A. Deanna, you don’t need to sneak outside like a rebellious teen in order to get a healthy glow. You don’t even need to stay out of the sun. What kind of life would that be being a hermit and not enjoying our area lakes, festivals and outdoor fun? The key to enjoying the outdoors and protecting your skin from sun damage including premature aging, brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer is daily sunscreen use including reapplication every two hours when you’re outside. Your next thought, Deanna, will probably be that by following those instructions it defeats the whole purpose of being outside and getting a tan. Well, no sunscreen can block out 100 percent of the UV rays, so you will still get some color but maybe not as much as you would like.
If you are looking to increase your tanned appearance, I recommend my patients consider a self tanner, mineral makeup bronzer or even a spray tan. Many of my patients love the look of tanned skin, but understand the harm and aging effects that a real tan imparts. They have switched to using a sunless self tanner that allows them to achieve the desired color they want while still having healthy, youthful looking skin. Just recently, I was ready to reprimand one skin care patient for not wearing her sunscreen while on vacation, but it turns out her golden glow was all jane iredale’s self tanner, Tantasia.
Sunless tanners have come so far in technological advances that you no longer have to be scared about it looking orange or streaky, Deanna. Talk to a friend or a professional makeup artist for their recommendations. An even easier option is to look for a mineral powder bronzer. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect one to give your skin a healthy glow.
With prom and wedding season upon us, gently remind your daughters, granddaughters and friends that any tanned skin from the sun or the tanning bed is a sign of injury to their skin. Not only does your natural skin color photograph better than damaged skin, but it will also keep your skin looking younger and healthier for years to come. Give one of these tanned skin alternatives a try, Deanna. It’s a simple investment in your skin health that can be a matter of life or death. If you have any questions about skin care or sunless tanner, be sure to consult with a medical professional.
Jennifer Kauffman is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, practicing in Warsaw and Ft. Wayne. She is a sought after speaker at medical conferences such as the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons. Jennifer is a member of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Coalition of Advance Practice Nurses of Indiana. She received her Nursing and Nurse Practitioner degrees from Goshen College, and Indiana Wesleyan University. Jennifer is a Clinical Instructor nationally to physicians and nurses on sclerotherapy.
Do you have a question for Jennifer, about this article or another cosmetic skin care issue? Please call Vein Institute & Medical Spa at 574-267-1900 to have your questions answered and considered for future columns. Questions can also be submitted online at www.veinmedicalspa.com
