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Tanning Time?
By askalice in Ask Alice
July 4, 2011

Dear Readers: It's summer! Time for picnics and the beach and sun-kissed skin. We all want that glow of a summer tan, but don't want to give up healthy skin to have it. Spray tans and lotions are a good substitute to prevent the damaged skin caused by sun exposure. This damage can come from the sun and artificial tanning beds. Estee Lauder and Jergens offer good self-tanning products, and minus the sunburn! Lots of Love, Alice

Original Ask Alice:

Dear Alice: Is tanning actually bad for you? Most of my friends and I tan regularly, usually going to a tanning salon or just lying outside for a few hours. If sun is supposed to be good for you, then why is tanning bad? -Mystery Tan Dear Mystery Tan: When you say “tan,” you are actually referring to the melanin, or brown pigment, that is given off by your skin in order to protect the cells from sunburn. But that’s not all; some of the sun’s rays can penetrate through the skin to the tiny blood vessels and nerves. This is where skin cancer takes place. Tanning by itself is not bad, but doing to excess can harm you. Next time you go out to tan, just say out for a little while, or use artificial tanners like lotion or spray. Your skin will thank you later! For more medical information go to http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/indoor_tans.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle#