What price are you willing to pay for a tan?

Coco Chanel has long been attributed with initiating our addiction to tanning when, in 1920, she declared that the tan was “in.”  Bronzed skin became a symbol of affluence undoubtedly because of its association with leisure time spent in exotic, sunny locations exclusive to the wealthy.

Since then, a plethora of research has revealed the frightening associations between tanning and a variety of skin cancers.  In fact, the case against tanning continues to build as more and more of the sun’s detrimental effects are brought to light, so to speak.  Especially with the advent of our diminishing ozone layer which is the only thing protecting the Earth — and us — from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

The result: our exposure to harmful radiation has actually increased and with it, our chances of getting skin cancer.  The mounting evidence of the sun’s effects is reflected in the increasing levels of protection that newer skin care products are boasting, for example Neutrogena just release their SPF 100 sunblock.

Last year in the U.S. alone, there were nearly 70,000 new cases of Melanoma, a skin cancer commonly associated with prolonged or repeated exposure to UV radiation and known to cause more deaths than any other form of skin cancer.

Plus, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.

So with all the knowledge, information and repeated warning from authoritative resources, why do so many of us continue to bask with abandon and worse, supplement with artificial means?

Back in the 1980′s tanning beds became all the rage.  The companies that built small empires on our sun-worshipping addiction convinced us — and some dermatologists — that the UVA lights they used were ‘safer than the sun’.  Tanning salons became nearly as omnipresent as Starbucks and equally addicting for many.

The fact is that the UVA light used in tanning booths is 2 to 3 times more potent than the sun, increasing our risk of skin cancer exponentially.  Really, is it worth the risk?

Fortunately, there are now much safer and beautifully natural looking self-tanning lotions as well a spray-on tans that can give you the healthy, bronzy glow you desire just as quickly, far more economically than visits to a tanning salon and without the risk.  Some of the products even provide added benefits like moisturizers and other skin enhancers.

One of our favorites (available at our online store) is Colorescience Wild to Mild Skin Bronzer which gives the skin an even, golden glow as well providing SPF 20 protection. 

 So now your skin can look healthy and have a much better chance of staying healthy.

Note: It’s important to remember that while your skin may look tan as a result of using these products, it is still vulnerable to sun exposure.  So you’ll always want to apply sunscreen throughout the day depending on the length of time you’re in the sun.