We all know that there is something about a great tan that not only makes others gaze in admiration but makes us feel great.  Unfortunately, that tan color is our bodies telling us to get out of the sun!

Our skin produces melanin, that substance which causes the nice bronze tint in our skin, when too many of the suns rays are being absorbed into our skin.  It’s like our own naturally produced sunscreen, only it doesn’t work all that well.

Looking good now will lead to some pretty bad affects later on in life.  Wrinkles, skin spots, tough leathery skin, are all caused by over-exposure to the sun when you are young.  The most dangerous result of too much sun is skin cancer.  There is a direct link between the sun’s UV rays and melanoma- a very deadly form of cancer.

Maybe right now you’re thinking, time to hit the tanning bed! But think again.  Tanning beds are to your skin what cigarettes are to your lungs.  You might not get burned but what you’re really getting is a super concentrated dose of UV rays.

The good news is there is a place to turn. Self tanners, airbrush tanning or spray on booths can all give you the look you’re going for without the dangerous side affects.  If you apply the tan you want inside, you won’t have to worry about getting a tan through your sunscreen or avoiding those pesky “farmer’s tans.”  Stay safe now and you’re body will thank you down the road.