Tanners Beware! How Tanning Can Affect Appearance

If you’ve turned on the TV lately, you’ve seen that we’ve become a culture obsessed with tanning. This has become even more of a concern in light of the recent “Tanning Mom” story that’s been on the news recently. And, while bronze skin can certainly be aesthetically pleasing, there are serious risks involved.

First and foremost, there is the risk to your health. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, “Long-term exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet rays like tanning beds (or to the sun’s natural rays) increases both men and women’s risk of developing skin cancer.” Now, if the increased risk of developing skin cancer isn’t enough to keep you out of the tanning bed, here are a few cosmetic reasons to boot.

Tanning works by exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. And, while UV rays can create a glowing tan, they can also damage the skin’s elastin and collagen. These are the proteins in your skin that keep it “springy” and elastic. So, what does that spell for you? Wrinkles. Secondly, there’s the issue of age spots, which are one of the biggest red flags when it comes to premature aging. Although these spots are often not medically dangerous, they can certainly be unsightly.

Correcting the Damage

Of course, your health should be your number-one concern. If you find any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths or rashes, consult with a physician right away. If your issues are cosmetic, on the other hand, rest assured that there are a variety of treatments available that may be able to help.

When it comes to facial creases, there are several wrinkle treatments available. The most popular, by far, would be BOTOX® or a dermal filler. BOTOX works essentially as a muscle relaxer, preventing intermittent creases from forming. Fillers like JUVÉDERM® are better suited for deeper, more persistent creases. These work by “filling in” the valleys of wrinkles.

In cases of sun damage, there are also several treatments available. One of the most effective is Laser Skin Resurfacing. During the procedure, light energy is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin, resulting in a smoother, more even skin tone. This is a simple procedure with big results.

Schedule an Appointment Today

To learn more about these or any of the services we offer, we encourage you to contact us today. We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Schedule your Plastic Surgery Consultation at (845) 842-1258. We look forward to meeting you.