Eye On CameraWare -- feature

Written by Staff

Getting ready for summer is always a woman’s goal year to year. What to wear? Classic full-coverage bikini or thong? Under wire bra? High waist bottom? The decision is yours and either way depending on your skin type, so is the tan.

A golden, bronze tan is often considered a status symbol. Perhaps this is supported by the idea that people who have time to lie in the sun long enough to develop a deep tan, or who can travel to warm climates during winter, have more money or leisure time than "common folk." Nevertheless, the goal of many is a deep tan early in spring or to return from vacation with that hearty, healthy glow. Whether a tan suggests status or not, careless exposure to the sun can be harmful. Ultraviolet rays from the sun will damage skin but can also create vision problems, allergic reactions, depressed immune systems, and skin concerns.

Ultraviolet rays cause tanning and burning from the sun. These rays cannot be seen or felt, but penetrate the skin and stimulate cells containing a brownish pigment called melanin. Melanin protects the skin by absorbing and scattering ultraviolet rays. People with dark skins have high amounts of melanin, have greater natural protection from ultraviolet rays, and tan more easily. Blondes, redheads, and people with fair skins have less melanin and, therefore, burn more quickly. As ultraviolet rays stimulate melanin, it rises to the skin's surface as a tan and provides protection against future sun exposure. Individuals with dark skins such as olive, brown, or black are not immune to burning and skin damage caused by careless exposure to the sun.

Two types of ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun exist: UVA and UVB. UVB cause burning of the skin or the red associated with sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging of skin. UVA rays stimulate tanning but are also linked to other problems such as impaired vision, skin rashes, and allergic or other reactions to drugs. Skin damage from overexposure to the sun is cumulative over the years and cannot be reversed. Once the damage occurs, it cannot be undone. Most serious and lasting damage occurs before age 18. Protection should start early, particularly with children who enjoy outdoor play on sunny days.

Differences among sunscreens, sun blocks, lubricants, and pigment or artificial tanners

Sun Screens and Sun Blocks
Sunscreens and sun blocks are suntan lotions that contain one or more protective chemicals that absorb and scatter ultraviolet rays. These have a numerical rating system to indicate the specific amount of protection. The numbers, known as Sun Protection Factors (SPF), are listed on the product label. The next section will discuss these in detail.

The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection. Sunscreen products, properly selected and used, allow the wearer to extend time in the sun without burning. Only opaque products, such as those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide totally block out ultraviolet rays. Often sun blocks are packaged or promoted especially for protection of lips, nose, and ears.

Lubricants
Suntan preparations often contain a lubricant that reduces the drying effect of the sun on skin. However, suntan lotions, oils, gels, and other moisturizers without extra protection (sun screen), or home preparations, such as mineral oil or baby oil and iodine, only benefit as a lubricant and do not provide protection from the sun's rays.

Artificial Tanners and Stains
Pigment lotions, artificial tanners, and temporary stains such as bronzes contain chemicals that react with the outer skin layer and color the skin without any protection, unless they also contain a sunscreen. The color results are variable, sometimes streaked. Temporary stains or bronzes are water soluble, and the color is removed by washing with soap and water. Read label information to determine product characteristics and use.

Here are some other helpful hints for healthy, glowing skin

1. CHOOSE SUNSCREENS WITH BOTH UVA AND UVB BLOCKERS
In particular, look for sun block with the ingredients avobenzone, titanium oxide or Parsol 1789, a new chemical that filters out the sun's harmful rays.

2. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Your mom was right. Hats are especially helpful because they protect tender scalp and facial skin, which burns more easily and quickly than the rest of the body. And sunglasses don't just look cool--those with UVA- and UVB-blocking lenses guard against damage that could lead to cataracts. And if you plan to spend a day at the beach, pack an umbrella. It's not geeky. It's smart.

3. MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU'VE GOT
To maximize your skin's natural radiance, peel off the outer, damaged layers and let the fresh skin underneath shine through. A face or body polish, exfoliating polish or pore-tightening mask. Many over the shelf varieties are easily found and if your budget allows, an hour at the spa with professional facial included is always a plus.