Not So Fun in the Sun
Living in Arizona many things make up an average summer, heat, swimming and tanning. Yes, to a true Phoenician getting that healthy glow is a vital part of the summer routine but there are certain realities of tanning that have to be faced. Many are unaware that the first sign of damage to the skin is a tan. This is caused by an excess amount of melanin being produced to attempt to protect the skin’s outermost layer. In result of the damage the skin’s aging process is sped up causing wrinkles, liver spots (age spots) and even skin cancer.
There are two major types of skin cancer, non-melanoma and the deadly melanoma. The most common types of non melanoma are called the basal cell and squamous cells. They are found in nearly 60,000 individuals annually. This shockingly high number is a direct result of the sun exposure received daily. The melanoma is a malignant cancer which can be cleverly disguised as a mole. Luckily there are some pretty significant differences and an easy way to remember what to look for. When determining a regular mole from cancer, look for these 5 differences.
A- Asymmetric, the mole looks extremely different from one side to another
B-Border irregularity- the mole is not round
C-Color- the mole appears very dark, and almost black
D-Diameter- the mole is unnaturally large
E-Emerging- the mole is new and seemingly popped up over night
Particularly when summer is coming near, everyone should check for the dangerous aftermath of tanning. Arizonians should be better informed of the risks of tanning and listed below are some healthy ways to evade the sun and acquire a bronzed bod.
1. Try a fake tanner/moisturizer like Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer, available at CVS for $7.99.
2. Go to Forever 21 and get a pair of aviator sunglasses that shield the sun for just $4.80 or go for the buy 2 for $9 deal.
3. Head on over to EOS tanning located on Camelback and 44th street and get sprayed down for just $25 to get a great tan that lasts a week.
4. For a perfect bronze make-up fix use sugar cosmetics tropic tan for $25, available at Sephora.
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This page was last modified on 20 August 2007 at 08:17
