With lots going on in the sporting world and on Sydney’s social scene, I’m wondering, has anyone woken up on this lovely Monday looking like this as the result of a botch spray tan job from the weekend past?? I’m feeling healthy, fresh, and ready to take on the week after making sure I lathered up on the suncream while enjoying the warm weather out on the beach these last few days 🙂
For those of you on the beach rubbing in the oil right now, yes YOU, perhaps read up on the dangers of tanning oils first…you might want to rethink:
http://www.ehow.com/about_5465473_tanning-oil-dangers.html
– Posted from a shady corner of Shelly Beach, watching hundreds baking.
Although it’s more along the line of ‘lighthearted news’, this article from the US certainly highlights some of the lesser known dangers of tanning – now, I’m not saying that spray tans will make you go on a naked rampage but……..
[Photo courtesy of www.dailytelegraph.com.au]
“While tanning oils themselves aren’t harmful to the human body, it’s what they are used for that can cause some serious problems.” –Â http://www.livestrong.com/article/252239-what-are-the-dangers-of-tanning-oil/#ixzz2fycKu4sl
On this 32 degree day I’m sitting in the shade on the steps along the beach at Manly, watching scores of people rubbing tanning oil onto their skin to ‘help’ them tan. Isn’t it scary that it’s exactly the same thing your mum does to the roast chicken or turkey to achieve that tough, brown skin? And indeed, tough brown skin is what you’ll get after prolonged use of tanning aids such as oils and sun beds. Aside from the serious health risks such as cancer, which I have already extensively outlined, there are some real aesthetic downsides to it too. While a tan might make you look good temporarily, the look of them barely lasts beyond Autumn, but I can guarantee the effects do:
“In addition to the risk of skin cancer, tanning excessively contributes to ageing quickly. Tans may cover cellulite and give the appearance of clear skin; however, the skin actually looks worse once the tan fades. Premature wrinkling is an enormous side of effect of tanning.” –Â http://www.ehow.com/about_5465473_tanning-oil-dangers.html#ixzz2fydiwA3m
With all the horrendous side effects associated with trying to achieve a natural tan, it’s any wonder why people are still resorting to such lengths. And according to recent reports, the health effects of fake tans look to be just as serious. By definition, fake tan is “[a] lotions, sprays, creams, mousses and combined moisturiser and fake tan products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical or vegetable dye that temporarily stains the skin, giving a tanned appearance. The dye interacts and binds with the dead skin cells located in the upper layer of the skin. The colour comes off when the dead skin cells flake off – approximately 1 week after application.” http://www.cancer.org.au/content/pdf/CancerControlPolicy/PositionStatements/PS-Fake_tans_August_2007.pdf
They contain a range of different chemicals like carcinogens, nano particles and DHA, some of which have been linked with contributing to serious health issues including hormone disruptions leading to birth defects, infertility and breast cancer, genetic mutation, DNA damage, and irritation of the skin and lungs. While some of these chemicals like nano particles do have some other useful functions, scientists’ lack of knowledge on the behaviour of these particles on a small scale means we should be very cautious as consumers.
Secondly, as Australia’s Cancer Council points out in its ‘Position Statement‘ for fake tan, there seems to be a misconception that fake tan acts to provide UV protection for our skin for the duration of the ‘tan’:
“Some people who use fake tans mistakenly believe that a tan will provide them with protection against UV radiation. As a result, they may not take sun protection measures, putting them at greater risk of skin cancer.” –Â http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/causes-of-skin-cancer.html
While it is undeniably more beneficial (health wise) for the tan-obsessed to use any number of alternative skin products that achieve a bronzed look in a much safer way, the sheer volume of these products available indicates the real underlying societal issue – that people need to be tanned, no matter what. Indeed, the Cancer Council’s number one recommendation in relation to fake tan is:
Whether its real tan or fake tan, you’ll likely end up either with health problems and wrinkles or streaky orange legs that smell a little like urine. There are plenty of skin products available in supermarkets and at beauty stores that are designed to moisturise and enrich our natural skin, giving it a healthy glow no matter what colour. A few of my favourites include:
[Photo courtesy of steamykitchen.com]
[Photo courtesy of http://www.rent-a-home.com.au]
With temperatures set to climb in Sydney during the week, it is important that we all stay sun smart and protect our skin. But there are still heaps of ways to enjoy the outdoors and get a bit of Vitamin D! Here are some cheap, easy and awesome outdoor activities for all you sun-lovers can try that will get you out and about without seeing you all fry yourselves for that tan!
1. Go kayaking or paddle boarding: When the wind is right and the sun is bright, there really is nothing better than a morning kayak or paddle board around Sydney’s spectacular harbour. Head down to Manly Wharf to hire one out for the hour at the bargain price of $20! I promise you won’t regret getting up just that little bit earlier to be out on the water taking in the picture perfect views.
2. Dine in at Opera Bar: I don’t think anyone could argue that Sydney’s Opera Bar is one of the ultimate places for a relaxing drink and snack with undoubtedly the best view in the world. Nestled right under the Opera House itself, Opera Bar offers a range of drink and food options for prices that wont break the bank. With plenty of shaded seating available, there is no better place to settle in for an afternoon with friends or family.
http://www.operabar.com.au/
3. Pat a kangaroo at Taronga Zoo: No other animals in the world are treated to the same views on offer to the creatures at Taronga Zoo. Located on the water’s edge in Mosman, Taronga Zoo offers endless fun for adults and children alike. With daily animal shows and interactive learning, the open plan zoo is a fantastic place to stroll around on a sunny day – you can even rest your feet and take a ride on the gondola! So pop on down and get acquainted with some of the coolest animals that walk the earth!
http://taronga.org.au/animals-conservation
4. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk: An all-time favourite past time of those who love the beach and don’t mind pounding the pavement for their daily dose of outdoors and exercise. The best part is (other than it not costing a cent) is you can jump in the surf to cool off at the end – there’s plenty of gorgeous swimming spots to choose from. So pack your swimmers, trainers, hats and suncream and get on down to Bondi!
http://bonditocoogeewalk.com.au/
Did you know that being pale used to be considered far more attractive and a sign of wealth and class? Here’s a brief explanation about why this was and what caused the change towards the tan!
http://www.history.uk.com/history/drop-dead-gorgeous-part-ii-jess-dyd/
TRUE TONES: What’s wrong with being a porcelain prince or princess? Stay true to your natural skin tone and embrace those pasty jokes because after all, who wouldn’t rather be called pale than a wrinkled raisin?
[Photo curtesy of Sodahead.com]
Considering the prevalence of skin cancer and skin related diseases in our country, and the fact that they are mostly a direct result of excessive sun exposure; I would argue that the Australian government does an “okay” job of raising awareness of the issue across the general population. Undeniably, most people are familiar with some of the more prominent campaigns over recent years that sought to educate on the dangers of sun exposure. This includes the infamous  ‘Slip Slop Slap‘ slogan and accompanying television advertisement launched in 1981 – which has now been altered to include ‘Seek’ and ‘Slide’, sadly to the detriment of the “ring” slogan – which came about at a time when knowledge of the link between UV radiation and skin cancer was only just beginning to surface and become widely known. It remains one of the most successful health campaigns in our country’s history; however, since then, there really hasn’t been much in the way of ‘groundbreaking society changing’ campaigns since, most likely because everyone now knows of the dangers and links to sun exposure and cancer. So the job is really only half done.
It is inexplicable and irresponsible that with skin cancer rates continuing to rise, despite this abundance of information and advice available to Australians, that more is not being done to curb the trend. Awareness is clearly not enough, so I say the government is only doing an “okay” job of addressing this issue for the key fact that they seem to be failing to target the real core of the issue, or at least what I perceive it to be. There is a blatantly obvious stigma among Australians, particularly young people (and it is when you are young that you do the most significant and long lasting damage to your skin), that being tanned is more attractive. This is what needs to be changed. It will be hard as it is truly engrained in many Western societies, a remnant of social class categorisation from centuries ago, that is doing so much harm to the health of our society. Admittedly, the more recent ‘The Dark Side of Tanning – There’s nothing healthy about a tan‘ campaign by the NSW government scraped the surface of the issue, at least in identifying its existence. But again, this is not enough. There needs to be a real and proactive push for this change, for us to get amongst young people, through education and involvement, to change this attitude. Fashion magazines/idols/role models could and should all play a part because at the end of the day, they are what help drive superficial trends anyway.
So this is where Shun the Sun comes in. This is what sets it apart from just being a ‘sun protection awareness’ campaign. I want to go deeper, I want to try to change society’s deeply engrained views of tanning, to really achieve a change that will finally see a dip in skin cancer rates.
CAN THE TAN CAN: Bad spray tans – It is hard understand why young people think that a streaky orange fake tan looks better than the skin they were born in. Sun protection is important, but so is changing people’s attitudes about needing to look bronzed. The two go hand in hand. Tell me guys, which look would you prefer?
[Photo courtesy of glowandgoimaging.com]
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