We all know that we should use sunscreen. We hear it over and over again, and we know we should obey, but we still want that tan, that beautiful golden tan that makes our legs look fantastic in shorts and swimsuit, that beautiful sun-kissed face that glows.  So, we try to be good.  We slather on sunblock, but then lay in the sun for hours, because after all, we still want that tan.  Wear a hat? Sit under an umbrella? Oh, please!  Remember, we still want that tan.
 
So why not tan?  What’s the big deal?  There is the risk of cancer but, we tell ourselves, we’re not going to get that, at least not anytime soon.   So, we still go for that tan!
 
What is a tan anyway?   
 
We have these cells in our skin called melanocytes.  The job of the melanocyte is to protect the fibroblasts and keratinocytes (other cells I will explain), and the melanocyte does this by multiplying and enlarging to cover and protect these cells.  This protection gives us the tan we desire.   Sounds like a good thing, doesn’t it?  Only problem is that over time, the melanoctye becomes exhausted from the overstimulation.  The melanocyte can no longer adequately protect the fibroblasts and kerotinocytes from the sun, and they begin to be damaged as well.   The exhausted melanocyte has now left you with brown spots and uneven skin tones rather than that lovely tan you loved so much.  
 
The fibroblast is also affected.  It is unable to produce collagen and elastin effectively.  Without new collagen fibers, the skin begins to sag.  We begin to notice fine lines forming under and around our eyes. 
 
Then there is the keratinocyte.  When it is damaged, the stratum corneum, which is the very top layer of the skin, thickens. The keratinocte loses its normal shape and becomes irregular.   This results is thick, rough, course skin.  We have lost that youthful glow to thick, rough skin with brown spots! 
 
Still want that tan?  Don’t believe it will happen to you?  Think it will only happen when you are old, and who cares by then anyway?  Let me tell you something, you will be old a lot longer than you are young.  In order to avoid this, changes need to be made.

The drastic changes involve falling out of love with tanning.  We know that tanning sets off endorphins, therefore making you feel good.  You get addicted, but that addiction will make you look very old and very wrinkled before your time.  
 
Bottom line: wear waterproof sunscreen.  Get one that blocks both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).  Apply it an hour before going in the sun.  Reapply every two hours unless you have been sweating or have gotten wet, and then do it more often.  If you are going to be in the sun for awhile, sunscreen isn’t enough.  Wear a hat, and sit under an umbrella at the pool or beach. 
 
You can wear a self tanner for the suntan you want.  There are some excellent ones out there now, and we offer a fantastic spray tan.  When you are in your 40s you will be glad you did.  A frequent request I get from clients is to fix the tiny lines under the eyes, which are usually the result of sun damage.   Unfortunately, neither Botox or dermal fillers can improve this area. Surgery or the Fraxel re:pair laser work great, but if you aren’t ready for that, consider Obagi.  Obagi is a medical grade skin care program that “heals” that pesky melanoctye.  It evens out the skin tone and starts to slowly peel away the years on your face.  After about six to eight weeks, if your skin isn’t where you want it to be, we can do a blue peel.  I have been on Obagi for about 10 years and have had two blue peels.  I get compliments on my skin all the time.  Next to surgery or laser, it is the best thing to rejuvenate your skin and address those fine lines.