Sun Tanning and you!

Sun Baths, the truth about them
Research has proven that more than one million people are at a risk of being diagnosed for skin cancer, and there is a strong correlation linked between those who worship the sun and the disease itself. According to scientific studies, there is no such thing as a "healthy tan". Tanning is, in essence, the skin’s reaction to damage already done, and a defensive attempt to protect itself from further harm.

The UV (or Ultraviolet) rays are the most threatening component of a natural suntan. There are essentially, two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB that negatively affect the skin by deeply penetrating our skin and potentially damage the gene composition. UVA rays (the predominant type) tend to cause skin cancer after being exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. The sunburn and the redness associated with sun exposure result from UVB rays, which are also a strong risk factor for skin cancer. Personal tanning methods available today attempt to eliminate the UV rays from coming in contact with the skin, yet you have to wonder how safe you are when shutting yourself in a tiny tanning booth for 30 minutes at a time!

Salon Options:
The popularity of tanning beds tends to soar as teens strive for the prom-perfect hue and women of all ages aim to avoid the pasty white complexions they suffered long enough through the winter. Though they are thought to be only slightly more protective than getting a natural tan due to the controlled environment, the risks are still associated with tanning beds as the exposure to UV rays is still existent.

Sun Tanning Options:
If you simply cannot avoid worshipping the sun on a gorgeous day, consider using sunscreen with a low SPF. This will not only allow tanning, but the skin will also receive at least a small degree of protection from the powerful rays. Be especially cautious when in or on the water, as the sun may badly burn the skin without any warning signs. Hats and t-shirts can provide a degree of protection never more than that.

Some individuals should exercise extreme caution when exposed to the sun, including those with very fair skin, those who burn often or tan poorly, those who have many freckles or moles, those under age 16, and also those who have a history of skin cancer themselves or in the family history. This could also hold good for those people who have an ultra sensitive skin. Even if these conditions do not apply to you personally, it is still important to be smart about your own exposure to the sun.

No matter which tanning option you settle for if you simply must have that glowing tan, use caution when you bask in the rays at the shore or wherever. Do keep the following points in mind whenever you are exposed to the sun for a significant duration of time:

* Do your best to avoid falling asleep while tanning. We all know how tempting it is to take that relaxing nap to the sounds of the surf, but you could wake up fried to a painful crisp!
* Even if you are determined to go home with some color, try a very low SPF level sunscreen.
* Something as low as SPF 15 will do more good for your skin than bare exposure!
* When you do experience sunburn, keep aloe and cocoa butter on hand. Aloe is known to soothe the skin, while cocoa butter helps in keeping skin soft and smooth while also repairing it and preventing peeling after sun damage. Its best if you could consult with your physician before attempting to use any of the above mentioned remedies.