Education

I came across this article on the Guardian’s site a few months ago and found it interesting. The article begs the question about whether or not tanning is rooted in addiction. I’d never really contemplated this before- but it does seem to make sense. I’m sure that eventually, people start to identify themselves as tanned and they may feel abnormal without a tan or miss the ritual and feeling that goes along with getting a tan.

As the sun is peaking out, I’m contemplating wearing skirts and dresses that will inevitably expose my lily-white legs to the world. (I hope you’re all wearing sunglasses! Ha ha ha…) I’ve never been one to tan- partly because my skin does not tan easily and I will tend to burn before I tan if at all, and partly because I usually get bored of lying in the sun before either a tan or a burn can happen. I also can’t bare the idea of the smell or the time involved with self tanners- so I’ve learned to embrace my paleness.

However, I think I may be in the minority. Many people are sporting tans year round, and in Vancouver from October to March- that isn’t coming from the atmosphere. It seems that looking bronzed and acquiring the mood lifting affects from the simulated sunlight makes tanning an alluring vice- despite the threat of melanoma.

I’m not one for advocating walking around with sunglasses, a visor, a parasol and gloves (I’ve seen this, and the person was walking backwards- I’m not sure if they were avoiding the sun or communicating with extraterrestrials), but I am advocating accepting a new definition of beauty- the glow of vibrant healthy skin which no tan can improve on. In this Elle Canada article by Joan Harting, Dermatologist Patricia Wexler cites that ultra violet light inhibits your skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor- which helps to maintain the balance of your skin’s hydration levels. So protecting your skin with sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, proper nutrition and an effective skin care routine are your best aids to being pleasantly pale.

Some of my favorite products for sporting my pale skin are:

• Dermalogica’s Chromawhite Pure Light SPF 30: My new favorite moisturizer features hyaluronic acid- as must have ingredient for hydration, peptides and minerals to treat and prevent uneven skin tone as well as chemical-free full-spectrum sun protection. The best part is how this medium-weight cream gives my skin a lit from the inside glow.
• GliSODin Skin Nutrient’s Skin Brightening Formula: This nutricosmetic provides a  therapeutic dose of coenzyme Q10 and carotenoids that are photo-protective and anti-inflammatory to help protect the skin and reduce inflammation caused by exposure to u.v. rays. Citrus bioflavinoids promote an even skin tone by inhibiting the enzymatic process that leads to hyperpigmentation, while superoxide dismutase acts as a powerful anti-oxdiant, significantly reducing the aging effects of oxidative stress. In plain english- your skin looks great and you have more energy.
• Sea Flora Wild Organic Sea Weed Skin Care’s Laminaria Body Lotion: Containing healing and nutrient rich gels from West Coast sea weeds along with  olive, sunflower and avocado oils, this organic and locally produced moiturizer enriches and softens your skin like no other. I find it especially good for eczema and psoriasis, as it instantly soothes irritation.

So these are just a few of the gems that help me maintain my pale pallor. Fingers crossed you will join me in my pale crusade! (Thesaurus.com is not helping by the way- a synonym for pale is cadaverous- shocking!)

How do you feel about tanning? Do you feel like you need to have a tan in order to bare your skin? Share your thoughts here.

Plan ahead and save 7% PST by purchasing a series of photorejuvenation packages before July 1st, 2010 to reverse sun damage in the fall and winter months. http://www.sprucebodylab.com/services/bbls-photo-rejuvenation.php

We all want the beautiful glow of sun-kissed skin, but we don’t want the consequential sun damage that comes with it. One of major signs of accumulated sun damage is an uneven skin tone. More and more people are looking for ways to treat this condition known as hyper pigmentation.

Scientists have extensively studied the process by which our skin gains its pigment, which is referred to as melanin. They do not yet fully understand why our skin’s melanin can become unevenly distributed with age. On a positive note- there are effective ways to treat sun-induced hyper pigmentation.

One ingredient that has been used to treat hyper pigmentation effectively is hydroquinone. Doctors in North America commonly prescribe hydroquinone. However, it has been banned in most of the world because it has a highly sensitizing effect on the skin. In some cases it can cause contact dermatitis and photosensitivity.

Brightening ingredients are one of the simplest and gentlest ways to treat hyper pigmentation. Licorice, bearberry, mulberry, and vitamin C are examples of the ingredients that prevent the formation of pigmentation. Also, lactic acid in 5% formulation is an alpha hydroxy acid that has been shown to effectively inhibit the enzyme that plays a central role in melanin formation.

In addition to topical applications, professional treatment such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments can produce accelerated results. It is best to consult a skin care professional to determine what treatment method is best for you. Results vary and it usually takes at least eight weeks to see visible lightening of the spots. A 75% lightening of the treated areas is considered a good outcome.

The most important thing to remember is that prevention is the key. Always where a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15- even on a cloudy winter day! Use tinted moisturizers or self-tanners to get that bronzed glow.