I have a beauty regret.
It’s not the 80’s blue eyeshadow or the big permed hair.
It’s not the over-plucked, nearly invisible eyebrows.
It’s not even my platinum blonde stage.
My biggest regret is the years I spent tanning without using an SPF.
The Early Tanning Days
Most everyone loves a golden, glowing tan. I’ve always been no different. I can remember going to the beach (without sunscreen) as a teen. A trip to the beach wasn’t complete unless I went home, fried and lobster-red. The ultimate prize was a bright red sunburn that would “soak in” in a few days because the fast track to the ultimate tan was most desirable. Even when tanning at home, I used to climb onto the shingled roof of the garage to be closer to the sun, while basting my skin in butter. Many times, I’d have huge blisters on my face, back, and chest after a day on top of the garage. The mere thought of having a piece of clothes touch my raw tortured flesh would bring tears to my eyes. Tanning wasn’t an easy job. Yet, my obsession with a golden tan continued.
Tanning in my Mid-Years
In my twenties, I actually had a tanning bed in my house. I’d tan religiously every day, fully believing that the sun’s rays were good for my mental health. Evening relaxation in the tanning bed was always a treat! Even though I knew the risk of skin cancer, I wasn’t overly concerned. At the time, it was a common misconception that tanning in beds was a lesser risk for skin cancer than burning in the actual sun. Even until my mid-thirties, I continued to carelessly tan without sunscreen. Horrified by the dark spots and wrinkles I began to see, I sold my tanning bed. That phase of tanning was over.
The Results of Tanning
I’ve been battling accelerated aging for several years now. And I’m realizing that tanning truly wasn’t worth it. Did I mention the precancerous places that I’m constantly having removed- even on the corner of my eye and on my lip? Well, that’s scary. I don’t want to have a huge chunk cut from any of those places! Besides the actually negative skin health issues, the cosmetic issues- such as wrinkling, elasticity loss, and discoloration- have been brutal. Over the years, I’ve done many painful peels and laser treatments. Fortunately, they have all helped improve my skin health. However, none of those remedies have been pleasant. The corrective procedures and maintenance have definitely been expensive! Oh, the trips I could have enjoyed with the money I’ve spent ( and still continue to spend) on my skin. The sad thing is that the damage seems to appear overnight. One day you are a happy tanner and the next, a wrinkled brown raisin. I’ve definitely changed my mindset about tanning.
My Advice
To my young chicklings, please heed my warning and learn from my experience so that you can enjoy your youthful skin as long as possible. Embrace your sunscreen! Pale skin is more beautiful than ever these days. And if you love a tan, learn to love a sunless tanner. You can buy a year’s worth of sunless tanner cheaper than one trip to the dermatologist.
Here are some of my favorite sunscreens…
Face
( If it’s a mineral sunscreen, I like it tinted to take away the usual “white effect” of mineral sunscreen. Also, it must not feel tacky on my skin!)
Neck
(I like something moisturizing that helps with lines and wrinkles!)
Body
(My family uses this in quantity, so we buy whatever the teens request, or whatever is least expensive. This is my favorite!)
And a few of my favorite sunless tanners/bronzers….
The Tantalizer gives a gorgeous “body makeup” type glow. It washes off with soap and water but makes your skin look flawless. It doesn’t rub off on clothes. You can find it here.
The Neutrogena mist is fantastic for faces! I lightly mist my face at night, after my shower. You can find it here.
The Nu Skin is my new favorite! It has a pleasant smell and is a beautiful color. I purchase it from a friend.
Remember…..love the skin you’re in now.
Take care of it, and it will love you back for many years!
