Bite Autumn 2012

Bevis Man, Communications Manager at the British Skin Foundation said, “People wrongly associate having a tan with being healthy. The truth is that there is no such thing as a safe suntan; in fact the skin getting darker is actually a sign that your skin is already damaged. The dark pigment which gives the skin its natural colour is called melanin which is made in the skin by cells called melanocytes.After our skin is exposed to sunlight, the melanocytes make more melanin to try to absorb UV radiation, and so the skin becomes darker, giving that ‘ tanned look’.” Bevis particularly warned against the use of sunbeds as many tanning salons produce high levels of ultra violet radiation in their beds.“Using sunbeds is not something the British Skin Foundation would recommend anyone doing.” However, it is not just the UV ray exposure from the sun and tanning beds that tanorexics are addicted to. With developments in medical science and drug production, an injectable tanning drug has become popular amongst tan fanatics across the globe. Melanotan II, also known as the ‘ Barbie drug’, was primarily marketed as a safe tanning agent and preventative therapy for skin cancer available for sale over the internet. Despite this, the drug, which produces a synthetic hormone by increasing the levels of melanin in the skin, has never been licensed in Britain or any other country because it has not been properly tested. With potentially dangerous long term side effects, medical professionals are wary of the drug because it activates the melanocyte cells in the skin that become cancerous in malignant melanoma. In the short term, the side effects of Melanotan II are numerous and include depression, high blood pressure and panic attacks. In spite of the terrifying facts, many tanorexics are un-phased and continue to feed their addiction. Dermatologists believe tanorexia to be on the same level as other addiction disorders, such as anorexia nervosa because suffers often have a distorted perception of reality when looking at themselves in the mirror. It has been proven that the UV light you are exposed to when tanning can cause the brain to produce pleasure-inducing endorphins and it is this opioid release that tanorexics become addicted to. Ironically, many addicts believe that tanning gives them a youthful glow but the harsh reality of sun damage can be seen in the leathery skin of Patricia Krentcil. Bevis Man of the British Skin Foundation said, “ Over exposure to UVA radiation has been proven in countless studies to accelerate the skin ageing process.” That being said all addictions can be broken, so here is our advice on how to stay safe and enjoy the sun. Firstly, it is important to protect your skin on a daily basis, no matter what the weather is like. Most of us are fantastic at applying sunscreen when we are abroad but UVA rays can, in fact, affect your skin during all the seasons. Every day our skin is in a constant battle

risk of sunburn, and, subsequently, skin cancer.” Moreover, if you want full protection from the ageing power of UVA rays you will need to check the UVA star rating on bottles of sunscreen in addition to the factor, with five stars being the highest level of protection. Thirdly, it is crucial to protect your skin with clothing also. Even in the hottest of summer months a chic kaftan or summer hat can make a significant difference. Wide- brimmed hats are particularly useful as they cover both the ears and the back of the neck, two places that are frequently missed when applying sun cream. The British Skin Foundation also recommends spending time in the shade, particularly between the hours of 11am to 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. As the largest and only visible organ in our body, our skin truly defines us. Before booking that next sunbed appointment or lathering baby oil onto your skin at the beach, consider what you are actually doing to your body.When you achieve that bronzed glow think of each wrinkle that the UVA light has etched on your skin and the damage that has been done under the surface. Bevis described the unseen damage of sun exposure: “Developing skin cancer is very much like a bottle that is slowly filled up every time you over-expose yourself to the sun, or use a sunbed. Eventually, over time, this will fill up and that’s when the risk of developing a melanoma is at its highest.” Though around 2000 people die from the disease every year in the UK, in most cases this is due to malignant melanoma which is largely preventable. With the correct knowledge of care and protection in place, skin disease can be prevented. It is just a case of using this information to convince tanorexics that faking it could save their life. www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk Make-Up: Elaine Burns - The Academy of Make-Up www.theacademyofmakeup.com Location: David Lloyd Club Outdoor Pool, Anniesland Glasgow www.davidlloyd.co.uk/home

with the surrounding world, especially the unseen power of the sun’s rays.Though UVB rays only burn the top layer of our skin, the sun’s ever present UVA rays have a longer wavelength and can penetrate deeper into the skin. Many people do not realise the sheer power of the sun.These UVA rays can even penetrate through glass and exposure does not only increase our chance of skin disease but also degrades the collagen in our skin, leading to wrinkles. This is why it is important to incorporate sun protection into our daily skin care regime, alongside face wash and moisturisers.It is also essential to re-apply sunscreen throughout the day as it will become ineffective with sweating and general contact. Most people do not put on sunscreen as thickly or thoroughly as necessary. The British Skin Foundation advises that a minimum of at least six full teaspoons needs to be used in order to cover the body of an average adult. Secondly it is important to find the right sunscreen for you. Bevis Man at the British Skin Foundation stressed the significance of knowing your skin type. “This is absolutely essential and will help you determine what level of protection you need in the sun. Skin types range from type 1 (those who have fair skin that never tans and burns easily), through to type 6 (black and dark Asian skin).Those with type 1 skin should be using high protection sunscreen, and should be especially careful to protect their skin with clothing and shade as they are at the highest

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