Last updated : Tuesday, June 9, 2009

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Shedding Some Light on Your Suntan

Young woman lying outdoors, sunbathing

Ok let's face it.  We all look a little better "sun kissed".  But what is the best way to achieve that golden glow?  We went to America's leading Park Avenue dermatologist, Dr.Neal Schultz to get the inside scoop on three tanning methods.  Here's his list of the pros and cons of each.

#1:  The Sun

Pros:

1. On the basis of your prior experience in the sun you have a good idea of how much time you can spend in the sun without getting burned, even with sunscreen.  And the tan you get through sunscreen is much less harmful than a tan without sunscreen.

2. You get a more even tan (if you remember to turn over!).

3. Natural sunlight helps the body make vitamin D.

4. There's no financial cost ... free skin cancer and wrinkles!

5. A tan provides some (but very slight) protection from additional UV radiation.

Cons:

1. Any ultraviolet light (sun, tanning bed) induced tan is harmful and represents the body's way of responding to and trying to prevent more DAMAGE.

2. You need a sunny day and a place to expose yourself to the sun.

3. Ultraviolet light (sun, tanning bed) induced tans cause premature wrinkling, brown spots, uneven pigment and skin cancer!

#2: Tanning Beds 

Pros:

1. You don't need sun.

2. You can tan day or night.

3. Able to avoid clothing tan lines by removing all clothes in private.

4. You can get the most even tan if the UV lights are all the same age (unfortunately, in many salons, they are not all replaced at the same time).

5. A tan provides some (but very slight) protection from additional UV radiation

Cons:

1. This is the MOST DANGEROUS way because the UV energy can be poorly regulated by the tanning parlor management, and also varies unpredictably by  the age of the bulbs (they become less effective as they get older) so you can easily get bad overdoses of harmful UV radiation.

2. Ultraviolet light (sun, tanning bed) induced tans cause premature wrinkling, brown spots, uneven pigment and skin cancer!

3. Some people get actual burns from these machines.

4. It is an unpredictable source of Vitamin D.

5. The cost is moderate for repeated sessions

*FYI-several states just passed laws requiring minors to bring written parental permission in order to be treated.

#3: Self-tanning lotions/sprays

Pros:

1. This is the best tanning method because it is the only safe tan and the only way to tan that doesn't increase the risk of premature wrinkling, brown spots, uneven pigment and skin cancer.  

2. It is easily available at any time, any season and requires no sun or facility.   

3. The cost is minor.

4. You can control the intensity of color by choice of product and frequency of application.

Cons: 

1. In order to achieve an even tan, you need to exfoliate regularly before application of tanning agent because they work on the basis of staining dead cells and exfoliation removes the extra uneven dead cells.

2. It increases the appearance of existing sun (age) spots.

3. While the color of the tan is much closer to the color of a real sun tan, it's still not identical.

4. Uneven application of tanning agents can lead to streaking or an uneven tan.

To find out some of our favorite sunscreens and products, and to see some tanning "don'ts" from the iMag staff, be sure to check the Beauty-Full Blog.  And for more beauty advice, tips and tricks, click here.

Dr. Neal Schultz, M.D., has a 30-year track record for giving New York women and men glowing, beautiful skin. His unique approach, a synthesis of his research and work as both an internist and dermatologist, provides a breakthrough method for achieving gorgeous skin. From his practice, Park Avenue Skin Care, to his proprietary therapeutic skincare products, to his book "It's Not Just About Wrinkles," to his online video show www.DermTV.com, Dr. Neal Schultz enjoys sharing his years of knowledge and practical know-how not only with his clientele, but women all across America.

 

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