science briefs
Primping for Spring
Brittany Fiorenza
Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Health
Now, with the those bulky sweaters being replaced with short sleeves comes a new dilemma. Pale skin! Personal issue right here, considering I reflect the sun when I walk outside. However, since when is everyone Cancun-style tan in the middle of February? "It looks unnatural as anything," says Ben Streko. Tanning beds, spray tans, tanning lotion and bronzer make it virtually impossible to not appear tan even when there is a foot of snow on the ground, but if everyone is perfectly golden mid February what on Earth is going to happen when the actual sun blares down and hits our short sleeve exposed skin?
The obvious harmful health related issues that come with tanning alternatives such as tanning beds are well known, and still all too many people still utilize the opportunity to look sun kissed mid winter. And with spring comes the chance to make up for all the months of looking like a ghost. However, as harmful as faux tans can be, naturally tanning can be just detrimental to one's health.
I know it is overplayed, but wearing sunscreen can make all the difference when it comes to getting as healthy a tan as possible. Furthermore, slow and steady is once more the best option. Small doses of sun at a time will gradually build up a tan without the discomfort of burning and over exposure to sun.
Just a few things to think about as spring approaches and all of the hype begins. It's perfectly normal to gain a few pounds in the winter, and it's natural to be pale when the sun sets at 5pm every day. Sometimes with the promise of spring fashion and sunshine, comes the underlying pressures to look our best and to do whatever it takes to get there. Be healthy, be aware, and enjoy it instead of possibly harming your health.
The obvious harmful health related issues that come with tanning alternatives such as tanning beds are well known, and still all too many people still utilize the opportunity to look sun kissed mid winter. And with spring comes the chance to make up for all the months of looking like a ghost. However, as harmful as faux tans can be, naturally tanning can be just detrimental to one's health.
I know it is overplayed, but wearing sunscreen can make all the difference when it comes to getting as healthy a tan as possible. Furthermore, slow and steady is once more the best option. Small doses of sun at a time will gradually build up a tan without the discomfort of burning and over exposure to sun.
Just a few things to think about as spring approaches and all of the hype begins. It's perfectly normal to gain a few pounds in the winter, and it's natural to be pale when the sun sets at 5pm every day. Sometimes with the promise of spring fashion and sunshine, comes the underlying pressures to look our best and to do whatever it takes to get there. Be healthy, be aware, and enjoy it instead of possibly harming your health.
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