Contents of The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal - MAY 2012

The 2012 edition of The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal features medically reviewed, reader-friendly articles such as tanning, the increasing incidence of skin cancer diagnoses among young women, & the prevalence of melanoma among white males over 50.

Page 32 of 103

TIPS FOR NON- UV TANNERS Prep your skin
Most self- tanning products recommend that you exfoliate the skin prior to applying the self-tanner. After exfoliating, apply a moisturizer — these two steps should help ensure an even tan.
Follow the directions Hours 12 Repeat as necessary
Generally, you'll apply the self- tanner daily for 2- 3 days until the desired color is achieved, and then reapply it about three times a week thereafter to maintain the shade.
Use sunscreen
on the packaging For example, wait at least 12 hours after shaving before applying self-tanner, and don't use on skin with active eczema.
Be patient
Self- tanners can take 30- 60 minutes to produce visible color on the skin; the color usually lasts about fi ve days. Some products are formulated with colorants
such as caramel to impart an immediate bronzing effect, but the instant color is temporary and rinses off easily.
Go to a pro
For those who like the bronzed look but are in a hurry, many salons offer spray tanning services. Many provide automated application of high concentration, no-rub, aerosolized non-UV tanning products, while at others, employees supply a customized airbrush tan.
Although at high concentrations (20 percent) DHA provides some limited UVA protection,8
sunless 15+
tanners are not sun- protective; use a broad- spectrum (UVA/ UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15+ every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water- resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher; reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Even if your self- tanner contains an SPF 15+ sunscreen, reapply a regular sunscreen after two hours.
they don't dry too quickly, so they allow users to adjust the amount on the skin to assure even application.5 They are also hydrating. Gel self- tanners often absorb quickly, but may be too drying for some people. Pump sprays and aerosols, while easy to apply, still need to be rubbed in to assure uniform application. They should be used in well- ventilated rooms, since the effects of inhaling them are unknown. Wipes are easy to apply and convenient to carry around, but if not applied carefully, may produce patches or streaks of color.
A POSITIVE TREND: THE GROWTH IN SUNLESS TANNING Research published in Archives of Dermatology in 2010 showed that encouraging women to use sunless tanning products may reduce UV tan- ning if the women are warned about the risks of tanning.6
tanning market is poised for growth, with self- tanning products for home use and at salons offering spray tans. Today the online retailer Drugstore. com sells 89 different self- tanners, from products for people with very light skin, to moisturizers that gradu- ally deepen your skin tone, to tanners
that make the skin shimmer.7
If you
want a bronzed look, self-tanners offer a safe, effective alternative to UV tanning.
Thus, the self-
Opinions expressed are those of the author and may not necessarily refl ect those of the Personal Care Products Council or The Skin Cancer Foundation.
FARAH K. AHMED is Vice President of the Personal Care Products Council, www.personalcarecouncil.org.
References available on p.96. 31