What Is the Best Sunscreen?

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Delray Spray Tan

best sunscreenSometimes it may seem overwhelming when choosing the perfect sunscreen for one’s skin. Recently, Consumer Reports did a study on the most effective sunscreens for sale. The least expensive products seem to be achieving the best results. The study tested 22 creams, lotions, and sprays that protect against UVA and UVB radiation.

According to their study, for the second year in a row, Up & Up’s Sports Continuous SPF 30 won top honors. This is a Target store brand. It made the top marks for performance and price at $0.88 per ounce. Other brands that were highly rated as well:

  • Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 30
  • Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof SPF 30
  • CVS Fast Cover Sport SPF 30

In addition, Consumer Reports tested for water resistance products. They had volunteers’ backs immersed for 80 minutes. The 22 products tested held up except for three. The three that lost some effectiveness after being soaked in water are:

  • All Terrain AquaSport performance SPF 30
  • Badger SPF 30
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist

The study revealed that Neutrogena spray and lotion scored the lowest in two SPF categories. It resulted in a poor rating for staining and a fair score for ultraviolet rays’ protection. Additionally, All Terrain’s SPF was an average of 10 percent below its claimed 30.

Even with the ratings for effectiveness, some buyers may still end up purchasing the products on personal preferences. They mainly would choose on how the lotion or spray feels or smells when on the skin. People have said that All Terrain AquaSport performance SPF 30 reminds them of a, “slightly stale oil mixed with plastic.” Burt’s Bees Chemical-Free SPF 30 had users say it reminded them of a strong smell similar to a plastic beach ball.

Not only did Burt’s Bees receive poor reviews on the smell, it got bad reviews on the feel front. The panelists wanted to wash the product off right away. They felt it left quite a bit of pale pink-tinted white residue. They also said it felt waxy, draggy and slightly tacky.

As for the positive reviews, Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 85 did well. The panelists felt it has a slightly draggy residue and smelled like a sweet floral. Target’s Up & Up, that made top choice, has a slight to moderate citrus and floral scent. The volunteers said it has a very slight oily and draggy residue, which they were preferred.

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Important Antioxidants in Skin Care

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Delray Spray Tan

antioxidants skin careWhen it comes to sunscreen, choosing the right one may seem nearly impossible. Dermatologists will always recommend wearing at least a SPF 15 when exposing one’s skin to the dangerous UVA and UVB rays. People living in tropical climates, it can seem like a difficult task to protect the skin at all times. Here are some facts regarding the sun:
    
 

  • The sun’s rays produce vitamin D, but sunscreen blocks the vitamin from forming.
  • UV radiation increases free radicals. Antioxidants counteract the negative effects of free radicals.
  • The skin can turn leather-like from too much sun exposure.

There are natural ways to protect one from the dangerous rays. However, this does not mean avoid sunscreen when exposing the skin. Here are some antioxidants that help defend the skin from the sun:

Blueberries. This fruit is high in vitamins A, B, C and E. It contains more antioxidants than any other food. The outside dark layer and high substance of antioxidants guards this berry from the sun’s rays. In addition, they help protect us too.

Carrots. This vegetable contains the antioxidant beta-carotene. In the body, it is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a role in preventing skin cancer, maintaining moisture in the skin and repair cells from sun damage.

Flaxseeds. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, this aids the skin in healing. In addition, it keeps the skin membranes smooth and optimally functioning.

Goji Berries. Some people refer to this as a super fruit. It comes from China with great amounts of vitamin C and carotenoids. These are two skin supportive nutrients. They are known to aid in a nicer complexion.

Hemp Seeds. Not only does this play a major part in our skin’s integrity, it is high in essential fatty acids. This also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can ensure a subtle glow and potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemons. This vitamin C antioxidant helps protect against free radical damage. Additionally, it is a natural cofactor in the production of collagen, and aids the skin to repair after sun damage.

Raw Cacao. This is a super food with the highest antioxidant flavonoids content out of any food tested. It contains sulphur and beta-carotene, which are important nutrients for healthy skin.

Raw Honey. In its unpasteurized structure, it is rich in the whole scale of nutrients. It boasts an excess of active enzymes, amino acids, minerals, probiotics and vitamins to help the entire system function smoothly. In addition, it has a strong antimicrobial and skin healing properties.

Water. Needed to maintain healthly skin, hydration is an important factor. Water helps flush away toxins and waste. It also is needed to carry nutrients into the cells.

These are a few items to help for healthy balanced skin. Although, it does not mean one should eat blueberries and walk in the sun unprotected. However, by taking in these antioxidants and vitamins, one can significantly help protect and repair the skin

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What Is Spray Tanning?

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Delray Spray Tan

spray tanning delraySpray tanning, also called sunless tanning or airbrush tanning works by applying a special mist on the skin. Here at Scrub & Tan, the sessions are all hand applied to ensure no streaking. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the chemical that reacts with the dead skin cells, where it cosmetically dyes them brown. This chemical is how the skin achieves a golden brown color similar to a suntan.

Does sunless tanning work?

The airbrush tanning temporarily makes the skin golden brown, not orange. The reaction to the chemical changes the color of one’s skin tone. There is no need to concern with smear because we hand apply the spray tan for an extremely detailed service. Even for fair-skinned people who normally burn in the sun will benefit to achieve a golden look from a spray tan.

Does airbrush tanning last?

There are certain measures to take before tanning to obtain that optimal golden tone. On average, the airbrush tan can last 5-10 days. Some factors that help maintain the glow are exfoliating before the session, using certain soaps and moisturizing the skin regularly.

Here is a quick lesson on dermatology. The top layer of skin sheds naturally in order to give way to newer skin. The top layer of the skin is dyed by the DHA. Once that top layer wears off, the tan begins to fade.

How to maximize spray tans?

Before a session, one should exfoliate the skin. By exfoliating, this will eliminate the already-dead skin cells. When exfoliating before the session, this will dye the layer of skin that will last for a longer period.

At Scrub & Tan, we offer an exfoliating service before a session. There are seven scrubs to choose from that are all made of vegan and organic ingredients. Each exfoliation session is similar to a massage, and excess scrub is removed with warm towels.

Another way to extend the effects of an airbrush tan, one must keep the skin moisturized. This will keep the top layer from shedding as quickly. Do not moisturize before the session. The DHA will not be able to dye the skin.

After an airbrush session

We always suggest wearing loose fitting clothing when coming for a session. This way on the ride home, one can be comfortable while the remainder of the DHA dries. It is important to try not to sweat or shower for a minimum of five-six hours (overnight if possible). This will allow the DHA to take full effect.

When showering, make it brief with warm water (not hot). In addition, use mild moisturizing shower gels. Avoiding bar soaps, especially deodorant type, will help maintain the tan. Gently pat one’s skin with a soft towel while still damp.

Products to avoid after spray tanning

It is recommended to avoid all products that contain Alpha Hydroxyl Acids, Glycolic and Salicylic Acids. Also, avoid any Retin-A type products. When washing the skin, loofahs, exfoliating mitts and scrubs with will remove the spray tan (use washcloth or shower poof only). Finally, keep away from using any exfoliating soaps as well.

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Celebrity Spray Tanning

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Delray Spray Tan

Even some of your favorite entertainers are getting spray tans. With the number of skin cancer reports growing, especially year round in South Florida’s sun, the trend for sunless tanning is on the rise. It is time to embrace that natural looking glow with an airbrush tanning option. Here are some celebrities already in on the action:

Reese Witherspoon. Reese is a fan of regular spray tanning to compliment her gorgeous blond hair and blue eyes. Although, she gets her airbrush tanning in Beverly Hills, Cali., we would invite her here any day!
Reese Witherspoon

  

Clint Eastwood. Clint may be that classic Hollywood tough guy, but he learned a hard lesson about the dangerous rays of the sun. In 1997, he was diagnosed with early stages of skin cancer. Since then, he has become a patron to the airbrush-tanning world.
Clint Eastwood

  
Anderson Cooper. Anderson also struggled with the sun’s deadly rays. He had a cancerous lesion removed from under his left eye. He stated the lesion was due to overexposure in the sun. Snooki, the Jersey Shore star, took Anderson for his first spray tan. Since then, this silver fox has been hooked.Anderson Cooper
  
Kelly Osbourne. The new and improved slimmed-down Kelly has been taking precautions with her fair skin. She had her first spray tan when appearing on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ At the Grammy Awards, Kelly is always rocking the airbrush tan.Kelly Osbourne
  
Ana Ortiz. Former ‘Ugly Betty’ cast member is another advocate of sunless tanning. Instead of baking in the sun, this actress uses spray tanning on her legs when she is walking on the red carpet.Ana Ortiz
  
Ewan McGregor. In 2008, Ewan was treated for skin cancer. A cancerous mole was found underneath his right eye. He stated, “You have to be careful if you’re pale-skinned and spend any time in the sun.” Since then, Ewan has been a fan of spray tans during his movie roles.Ewan McGregor
  
Kristen Bell. Kristen has been promoting skin care in the sun for many years. In 2008, Kristen said, “It’s an oxymoron to say you’ve got a healthy tan.” “You want to glow.” That is what she has done since her vow to obtain her color from sunless tanning only.Kristen Bell
  
Pamela Anderson. Actress, model, and animal rights activist, Pamela told Famous People Magazine that she had a near-death experience in a tanning bed. Now she will never go in one again. She remembers seeing bright white lights and heard voices. Well…regardless of what happened, she is now a believer in spray tanning for her appearances.Pamela Anderson
  
Mariah Carey. Mariah hires a spray tan professional to come to her home. She spends about $300 for the session. She has the technician pay extra attention to the legs and abs.Mariah Carey
  
Brooke Burke. Another Hollywood beauty is a fan of airbrush tanning. She gets her tans in LA then finishes them off with an anti-aging spray.Brooke Burke
  
Paris Hilton. With Paris, we would not expect anything less. Her spray tans uses real specs of Gold. She is a regular when it comes to airbrush tanning.Paris Hilton

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Dangers of Tanning Beds

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Delray Spray Tan

danger tanning bedsIn recent studies, indoor tanning beds are showing up that they are likely to cause skin cancer more than previously believed. UVA1 are the main type of ultraviolet rays used in tanning beds. It has been recently researched it may penetrate into a deeper layer of skin that is more vulnerable to cancer. The UV rays cause these changes.

This new study came from U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the consideration of banning children under the age of 18 to use tanning beds. The Academy of Pediatrics is in support of this ban. One dermatologist stated if it is illegal for a child under 18 to smoke, then it should be illegal to support tanning beds for them. They both cause cancer and have damaging long-term effects. He went on to say that, it is the single worst thing you can allow a child to do in terms of skin cancer and premature aging.

Recently, there was a study with 12 volunteers exposed on their buttocks with UVA1 and UVB rays. It revealed UVA1 appeared more damaging to the basal layer of skin than the UVB light. A lesion called thymine dimers, which show up on the deeper basal skin layer induced by the UVA1.

As for the UVB radiation, this caused more of the same lesions, but did not go as deep. This may be less likely to cause the changes connected with skin cancer. Note that the difference in wavelengths is UVB waves are shorter. Within the study, these doses were comparable for erythema, also known as sunburn, for UVB and UVA. This is an estimated equivalent to doses needed for tanning in each spectrum.

One myth is indoor tanning salons claims they can help boost the production in the body of vitamin D. This is a sunshine vitamin that the skin makes when exposed to the sun. People are going in these tanning beds and burning their skin. It is toxic no matter how one looks at it when exposing their skin to UVA and UVB rays

One important factor to mention is melanoma, the most dangerous and fatal form of skin cancer, is not an “old person’s disease.” There is no age group that it is prejudice from this deadly cancer. The continuation of exposing oneself to these types of dangerous rays will increase the chances of developing the risk of cancer. When entering the sun, one should always wear protective sun block to prevent the continuation of dangerous long-term skin problems.

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