring out your inner radiance (Glisten & glo Kit, Shimmer Brick, Sheer Tint Illuminator)

*www.skincancer.org/Tanning/