(The "411" On The "Sun")

Although I am "no dermatologist" I can say that I've learned

a few things about the sun. I've learned that "sun damage"

is "imeasurable" and "irreversable". So, with summer

on the way, I thought my readers might like to have a

quick rundown on the latest and "best" alternatives to

the "harm giving effects" of the "SUN"....

Let's Begin....

Part I. Sun-less Tanning (What's New?)

A. Spray

Mystic Tan is a "UV-Free" spray on tanning

booth designed to deliver a customized sunless

tanning application to each customer based on

their body size, skin type, and "desired" color.

B. Self-Tanner (aka "Airbrush Tan")

The airbrush tan (aka the DHA tan) is a tan

whereby Dihydroxyacetone (a colorless kind of

sugar) acts in conjunction with the amino acids

and the protein in the skin's outer layer to

create a golden brown shade. Aside from DHA,

most airbrush tan products also contain an

"instant bronze". However,beware, that it takes

practice to get the application "even" so that

your tan looks "just right". (Note: Airbrush

product manufacturers suggest "nighttime" as

the "best time" to apply....)

C. Bronzing Powder

To achieve a "pretty" year round "sun kissed"

color (without the aging effects of the "sun")

why not try a "Bronzing Powder"?. Bronzing

powders instantly give the skin the

"look" of a natural tan and you can wear it

"by itself" or wear it over foundation.

Part II: Sun Tanning with UV Rays (What's New?)

A. Sun Bed

A Sun Bed (aka a "Tanning Bed") is a

device emitting UV (ultraviolet) radiation

used to produce a cosmetic "tan". Regular

tanning beds use several "fluorescent lamps"

which--have "phosphor" blends designed to emit

the UV (95% UVA and 3% UVB) necessary to produce

a cosmetic "tan". Note: Some "high pressure"

tanning beds use highly specialized quartz lamps.

(Which are much more expensive and thereby less

commonly used).

B. Sun Light

When famous fashion designer Co Co Chanel

"accidentally" acquired a dark tan during

vacation on the French Riviera in the 1920's,

she ignited a fad among caucasians for tanned

skin....By the 1960's "having a tan" often

signified "social status" and wealth" (i.e.

having the "wealth" and the "leisure time" to

acquire one).

By the 1990's "new alarms" began to sound on

"sun bathing" but--for those who still

"choose to tan" I have listed below some

suggestions (and products) for "safe tanning".

1. Apply Sunscreen

The American Academy of Dermatology

recommends the use of sunscreen as

follows:

a. The sunscreen should be "broadspectrum"

meaning it should block both UVA and

UVB rays. It should also be

hypoallergenic (and noncomedogenic so

it doesn't cause a rash or clog the

pores, which, can cause acne).

b. The sunscreen should be applied thickly

enough to make a difference. And it

should be reapplied every 2 or 3

hours, and applied after swimming or

sweating.

c. The sunscreen should be waterproof

and have a SPF of 30 or higher.

2. Know Sun Strength

a. The rays of the sun are strongest

between 10a.m and 4 p.m.

b. The rays of the sun are strongest

at higher elevations (think mountains).

Note: In sundial terms, if a person's

shadow is shorter than their actual

height, the risk of sunburn is much

higher....

Some of the more popular sunscreens are:

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends as

follows:

Sun Cover

A. For Body

Clothing/Fabric: Solumbra by Sun Precautions

is a brand that has SPF of 30. Plus--the fabric

is light weight and comfortable in hot weather.

B. For Head

Hat: Must have a 4" brim to be effective.

C. For Eyes

Sunglasses. Transitions lenses are perfect for

eyeglass wearers. (I wore transitions lenses

all through high school).

Sun Block

What's the difference between sun block and sunscreen?

A. A "sunscreen" is a product with an SPF of 2 and

higher.

B. A "sunblock" is a product with a "physical block"

plus an SPF of 12 or higher. These "products" often

contain a mixture of physical and chemical block

ingredients.

What is a "chemical block"? What is a "physical

block"?

A. A chemical block has the ability to be absorbed

by the skin. Sunlight is then rendered "nil"

or "invalid" upon contact.

B. A physical block sits on the skin's surface and

does not have the ability to be absorbed into

the skin. Light is either absorbed "into the

sunblock material" or is "reflected away from

the body" back into the atmosphere similar

to a mirror or tin foil.

What are some examples of physical sunblock?

A. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

B. Against UVA: Parsol 1789/Avobenzone; Titanium

Dioxide; Zinc Oxide.

C. Against UVB: PABA/Para-aminobenzoic Acid;

Titanium Dioxide; Zinc Oxide.

D. Against UVA II & UVB: Dioxybenzone;Salisobenzone;

Oxybenzone.

E. New Against UVA II & UVB: Mexoryl SX; Helioplex;

Tinosorb.

Products: Neutrogena and Antheliios

What about "winter" you say?

Do remember to wear a "sunscreen" in winter as

UVA and UVB rays can reflect off of the snow!

So--there you have it-- a "QT Primer" on the "Sun".

I would suggest that you do your research before trying any

of the above products just to make sure they are the "best"

products for your particular skin type. And,one more thing--

if you're reading this George Hamilton or Jodie Foster:

Renee Ashley Baker wants an invite to your party!

("You Know Me!")...

Special Thanks to the following websites:

Mystictan.com,

Linkroll.com/sun-tan,

Consumersearch.com/family/sunscreen,

Guerlain.com

YSL.com

Bobbiebrowncosmetics.com,

Skin911.com,

and Wikipedia.com