Posts Tagged ‘celebrity tans’

If you must tan…

Friday, April 15th, 2011

There is still a feeling by many that tan-looking skin is preferable to pale.  We’re still working to buck this perception Rome wasn’t built in a day. So, for those who still want the glow but have at least gotten the message that they should do it without the sun, here are some suggestions by NBC’s Today Show  style editor, Bobbie Thomas on the best of sunless tanners.

Note: this is not an endorsement of any particular product…just an endorsement of getting the look you want in a safer way:

1. First up, cult favorite “Big Bronzer” by Cargo Cosmetics. The jumbo oversized palette will instantlBuzz from Bobbie Thomas_1302394347737y warm up your face or body. With just a hint of shimmer, you can quickly apply a little or a lot for a natural looking glow.
2. For an even easy-to-apply application simply swipe on a little color… Kate Somerville’s Tanning Towelettes are paraben-free, streak-free and mess-free, while Dr. Denese’s Glow Younger Self-Tanning Gloves will do the same and offer anti-aging benefits.
3. New on the bronzing scene is Temptu’s Summer Skin 3 Step Air Pod system–perfect for die-hard spray tan fans who want to give it a go at home.
4. Last but not least, if you want a faux glow without the long-term commitment, L’Oreal and St. Tropez both offer great “1 Day” options that easily wash away with soap & water.

PS:  The timing has never been better for encouraging your teen to try sunless tanners. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, which officially opposes indoor tanning and supports a ban on indoor tanning for non-medical purposes, most tanning salon patrons are white females in their teens and 20s.  And not coincidentally they also point out:

  • Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.
  • Melanoma is increasing faster in females ages 15-29 than males in the same age group. The torso is the most common location for developing skin cancer which may be due to deliberate tanning.
  • Studies have demonstrated that exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning can lead to skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma.

    • So consider Bobbie’s sunless tanners recommendations or take those of the AADA and just say no to tans altogether.

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    Posted in Science and Studies, Smart Prevention Practices | No Comments »

    Not Fare

    Monday, November 15th, 2010

    Whether it is the news of a high profile person dying of Melanoma, such as Stephen J. Cannell, or shows like Showtime’s The Big C being based on a patient terminally ill with the disease — or even the vampire-chic pale skin, it’s good to see media trending towards the no-tan-zone.  So, maybe my world and my reading is a little cancer-centric, but I still found it surprising to see this ad from Jet Blue:

    jet blue

    I’m sure Jet Blue is a fine airline, but I’d prefer they find another way to encourage fliers.  Tanning, even for free, is not worth the trip.

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    Posted in Updates | No Comments »

    Indiscriminate Melanoma

    Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

    Stephen J Cannell passed away in early October at the age of 69, due to complications from Melanoma. The creator of “The Rockford Files” and “The A Team,” Cannell produced more than 40 TV series including “Baretta,” “21 Jump Street,” and “Wiseguy.” Certainly his loved ones will suffer the loss as much as any who lose a family member or friend. But when a high-profile personality falls victim to Melanoma it does help raise awareness and the point that this is not a disease that can easily be won even with access to the most expensive of doctors and treatments.

    It is an equal opportunity assailant.

    The good news is the money IS being well spent in research and seems to be starting to pay off. As I wrote about Bob Marley and other celebrities who have suffered and lost to Melanoma, vigilance is key, no matter your walk of life. Regular screenings at MoleSafe can SAVE LIVES via earlier diagnoses. In addition, as requested by the producer’s family, you may choose to honor someone with a donation to the American Cancer Society …or the Melanoma Research Foundation or the other organizations they list who are also doing excellent research towards finding better treatments and hopefully a cure:

    If you know others doing great work, please share!

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    Posted in News/Events, Personal Stories | No Comments »

    Spotlight on Melanoma

    Friday, May 14th, 2010

    Some might say that celebrities are over-exposed to the spotlight. And per our recent post on tanning, we’re seeing some celebs at least starting to minimize their over-exposure to sunlight (though sunless tans still abound), which helps raise awareness for skin cancer. Even the the legendary Bob Marley died from a cancer whose primary source was an acral melanoma under one of his toe nails. Bob Marley

    Rare but tricky to spot sometimes, Acral melanoma accounts for about 5% of all diagnosed melanomas. It is, however, one of the most common forms of melanoma in Asians and people with dark skin, accounting for up to 50% of melanomas that occur in people with these skin types. (And this is very important since recent studies have shown that Hispanics and African Americans tend to delay seeking diagnosis or treatment.)

    Acral melanoma is often referred to as a “hidden melanoma” because these lesions occur on parts of the body not easily examined or not thought necessary to examine. It develops on the palms, soles, mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth, nose and female genitals) and underneath or near fingernails and toenails.

    Here is what it usually looks like on each area of the body:

    Palms of hand or soles of feet: Melanoma usually begins as an irregularly shaped tan, brown or black spot. It can be mistakenly attributed to a recent injury.

    Under a nail: The first sign may be a “nail streak” – a narrow dark stripe under the nail. A new nail streak not associated with recent trauma, an enlarging nail streak, a wide or very darkly pigmented streak, or a nail that is separating or lifting up from the nail bed should be examined by a doctor.

    NB: Acral melanoma can also develop without any obvious nail streak – particularly the non-pigmented variety.

    Include these areas in your skin self-exams especially during a celebrity-style manicure or pedicure!

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    Posted in News/Events, Science and Studies, Self Exam | No Comments »

    A Lighthearted Look at Dark Tans May Help

    Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

    The tanning bed culture is still, sadly, alive and hard to quell.

    A new study released as shared by ABCNews says that "Increased regulation and warnings about the dangers of habitual tanning have not curbed visits to tanning booths, much to the chagrin of doctors and public health advocates,” and may even be "addictive” in some people.

    The NY Daily News goes on to explain that "though the research did not definitively prove that tanning is an addiction, some researchers think that, for some people, it can be:

    … In the study, 421 students were questioned about their tanning habits. Some 229 of the students used indoor tanning beds. In this group, some 30 to 40 percent met the psychiatric diagnostic criteria for addiction (depending on the scale that was used). The tanners in this group also reported higher use of marijuana, alcohol and other substances, and more anxiety symptoms. Dr. James Spencer, spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology, told ABC News the study was “an eye opener.” “We think that tanning gives a brief cosmetic change for a lifetime of problems with skin cancer and wrinkles,” he said.

    However, there’s good news and bad news from Hollywood on trademark tans.

    In another story from NYDailyNews.com, a visual exposé of "Tanorexics” as they were called, shows that many celebs are opting for self-tanners, eschewing the skin-aging, sun-baking version.  ’Tanorexics’

    That’s the good news.

    The bad news is:

    a) they are still fighting to achieve that look at all and

    b) some of them are doing it, well, pretty poorly – the worst of them even earning

    ’Oompa Loompa’ is Not a Good Look for Skin

    titles like "Oompa Loompas” or

    "radioactive.”

    As NYDailyNews.com also says, "tons of stars are sporting some seriously over-the-top tans.”

    “Oompa Loompa” is Not a Good Look for Skin

    We are heartened that the publication is taking blatant sides, and even heartthrobs are fair game. Captions like this may help move the needle on popularity more to the side of natural pale:

    “New York city hotelier Andre Balazs may have been named one of GQ’s Top Ten Most Stylish Men in America, but his summer color is so last season.”

    or:

    “Las Vegas” actress Molly Sims is one gorgeous girl – but even a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model can’t pull off the leathery look.”

    Let’s hear it for the sunless goddesses like Bebe Neuwirth or Kate Winslet. Bebe Neuwirth

    kate winsletFor more inspiration, you can even see Listal’s top 60 "Pale Actresses”!



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    Posted in News/Events | 2 Comments »