BellaSugar

Beauty Byte: Tanning Beds Are a Confirmed Carcinogen

BellaSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:30:36 -0700

If you didn't believe me about the risk of tanning beds before, please stop and read this now. Assessments by World Health Organization oncologists (cancer specialists) have concluded what we've suspected for years - that the UV light used in artificial tanning beds is indeed a carcinogen, one at the same grade of toxicity as gamma radiation and plutonium. This means that instead of saying that the radiation from a tanning bed might cause cancer, now we know that it undoubtedly will. Exposure to a tanning bed beginning before the age of 30 increases your risk of skin cancer by a whopping 75 percent, and melanoma is one of the most painful, deadly forms of cancer. So, really: don't expose yourself to such a big risk. For more information on this story, read the Review of Human Carcinogens-Part D: Radiation just published on The Lancet's Oncology journal website.

Computer Tan Lets You Bake at Your Desk

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:00:03 -0700

Ever wanted to get a tan while punching numbers at your desk? Babyassface tipped me off to this website called Computer Tan. The concept is pretty strange: They claim that their technology converts the electrical impulses of your LCD monitor into ultraviolet rays that then create a tan in your skin. (A test makes sure that the amount of exposure is calibrated to match your skin tone.)

Computer Tan's officials say that using their tanning technology is safer than baking in the sun or using a tanning bed. They claim the ability to strip the harmful parts of UV exposure, therefore preventing damage to the skin. A base tan takes four to five sessions within a 10-day period to develop, and it lasts for one to two weeks. You know I always say there's no such thing as a safe tan - and perhaps the Computer Tan people feel the same way - but if you're willing to give it a go, the company offers a free five-minute trial.

Should States Ban Tanning Beds For Teens?

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 06:00:46 -0700

I hate to sound like a broken record, but tanning is so bad for you. Put aside the accelerated signs of aging, which are no trip to the beach. (Ha.) Not only does UV exposure create uneven skin tone and wrinkles, it also can cause melanoma.

That's what happened to Miss Florida Teen USA Kayla Collier. At age 15, she began visiting tanning salons, and within a year, she was diagnosed with skin cancer. She believes that tanning was a factor in her illness. Now cancer-free, she's campaigning for a bill that would ban tanning-bed use by people younger than 16. "I know teenagers that go every day, every week, twice a day sometimes to tanning beds," she told lawmakers. "I do believe that it did play a part in my skin cancer."

Florida isn't the only state grappling with this issue; Texas and Vermont are also considering restrictions on teen tanning. Supporters say that anything that protects young teenagers from melanoma is a good thing; opponents say that states shouldn't meddle in their biz-a-ness. Where do you stand?

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Definition: Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:00:11 -0700

Simply put, dihydroxyacetone is the active ingredient used to make self-tanners work. Discovered to have skin darkening properties in the 1920s by a German scientist, DHA is typically derived from plant sources, such as beets or sugar cane.

DHA works by interacting with the amino acids of your dead skin cells, resulting in a brownish-tan hue. The color sticks around for about three to ten days, depending on how long it takes for your skin cells to shed.

The first commercial self-tanning product was released in 1960 from Coppertone, called Quick Tan or QT. The biggest problem with early formulations? Orange, streaky results. Nowadays you can get your own dose of DHA in many sun-free ways: creams, sprays, wipes, and even mousses - streak and orange free.

How-To: Hide a Sunglass Tan

BellaSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:10 -0700

As much as I try to protect myself from the sun's harmful rays, I sometimes end up with the telltale white streaks on my temples of the sunglass tan. And with the oversize shades trend still going strong, the area around the brows and dark circles - er, orbital area - also can begin to look a whiter shade of pale. Read on for some quick fixes - and be glad you weren't wearing shutter shades.

View Slideshow ›

What's Your Sunscreen IQ?

BellaSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:00:09 -0700

Since it's Beach Week here at BellaSugar, I thought I'd give you a chance to test your knowledge about sunscreen. We all know that we should wear it every day, but there are a lot of myths surrounding the stuff. So slather on your zinc oxide, sharpen your pencils (or, well, your mouse-clicking skills) and take the quiz!

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Take the quiz

New Product Alert: Lancaster Sunslim Body Programme

BellaSugar — Sun, 27 May 2007 11:28:00 -0700

One of Europe’s most elegant suncare brands has arrived in the United States. Lancaster was founded in 1971 in Monaco, the creme de la creme locale of luxury. Now, you can get Lancaster's amazing Sunslim Body Programme just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

The basic promise of Sunslim is that it combines tan boosting with cellulite busting, in a line of hybrid firming-tanning lotions. I'm actually appalled that you can still buy "tan boosters" in this day and age, with everything we know about sun exposure causing skin cancer!

The collection includes a Celluli-Burner Tan Booster in SPF 8 or SPF 15 ($35), a Celluli-Breaker Tan Stimulator ($35), the Celluli-Drainer Tan Prolonger ($35), and a Tan Perfecter Smoothing Scrub ($35). These products are all designed for real, not fake tans.

I think I'll wait for the skin-firming self-tanner. What about you?

Check It Out: Self Tanning Towelettes

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:15:44 -0700

Self tanning towelettes are inventive, easy to use, disposable and portable single self tanning applications. They are safe and effective ways to tan without the harmful effects of the sun's damaging rays. You can use them once a week or as often as necessary to achieve the color you desire.

To use, first be sure and exfoliate your skin to avoid streaking and splotches. Then, apply on your face and body when your skin is dry. Spread the towelettes around in small circular motions to make sure your coverage is even. When you are finished, don't forget to thoroughly wash your hands and nails. Wait about fifteen minutes before dressing so that the color doesn't damage your clothing.

Comodyne Self-Tanning Towelettes, $44.99, are individually wrapped, non-messy, single application self tanning wipes. This brand is super popular in Europe and has finally made its way to the U.S.

They are fast working, won't dry out your skin and they create a deep, golden bronze glow. They are also perfect for travel since you don't have to worry about leaks, spills or any of the new traveling with fluids laws.

To see more, read more

TanTowel Self Tanning Towelettes, are $20 for a package of ten. These towelettes contain pulp fiber which exfoliates your skin as you apply it! Hey thanks for saving us that extra step!

It has a refreshing citrus scent so you don't have that yucky fake bake smell but it's not overly pungent so you can wear your favorite fragrance without any conflict.

L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes, $9.05, are super convenient, single-use wipes that self tan streak free! They contain vitamin E and AHA's to help nourish your skin, smooth it and fight off bacteria that can clog your pores.

The tan will show up in couple of hours upon which you can add more color for a deep tan, or leave it alone for a subtle, natural glow.

Have You Ever Gotten a Spray Tan?

BellaSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 04:20:29 -0700

'Tis the season for fake tans, and while I'm partial to bronzers and self-tanning lotions, I don't frequent the spray-tan booth. So I'm curious: Who among you has gotten a tan professionally sprayed on?

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Who Do You Think Pulls Off The Best Fake Tan?

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:21:22 -0800

All the young Hollywood starlets fake bake religiously. Hey, everyone looks better with a tan, I'm the first to admit it - but these gals take a "healthy glow" to the next level. Who do you think pulls off this look best in the middle of winter?

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