There’s No Such Thing As A Healthy Tan!

Gettting a healthy tan this summer? Forget it! There's no such thing. Tanning is your skin's response to damage resulting from exposure to the sun's UV rays. Elevated production of melanin darkens the skin to protect it from further damage. Tanning has been fashionable for less than 100 years. We can blame Coco Chanel for popularizing it in the 1920's. Experts say you should apply sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF (I use SPF 70-100) any time you go outdoors. Daily use of SPF 15 is also recommended. UVA is the radiation that penetrates, resulting in tanning. UVB may be the most damaging. It burns surface layers. The American Academy of Dermatology reports, more than 2 million people a year are diagnosed  with skin cancer. Tanning bed use increases your risk by nearly 60%. If you think you're safe because you're not caucasian, think again. People of all skin colors should use sunscreen. Wear sunglasses & a hat. Drink plenty of water. Avoid mid day sun... and margaritas!