Issue Date: November 30, 2008
Sunless tanning
Choose "tan-in-a-can" over damaging sun exposure.
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Get the glow without the sun -- or damaging radiation.
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We've learned a lot over the years not only about the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, but also about how to take better care of our skin. But the fact remains that many folks like the "glow" of bronzed skin, and sunbathing and tanning salons remain popular. At a dermatology conference in Kyoto, Japan, this year, an Emory University medical student reported that, of 415 American women she had surveyed, 93% felt that tanned skin was more attractive than pale skin. And 79% said they felt better when they were tanned.
Enter "tan-in-a-can." Many dermatologists view sunless tanning products as a way to enjoy the look of a tan without the skin damage from UV radiation. In recent years, these products have grown trendier. In the Emory survey, 54% of women ages 18 to 25 and about 40% of women over 26 said they had used one in the past year. The new products are a far cry from the old creams that made people look like pumpkins. Most use dihydroacetone, a chemical that reacts with amino acids in the skin to create a temporary tan. But you can expect companies to create new ones that will be even easier to apply and more natural looking.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic (www.cooperaerobics.com), writes HealthSmart every week.
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