So sorry to disappoint you but there is no such thing as a healthy tan! A tan is visible proof that your skin has been damaged. In my earlier description of the structure of your skin I mentioned cells called melanocytes. These cells produce a dark brown pigment called melanin which gives the skin its natural colour. When skin is exposed to UV rays the melanocytes spring into action by producing more melanin in a bid to absorb the UV and protect the underlying structure. I suppose you could say that melanin is your body’s natural sunscreen but with an SPF of just 2 it really offers only the scarcest of protection. Even if you possess gorgeous skin of colour such as an Afro-Caribbean or Asian skin tone you still need to protect your skin. Yes, darker skin does have increased melanin, but definitely not enough to protect you from the harsh effects of UV rays. The sun may feel good on your skin but UV rays cause the skin to age rapidly - leading to uneven pigmentation, leathery texture and deep wrinkles. Repeated sun exposure can also cause age spots. An age spot is really a solar lento (a tiny bit of pigmentation caused by sun exposure). But the dangers of sun exposure are not just on the surface. Your skin protects your body from destructive outside forces and contains the necessary elements that are essential to the good health of your immune system. The epidermis (outer layer of skin) contains Langerhan Cells which prevent bacteria from attacking your immune system and just a few minutes of UV exposure can damage these cells. The best way to protect yourself is by using an effective sunscreen, of which more later!
This is a fabulous treatment to help brighten and zing up your skin. It's particularly effective at banishing ashy skin and boosting radiance. It also works wonders at unclogging horrid pores and clarifying skin prone to congestion & breakouts. Yogurt is a terrific natural skincare ingredient as it's chock full of gorgeous lactic acid which not only acts as a gentle exfoliant but also has a gentle bleaching action making it rather fab at brightening dull skin. Plain old white sugar is also perfect for skin as its not just rich in glycolic acid (just like lactic acid, this is a natural alpha hydroxy acid) to gently banish those horrid dead skin cells but its gentle enough not to tear or damage skin. Here's What You Need a teeny little bowl 3 tbsp of natural yogurt 2 tsp of granulated sugar (nothing fancy just the regular stuff) Step One - Mix together the yogurt & sugar in a small bowl. Step Two - Gently massage the mixture into...