As we age the rate of producing new cells gets reduced. This happens because of biological and environmental reasons. Enlarged pores are very common with ageing. Exposure to sun makes your skin suffer from sunspots, wrinkles and freckles. Here are some beauty and skin care tips for ageing women:

• A balanced diet contributes a lot to making your skin glow. You can also take multivitamins if you want. Your skin can get all the required nutrients from a healthy diet and can fight against damage caused by sun and environmental elements.
• Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking accelerates the ageing of your skin. So to reduce the rate of ageing of your skin, you have to stop smoking.
• Go for the right skin care products in order to protect your skin from ageing.

With a little care you can bring about a lot of difference in your skin. Remember, it is impossible to stop our birthdays but it is definitely possible to prevent signs of ageing. There are various treatments available to stop your skin from ageing; a few of them are as follows:

• Nonsurgical and surgical treatments:

In the early days of ageing skin, you might get advised that going for non surgical skin care treatments can give satisfactory results. In the case of sun damage; dermabrasion, chemical peels or laserbrasion can be used alone or also in combination with some other surgical treatments. In surgical treatments deeper lines are treated by soft tissue enhancement or botulinum toxin (BOTOX) treatment. In the case of sagging skin under the eyes, blepharoplasty could be beneficial.

Now, we will look at some of these treatments in a little more detail:

• Chemical peels:

Chemical peels are used to make your ageing skin more smooth, and also to remove fine lines. Chemical peels are helpful in removing the thin upper layer of the skin in order to expose the newer skin. Chemical peels are effective in areas around the mouth and eyes.

• Dermabrasion:

To treat ageing skin, dermabrasion is very efficient in removing lines and scars and also in treating skin damage due to the sun (photo-damage.) Dermabrasion is done by sanding away the upper layer of the skin. Unlike chemical peels this treatment is associated with bleeding. There are variations in doctors’ skills and techniques and so the wound cannot be controlled as evenly as it can be in laser resurfacing technology.

• Laser resurfacing:

With the advanced technology now available, it is possible to use high energy lasers to treat scars, sun damage and various other skin problems. With laser resurfacing, accurate depth control over larger areas can be maintained. Before opting for this method for treating your ageing skin; you need to discuss with your doctor about all its positive and negative effects.

These are the extreme ways to treat wrinkles but to treat early or moderate wrinkles you can use Renova Retin-A topical crème. This crème is very effective in reducing wrinkles and skin discoloration. It also gives your skin a smoother feeling by removing the roughness of your facial skin. So you can opt for Renova Retin-A to deal with the first signs of ageing.

Nothing can be better for any individual than a healthy and glowing skin to show off. Not only young men and women, but also people in the older age group desire to have a glowing skin. It requires a lot of efforts to develop and maintain such a glow on the face. It needs long term care of the skin, dietary restrictions, proper cleansing and use of good cosmetics to get that desirable glow on the skin. Here are some glowing skin treatments revealed for you –

· A facemask prepared from honey and milk can be used to remove the tanned look of the skin.

· One more way to get a glowing skin for people with oily skin is to dab buttermilk on the skin. This will absorb the oil from the skin and increase its glow.

· A mixture prepared from yogurt, honey, oats and groundnuts can be applied on the face for a smooth skin.

· Some skins are very oily. People with oily skin can apply a paste prepared from egg white, lemon juice and grape juice on the face. Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash the face with lukewarm water. Doing this once in a week gives a nice glow to the skin and also reduces the oiliness of the skin.

· One more homemade face pack can be prepared by using 1 portion of cream, 1 portion of honey and 3 portions each of papaya and cocoa. This face pack should be applied on a clean face for around 20 minutes to obtain a good glow on the skin.

· Some vegetables act as natural cleansers. One such vegetable is cucumber. The juice of cucumbers can be mixed with milk and applied on the face for a nice cleansing effect. It should be washed off after 15 – 20 minutes.

· A cut wedge of lemon can be gently rubbed over the face for 10-15 minutes. This gives a wonderful glow to the skin when practiced once a week. However, this should be avoided by those who have a dry skin.

· People longing for a smooth and shiny skin can mix a few spoons of honey in their bath water everyday. This makes the skin glow without making it very dry.

· Thin slices of apple can be rubbed on oily facial skin to get rid excess oil production on the face.

· A paste prepared from almonds and mint leaves, mixed with lukewarm water can be applied to the body. This will make the skin very smooth and shiny.

· Applying a mixture of honey and tomato juice over the neck and face will help you to get a fair complexion.

· Carrot juice can be applied to the skin every day for a healthy glow on the skin.

· Pineapple pulp mixed with coconut water can be applied over the skin to give a cooling effect to the skin.

· A healthy toned skin can be obtained by a applying mixture of rose water and vinegar on the face.

· Scars and marks on the face can be removed by using a paste of carrot juice and pineapple pulp. This can be applied to the face regularly to get rid of the scars on the face.

These simple home remedies can be used effectively for a beautiful glow on the skin. Vitamin C and kojic acid cream is also an effective mode of treatment for getting that beautiful glow on the skin, which everyone wishes for. Vitamin C acts as an anti-oxidant, which stimulates collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is an important requirement of the body. An external source of collagen is very essential as the production of collagen decreases as age progresses. Exposure to the sun can also decrease the collagen content of the body. Vitamin C increases the production of collagen in our body and helps in minimizing the scars, wrinkles and lines. Kojic acid is very similar in action to hydroquinone. It can prevent the synthesis of melanin in the body and gives a lightening effect to the skin. Vitamin C and kojic acid can be rubbed on the skin twice daily and left for 10-15 minutes. This will not only give a very healthy glow to the skin but also make it look very beautiful and attractive.

Three fourth of our body is composed of water and we keep losing it in different forms like: perspiration, tears, urination etc. So it becomes significant to make up this loss by drinking  a sufficient amount of water.

Lack of water in the body leads to dehydration and that eventually results in increasing wrinkles. Studies have proved that water can help in reducing wrinkles as it hydrates your skin; but only if taken in adequate amounts. Thus water and wrinkle reduction is closely related.  Minimum 6 to 8 glasses of water should be drunk to keep your body hydrated. However, those who do a lot of physical activity should drink at least 10 glasses of water every day.

To maintain healthy and glowing skin; drinking plenty of water is necessary because it is helpful in flushing out various impurities and all types of toxins from your body. Deficiency of water leads to crumpling of the skin and that results in wrinkles.

Without moisture your skin can not be healthy and nourished. Wrinkles are formed when the upper layer of the skin beings to thicken and the subcutaneous layers begin to shrink. This takes place when the dermis becomes incapable of supplying blood nutrients to the upper layer of the skin. Drinking lots of water can resolve this problem and will eventually help in reducing wrinkles. So to keep your skin well moisturized you must drink plenty of water.

Experts say that water can cure various sicknesses and for skin care it is mandatory. Water is the best remedy for acne and wrinkles. Why is water so important in skin care, especially in wrinkle reduction? Think about the few crucial points given below:

• Water is the best natural medication, without side effects.
• Water is counted as the best diet drink in reducing wrinkles; rather than any caffeinated drinks.
• Drink a sufficient amount of water to prevent the early signs of wrinkles.

Remember, not to compensate for water with other beverages such as: tea, coffee, soft drinks or alcohol. These beverages can cause harm to your skin rather than giving any benefit to it. For reduction of wrinkles, consumption of water is a must.

Water not only helps in reducing wrinkles but also is effective as a whole to make your skin healthy and glowing. Skin care and water are interlinked and hence water plays a vital role in skin care. You must be aware of most skin care experts’ advice to drink a lot of water to keep your skin healthy. Water stimulates blood circulation and gives your body the feel of being relaxed and revitalized. It replaces the moisture of your body which is lost in everyday activities.

So that is how water is important in skin care and especially in the reduction of wrinkles. Now, make it a habit to drink lots of water to keep your skin from ageing; and stay younger for longer.

All individuals long for a clean and clear complexion. While some may say that a good skin is God’s gift, you can enhance the glow on your skin and make it very beautiful and attractive with some easy-to-use tips. Here are some clear skin secrets for everyone who wishes to have beautiful skin –
•    Keep an eye on your diet – many food items like chocolates and fried foods spoil the healthy glow of the skin. Chocolates are harmful to our skin, when eaten in plenty. Also, eating fried food like chips and French fries can increase the oiliness of the skin and block its pores. This results in blockage of sebum that can lead to the formation of acne and pimples.
•    Setting up a routine – it is important to make a habit of taking off your make-up before you go to sleep, everyday. You have to wash your face with plenty of water till your face is completely clean. This should be a part of your daily routine that has to be strictly followed.

•    Proper cleansing – a correct cleansing routine is essential for the healthy glow of the skin. The correct way of cleansing begins with finding the right cleanser. You should select one that is not too harsh and has ingredients like salicylic acid to prevent acne. Before applying the cleansing lotion to the face, you should wet the face with warm water. Then, massage the cleanser on the skin surface for a minute and rinse the face with lukewarm water. Practice this every day to maintain the attractiveness of the face.
•    A good moisturizer – there is a myth that people who have an oily skin, do not need moisturizer. This is not correct. Not using a moisturizer will make the skin more dry and leads to increased secretion of oil over the face. Moisturizing is as important as cleansing to all individuals who want a clean and clear skin.
•    Use a foundation that does not contain dimethicone – dimethicone is commonly used in several cosmetics and can be a trigger factor for acne. Try to search for a good foundation cream that does not have dimethicone, especially if you are prone to acne.

•    Keep your make-up brush clean – many times we pay a lot of attention to our skin and take regular care of it, and forget the tools we use! However, it is important to clean the make-up brush also, as excess oil from the skin can stay on the brush and harm your skin when used again and again. Clean your make-up brush regularly with a brush cleaner or a mild hand soap.
•    Give enough time to your skin – it takes some time to see the results of your skin care routine. You should patiently wait for 1-2 months to actually see the results of these beauty secrets on your skin. Continuing the routine will not only give you a healthy and clear skin but also delays the signs of aging.
These beauty tips can help you to get the skin that you always desired to have. To accentuate the glow on the skin, you can use Cutivate topical that contains fluticasone. It is a topical agent that can be used in treating skin disorders that cause redness and swelling of the skin. It is a very good medicine for treating acne and viral infections like chickenpox. Use this topical agent to get rid of the skin conditions that rob you of your beauty. Applying Cutivate topical will give you a clean and clear skin and make you look very beautiful and attractive.

Acne is the most common skin disorder that is usually found in adolescents. It typically begins at puberty and in several cases, is cured by itself by the age of 22-25 years. However, some patients may complain of severe scarring of the affected parts with lot of pain and itching.

For the effective treatment of acne with scarring, it is important to understand the causes of acne.

Causes of acne

• Hormones: The several hormonal changes that occur in the human body at the time of puberty are the main culprits in the formation of acne. Also, some females may complain of acne with scarring during pregnancy, due to the hormonal changes in the body during this period.
• Contraceptive pills: Sudden hormonal changes in the body due to stopping and starting of the contraceptive pills can be a triggering factor for acne. For women who are already suffering from acne, this can result in severe scarring, with pain and itching of the affected part.
• Medicines and drugs: Some medicines and drugs can cause side effects and lead to acne in some individuals.
• Excessive use of cosmetics: Greasy make-up can block the pores of the skin, which can result in blockage of sebum. This can cause acne and scarring in some women. Proper care should be taken while selecting and applying the cosmetics to prevent the occurrence of acne.
• Genetic: Several cases of acne are genetic in origin. Also, the severity of acne and its complications like scarring also have a genetic link.

Treatment of acne and scarring

Treatment of acne involves a careful evaluation of diet, a proper use of cosmetics and some medications. The following food items should be avoided by patients of acne with scarring-

• Increased intake of dairy products
• Salty food
• Deep fried food
• Peanuts
• Processed food items
• Food containing complex carbohydrates
• Refined sugar

A diet that will help in the prevention of acne with scarring and give a glow to the skin is given below-

• Fresh vegetables: All fresh vegetables especially green vegetables, carrots, tomatoes and beans are very good for the skin and should be eaten in plenty.
• Fruits: Fruits are very beneficial to the skin and do not contain complex carbohydrates that are harmful to the skin.
• Whole grains: Wheat, oatmeal, pastas, brown rice should be regularly included in the diet to avoid acne and scarring.
• Food rich in proteins and low in fats: Fatty food can increase the oiliness of the skin and aggravate the acne, leading to scarring.

Besides this, it is important to wash the face regularly with plain water to keep the pores of the skin open. This allows the skin to breath naturally and prevents blockage of pores. Also, the excessive use of cosmetics should be avoided. One should be careful while selecting the brands of cosmetics.

Some medicines can help in treatment of acne and scarring in an effective manner. Patients can use Clindapene gel that is a combination of Clindamycin and Adapalene, for treating cases of acne and scarring. Clindapene gel can be applied to the affected part twice daily, after washing the face with plain water. A thin film of the gel should be applied evenly over the entire affected part. While applying, care should be taken to avoid lips, eyes and mucus membranes.  Patients can see the results with this gel within 10-12 weeks of treatment. This is one of the most effectively used topical agents for the treatment of acne and scarring.

Michelle, all of 19 years is looking forward to the New Year party at her friend’s terrace. From the clothes to the matching shoes and bag, dangling earrings, she has everything in place. But she wakes up on the eve of the party to see a pimple on her nose which makes her feel miserable. There are many teenagers like Michelle who suffer from this extremely common skin disorder known as acne. Though adults go through the same ordeal too, it is more prevalent among the youth.
Acne is a skin ailment which basically shows up in the form of blackheads, pimples, cysts or whiteheads. The hair follicles or pores that are present in the skin contain oil glands known as sebum. These oil glands lubricate the hair and skin. During teenage years, sebum is produced in excess as a result of which the pores get clogged. This leads to growth of bacteria inside the skin cells and results in swelling and redness which ultimately grows into a disastrous pimple. Such pimples or cysts generally appear on the face, neck, shoulders and back. Acne can also occur due to the following causes:
•    Hormonal changes
•    Menstruation cycles
•    Certain medications
•    Oil based cosmetics
•    Genetic reasons
•    Stress increases sebum production
Some measures to control and prevent acne troubles:

1. It is very important to keep your skin clean. Wash your face with a cleanser or a mild soap.
2. Follow a healthy lifestyle. Avoid eating junk food, chocolates, fattening food stuffs, aerated drinks etc. as they largely contribute to acne.
3. Whenever you buy any skin care products like face wash, cosmetics, cleanser, body wash, sunscreen lotion make sure that they are oil-free. To ensure this, you must always look out for words like ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘oil-free’, or ‘non-comedogenic’.
4. If you have long hair that falls on your face and goes up to your shoulders, make sure you wash it frequently to prevent excess secretion of oil.
5. There are some medications available in the form of creams and lotions containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which help in treating acne. However, they should be taken after consulting a doctor.
6. Some people prefer natural therapies since they are safe and devoid of any side-effects. An effective remedy is a paste of sandalwood and turmeric powder mixed with little water.

Acne on the face and shoulders is a common phenomenon especially among the youth. Once you spot any form of acne, panic should be the last thing on your mind. Worrying about it will make the condition worse. Instead handle acne with the right acne treatment like natural remedies at home and medications. Similarly, investing time in a daily skin care routine will go a long way in preventing acne troubles.
About Benzac AC:
Benzoyl peroxide marketed under the name Benzac AC is recommended by dermatologists worldwide to treat acne due to its antibacterial properties. The composition of hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl chloride eliminates the dirt present in the pores of the skin and removes the excess oil produced by the oil glands. Benzac AC is available in the form of gel and cream. Keep the following in mind while using Benzac AC.
•    Follow the instructions for usage as given on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. It is normally applied twice a day in the morning and night respectively.
•    Wash the affected areas then apply a small amount of Benzac AC. Always wash your hands before and after use.
•    In case it comes in contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water. Benzac AC might bleach hair or clothing. Be careful during application.

Inflammation of facial skin is caused by various conditions. Rosacea is one of the skin conditions that cause face redness, small red bumps and skin inflammation on face. It is a problem which occurs frequently and keeps on getting worse with each occurrence. One may mistake rosacea for acne or eczema but this is a very different skin condition altogether. Rosacea occurrence is in phases and with each bout the condition aggravates. This condition rarely clears up by itself and if left untreated may lead to facial disfigurement.

What are the symptoms of this skin condition?

•    Facial flushing

•    Facial swelling

•    Facial skin hyper-activity

•    Facial papules

•    Facial pustules

•    Rhinopyma

•    Ocular symptoms

•    Facial burning sensations

•    Lumpy facial skin

•    Facial telangiectasia

•    Facial redness

Probable causes of the facial skin inflammatory condition:

•    Spicy food

•    Alcohol

•    Sunlight

•    Wind

•    Hot food and drinks

•    Strenuous exercise

•    Hot bath or sauna

•    Corticosteroids

•    Stress, anger, embarrassment

•    Extreme cold and hot temperatures

•    Some drugs which dilate the blood vessels

Some suggestions to prevent the flare-ups:

•    Avoid overheating

•    Avoid alcohol

•    Apply a suitable sunscreen

•    Do not touch or rub the face frequently

•    Use water-based facial skin products

•    When outdoors wear a scarf

•    Avoid facial products containing alcohol, acid and other irritants

Some triggers which can cause skin inflammation on face among others:

Anxiety, stress, intimacy, excitement, embarrassment, crying, laughing, concentration, estrogen, birth control pills, post menopause, spicy foods, overeating, hot beverages, alcohol, sleeping, migraines, lying down, exertion, toners, sunscreen, moisturizes, extreme hot or cold weather among others.

Some home remedies for skin inflammation on face:

The redness, pain, dryness and itching that occur along with skin inflammation need immediate treatment to get relief.

Cold Compresses

Cold compresses are likely to reduce the skin inflammation. They also provide relief from the itching and burning from sunburn and eczema. A cool gel pack or a towel dipped in cool water should be applied to the affected area. Avoid applying the cold compress on broken or peeling skin as it may lead to infections.

Active Ingredients Cream

Topical creams available over the counter are also helpful in treating this skin problem.

Bath Home Remedies

A cool shower should work wonders to the inflammation of facial skin, pain and irritation. Soaking in a colloidal oatmeal bath should provide relief from the inflammation and itching. Avoid soaking the skin when it is broken or dry. In this case, gently pat a wet towel on the affected area.

Facial and Body Cleansers

Some antiseptics, deodorants, antibacterial and perfumed soaps may harm the sensitive skin on the face and body, aggravating the inflammation, pain and itching. A gentle moisturizer for sensitive skin may be used.

Moisturizer

Daily cleaning and moisturizing are considered essential home remedies for providing relief against skin inflammation. Moisturizer acts as a protector of the damaged skin. To avoid skin inflammation, dryness and itching a non-fragrant moisturizing lotion or ointment should be applied immediately after cleansing.

Sun Protection

Inflamed skin is very vulnerable to sunburn. Care should be taken to stay indoors to the maximum. In case it is necessary to go out in the sun then a suitable protective sunscreen and protective clothes should be worn.

DesOwen

DesOwen is a topical corticosteroid and it provides relief by decreasing the inflammation and itching caused due to skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, insect bites, rashes, allergies, poison ivy and other irritations.

skin care for dryness

A common perception is that dry skin is a result of lack of oil in the skin. This is far from the truth. The fact is, dry skin indicates lack of water or moisture in the epidermis (outmost layer of the skin). The situation is like when you put a soft slice of bread in a toaster for a couple of minutes-the bread become dry, hard and crumbly. This is so because the heat gets rid of the moisture.

A dry skin problem can be very bothersome. The feel of the skin is like it has been stretched. It can be painful also. The appearance might look red or dull or flaky. The worst part is the itching.

What are the causes of extreme dry skin?

Moisturizer:

Not using a moisturizer properly is one the causes of dry skin. Applying moisturizer on dry skin is not likely to help to keep skin dryness away. In fact, the result may just be the opposite. Moisturizer is to be applied when the skin is damp. This way the moisture in the skin is protected.

Using moisturizer that is not suitable to your skin or is of inferior quality can also cause dry skin.

Dry Air:

Dry air is possibly the most common reason for dry skin, particularly during the winters. The moisture is drawn out of the skin by dry air. The dry heat generated by a furnace can also result in dry skin. Skin dryness is also caused by the cold, harsh winter.

Long, hot showers:

Too much exposure to water, particularly hot water can glean away the natural oils that shield the skin. If the skin feels tight after you step out of the shower, then it is a sure sign that it has dried out.

Soap:

Soaps form one of the major causes for skin dryness. A child going to school or someone working in the office just does not get dirty enough to warrant a thorough soapy body scrub. The areas which should be cleaned with soap should be the face, arms, armpits and the groin. The rest of the body can be rinsed with water.

Too much washing of hands can also land us in trouble. Though it is meant to keep off the germs, excessive hand washing can dry the skin of the hand and may cause it to bleed and crack, creating more problems.

Medication and Drugs:

Some medications that result in skin dryness are drugs for:

•    High blood pressure

•    Acne and other skin products

Skin care for Dryness:

•    Avoid using soap

•    Use the right type of moisturizers

•    Moisturize your house

•    Wear fabrics which feel comfortable

•    Avoid fabrics which irritate the skin

•    Direct sun exposure should be avoided

•    Take a balanced diet

•    Avoid alcohol

•    Avoid caffeine

•    Avoid smoking

•    Exercise regularly

•    Get proper sleep

Beta Val Cream:

Beta Val Cream has been found to be effective in treating various skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, rash, allergies, etc. Your skin can lose moisture and feel dry even if you have any of these ailments. This medication is a medium strength corticosteroid and works by reducing the itching, swelling and redness that normally occur in these skin conditions.

Acne marks and scars are the result of response of your skin cells to the active acne that shows inflammation. Sometimes skin tissues that overgrow also cause acne scars. These acne marks make a person feel really uncomfortable and sometimes make the person look old. However, there are a few tips that are easy to follow and some safe medications, with which you can keep acne marks at bay. Let’s take a look at these easy to use and quick techniques to fight acne.

Tips to Remove Acne Marks

• Prepare a paste of powdered and roasted pomegranate skin with lime juice. For best results, use fresh lime. Apply over whiteheads, blackheads, boils, pimple and acne. Leave for approximately 10 minutes. Wash and pat dry.

• To stop acne marks from reappearing, drink coconut water empty stomach daily. It just cools down your body and cleanses your body as well.

• Apply Aloe Vera gel on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash with water and pat dry. Aloe Vera fades acne marks and is beneficial for skin. If acne marks are not very severe Aloe Vera would wipe them out with prolonged use.

• Mix milk and lemon. The quantity of lemon would be little as compared to milk. Wash your face with this mixture every day. It lightens your skin and erases the acne marks if used continuously.

• Peel and grate a raw potato. Make a pad by putting it into a muslin piece (cotton fabric) and tying tightly. Rubbing this pad for 5 -8 minutes in circular motion all over the face and then washing it off will help the skin get rid of acne marks and blemishes.

• Apply a paste of rosewater and sandalwood on your face. Leave for about 10 minutes. Wash and pat dry. Continuous application will help acne spots go away.

This was about quick and easy steps for acne marks removal. However, quite a few times, you must have observed that the intensity of acne marks and spots is just so extreme that these home remedies won’t help. In such a scenario, you need to use medications. The creams available in the market sometimes contain harsh chemicals that may harm your skin. Let’s take a look at a medication that is much safer for your skin and takes off, these severe acne spots, scars and blemishes. Before using this medication, consult skin care expert, to know in detail about the product.

Tazorac for Acne Removal

Tazorac (Tazarotene) gel and cream 0.1% is an effective and safe to use product that relieves you from extreme acne marks and spots.  Tazorac has been clinically found to be an effective and safe remedy to ‘kick out’ acne spots and give you smooth skin. You should consult your doctor or skin care specialist for detailed information on the product before using this product. Most of the people that have used this ‘topical retinoid’ Tazorac, have been found to have benefited from this medication, barring a few ‘not too serious’ side effects. Tazorac speeds up cell turnover rates and keeps pores away from blockages. Since skin cells don’t continue to clog the pores with the usage of Tazorac, acne marks and comedones get significantly reduced.

Remember ‘Annie Hall’, the Hollywood classic where Alvy Singer quotes “Sun is bad for you”? We all are aware of skin tanning, the process of tanning or darkening skin color through exposure to the sun or with the help of a tanning bed. Well, I agree, moderate exposure of skin to the sunrays is beneficial for the body, since it aids in the production of vitamin D. However, exposing your skin to a little too much of UV rays, be it to the sun or tanning beds, can have a deteriorating effects on your skin. Let’s take a look at ‘how your skin suffers due to tanning’.

Disadvantages of Tanning

• The DNA of the epidermal cells of skin gets damaged due to UV rays, initiating enzymes that rush to rectify the damage caused. However, the fact is, these enzymes are not always successful in repairing the ruptured DNA and it ultimately triggers mutations that increase the probability of skin cancer. Moreover, continuous excess sun exposure is a bane in the form of photo ageing, which leads to spots, sagging and wrinkles on the skin.

• Solar UV rays are categorized into UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC poses no threat, since most of it gets absorbed by the Ozone layer. However, UVA and UVB are far more dangerous. Recent research has discovered that UVA can be more carcinogenic than UVB. It causes more harm to Karetinocytes or skin cells where majority of skin cancers initiate. The World Health Organization and The National Institute of Health have reported that both UVB and UVA are the initiators of skin cancers.

• It doesn’t matter where UV radiation comes from, sun or tan beds; it is associated with skin damage and skin cancers.

• A research in 2002 found that using tanning devices was linked to approximately 50% increase in the possibility of basal cell carcinoma and up to 100% increase in the chances of getting squamous cell carcinoma.

• The International Cancer Research Organization reported in 2007 that people who used tanning devices before the age of 35 had approximately 75% greater risk of developing Melanoma, a severe form of cancer.

• Devices like tanning beds often employ mostly UVA emitting fluorescent bulbs with little amounts of UVB. UVA emission through tanning devices has up to thrice the intensity of UVA in natural sun light. UVB radiation from an artificial source is almost equal to bright sunlight.

• People for tanning claim that it’s a good method for producing vitamin D by skin, essential for bone health and helps in reducing some cancers. However, the fact is, vitamin D can be obtained through supplements without risking your skin for these cancers.

• Tanning salons often claim that safe UV exposure is good for skin, however, studies have found that tanning salons often exceed “safe” UV exposure limit. Years of research has proved that sun bed tanning increases the probability of non melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.

• Exposure to excess UV light leads to the formation of wrinkles and makes the face rough and dry. It also leads to freckles, blisters and discoloration of skin.

This is about the various deteriorating effects of skin tanning on your skin. The trend that used to be considered cool in the 30’s is no more “in”. So I would just suggest, protect your skin and look healthy!