summer's almost here...

Everyone likes a nice golden tan. In today's society it's a sign of health and beauty. But long term exposure to the UVA and UVB rays can cause wrinkles, age spots, change in texture and thickness due to the drying out of skin, and even skin cancer.
But sunlight exposure also gives us an important element-Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps keep bones, teeth, and joints healthy by giving you a higher bone mineral density. It also protects against heart disease, depression, cancer, strokes, and osteoporis.
Tanning beds seem to be very popular these days. They provide a beautiful tan in only minutes, and they've also been shown to make people feel better. However, when in the bed, your eyes are exposed to radiation levels of up to 100 times more than the sun.
Doctors say that "no tan is a good tan" and "any amount of exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer". But this doesn't mean we should lock ourselves inside and fear the sun. It simply means to be smart. Here's a few tips:

1. use a bronzing cream or self-tanning spray
2. if you go to a tanning salon, do not go longer than the recommended time.
3. if you tan outside, use sunscreen-frequently.
4. it is best to avoid tanning in the sun between noon and 3pm when rays are strongest.
5. Protect your eyes! Wear sunglasses outside and goggles when tanning inside.
6. use an after-tan lotion to moisturize your skin.