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The New Coca-Cola Tanning Trend – And Why We Don’t Recommend It

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

There is newer trend in tanning appearing on social media that involves putting “Coca-Cola” on the skin as a way to enhance a tan. Quite frankly, I cannot wrap my head around the thinking process or lack there of when it comes to this Cola-Cola” tanning trend. It is beyond comprehension. This is absurd on so many levels, unless of course the objective here is to find the fastest direct route to damaged, sun-burned, wrinkled skin with an increased risk of skin cancer.

First, take a look at this list of Coca-Cola ingredients directly from the Coca-Cola website:

“Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color,

 Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine. 

I guess the thought process here is to use the Carmel Color to stain the skin, giving the appearance of a tan. Believe me, there are definitely better, healthier options out there for achieving a fake bake look from body bronzers to spray tans. Check out my last two blog entries for my latest experience and lessons learned with airbrush spray tanning.

The Phosphoric Acid alone is enough to stamp “recipe for disaster” all over this one! Phosphoric Acid is a corrosive. This means it can remove the enamel off your tooth or polish old metals and coins. And… people want to put this on their skin? Nooo thank you!   Remember even simple exfoliation increases your risk of burning and sun damage when exposed to UV radiation.

Second, Thirty years ago we didn’t have the scientific support to enlighten us about the dangers of UV radiation. People used to apply baby oil and tanning oil and lay out on silver reflectors to get the deepest, darkest tan they could. But, the days of ignorant bliss are over! We now know that ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds is a HUMAN carcinogen! Say it with me…, “HUMAN carcinogen!” – That’s bad! Not even a tan can make that look good.

Third, if corrosive material and skin cancer isn’t deterrent enough, then for beauty’s sake, please! There are safe ways to get glowing skin! According the Skin Cancer Foundation, “an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. “ Going outside unprotected is a sure fire way to develop an earlier onset of wrinkles, lines, rough texture and blotchy skin.

And Fourth, it’s gross! You will be a walking feeding frenzy for flies and other sugar seeking creatures like one of those sticky fly strips… a corroded, wrinkled, walking, sticky fly strip.

I rest my case.

 

Sincerely,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

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My Educational Airbrush Tanning Experience: Important To Know Before You Go

Wednesday, July 19th, 2017

My airbrush tanning adventure was definitely a learning experience. Being inexperienced with spray tanning, I collected several tips along the way. I must say I did not anticipate the number of considerations when searching for a streak-free experience! The devil is definitely in the details here! While, I had an in-depth conversation with the owner of Body Bronze ahead of time, I still found there were many things I wish I would have thought through in advance!

After weighing out the specifics of my research, and my one booth spray tan about 15 year ago, I decided on Body Bronze in Champaign for my airbrush tan experience because:

  • They use a hand-held airbrush spray system for thorough, even detail, unlike a spray booth.
  • Each room is equipped with a ventilation system to immediately remove the mist from the air.
  • You can choose the depth of color you prefer (sun-kissed, light, medium, dark and anything in between). I chose sun-kissed to light, which was plenty of color for a girl who is not used to seeing herself with a tan. However, they offer options for all preferences
  • They offered two types of solutions for a range of shower times to fit most schedules.

When You Call To Schedule Your Appointment:

  1. Don’t be shy! Tell them that you are new to airbrush tanning! Ask for an explanation of what you should expect. Ask for their advice on what you can do to get the best outcome.
  2. Ask about your options. They likely offer different types of solutions that vary in dry time. It is important because your dry time will dictate your life until you can shower for the first time.
  3. You will be assigned a “shower” time at the end of your appointment. This is based on the solution and color depth you choose. I would recommend asking for an approximate shower time when you schedule your appointment. Keep in mind that you will be sticky and very dark until you are able to shower. I made the mistake of scheduling my spray tan prior to a meeting. This was not the best plan.  I had some explaining to do.  Lesson learned!

72 + Hours Before Your Appointment:

  1. At least 72 hours before your appointment, kick up the hydration! Moisturize your whole body every day if you are not already moisturizing on a daily basis.
  2. If you are planning on waxing, do it a few days prior to your spray tan. Removing the wax will also remove your spray tan in those areas.
  3. If you are planning a mani or pedi, do it prior to your spray tan. Exfoliation, rubbing and chemical can remove your spray tan. I did not think about this ahead of time and therefore, missed out on my planned pampering. Instead I carefully painted my nails on my own and missed out my “me time. “ Lesson learned.

24 Hours Before Your Appointment:

  1. Shave – Try to shave 24 hours before your appointment instead of right before your appointment. This will lessen the chance of getting solution into your pores because it can leave dots of color on your skin, which is not likely to be the look your shooting for.
  2. Exfoliate – your whole body while in the shower. Avoid the use of oily salt or sugar scrubs. Instead just use an exfoliation mitt or washcloth.
  3. Moisturize – Keep your skin well moisturized 24 hours prior to your spray tan. Well-moisturized skin will accept the solution better than dry skin.

The Day Of Your Appointment:

  1. Shower / Exfoliate – Your best bet for avoiding a blotchy, uneven spray tan is to thoroughly and evenly exfoliate your entire body again the day of your spray tan. Using an exfoliation mitt or washcloth will do the trick. Because I was still a little paranoid about streaking, I had an in-office microdermabrasion treatment for a thorough exfoliation on my face and common dry skin areas (underside of wrists, hands, knees, ankles…) to assure an even application. That worked great! My tan was even all over and fading very evenly as well.
  • Be sure to pay special attention to dry skin areas like your elbows, ankles, knees, feet and hands.
  • Avoid oily sugar or salt scrubs as they can leave a residue on your skin that can effect the absorption of the tanning solutions.
  1. Arrive with clean skin – Do not apply lotions, sunscreen, perfume, deodorant or make-up the day of your appointment. If you must wear make-up or deodorant, the spray tan facility you choose is likely to have wipes for you to remove your make-up and deodorant but you should check with them in advance or bring your own oil-free / alcohol free wipes.
  2. Dress The Part – Arrive to your appointment with loose fitting, dark clothing and loose flip fops or slides. Tight clothing can rub off some of the solution leaving you with a funky tan and stained clothing.
  3. It’s A Process – It takes time for the spray solution to process. You will have to wait 2-12 hours to shower. Your technician will give you an exact shower time. During this time, you will also need to avoid sweating, washing your hands, or getting wet (might want to check the weather forecast, consider rescheduling if you are likely to get caught in a downpour!).
  4. Shower Time – Once your waiting period is up, rinse your body in lukewarm water. You will see lots of color rinsing off in the shower. Continue to rinse until the water is clear. Do not use washcloths or soap during this first shower. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Do not rub your skin with towel. Cover your entire body in a good moisturizer. Once you have showered, your tan will continue to develop over the few hours.

THINGS THAT CAN SHORTEN THE LIFE OF YOUR TAN:

  • pools / hot tubs
  • scrubs
  • AHA’s / BHA’s
  • retinol
  • masks
  • pore strips
  • benzoyl peroxide
  • waxing
  • mani / pedi
  • shaving

One Last Thing:

A spray tan is not a substitute for sunscreen. Contrary to popular wives tails, it will not stop you from getting a sunburn. Use sun protection and avoid exposure when possible.

Sincerely,

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Microdermabrasion, Non-Surgical Treatments, Products, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Ask Our Expert – Tanning to Cover Sun Damage

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

Ask Our Expert Blog

Q:  Now that summer is over, my tan is fading.   I have dark brown patches and spots on my face that are making me feel very self-conscious.  If I use a tanning bed through the winter months to stay tan, will it help hide these brown spots?

A:  Stop…  Back away from the phone…  Do not schedule a tanning appointment.  Covering up sun damage by getting more sun damage is never the answer.

First, understand that the UV radiation (exposure to the sun or a tanning bed) is the reason these unwelcome spots are appearing on your face in the first place.  Though tanning your skin may initially camouflage them, those spots will become darker and multiply very quickly. Not only that, but eventually these unwelcome visitors will bring friends in form of lines, wrinkles, broken blood vessels, and poor skin texture.  Your skin is giving you an initial visual warning.  It is saying “STOP abusing me or else!”  And believe me, “or else” means it will punish you by introducing you to lines, wrinkles, large pores, and rough texture next!”

Many people find themselves caught in the same viscous circle.  They develop sun damage.  Then to cover the sun damage, they sun tan. Then they develop more sun damage.  It isn’t until the sun damage is so bad that it can no longer be hidden, that people truly realize what they have done to their skin.  Your best bet is to give your skin the protection it is demanding and begin to correct the sun damage that is causing you to feel self-conscious.

So let’s talk about ways to correct your sun damage.  There are many options that will help you to some degree or another.  It is important to seek advice from someone who specializes in aging, sun damaged skin such as a Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.  They will help you match the amount of sun damage you have to the appropriate treatment. Usually the less expensive options are less aggressive and therefore give less result or require multiple treatments.  If you are someone who is willing to be patient, some of the less aggressive options may work well for you.  I will start with the least invasive options and work up.

Topical skincare treatment:

1.      Avoid sun exposure as much as possible and protect your skin faithfully by applying a medical grade physical sunscreen every single day of the year, not just when it is hot or sunny. (THIS IS A MUST NO MATTER WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SOLUTIONS YOU CHOOSE)  We have 4 medical grade sunscreen options available here for our patients to meet the needs of any skin type.

2.      Use a prescription skin lightening agent with retinol every night for 6 weeks.  Both of these will help lighten the brown spots over time but you will need to be patient.

3.     In addition, applying Vitamin C and E topically to the skin every morning may also improve your spots.

4. Talk with an experienced medical skincare specialist within a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon’s office.  Ask her or him to build a medical-grade skincare program for you based your skin injuries. Remember that there are no magic creams out there but there are some scientific based medical skincare products that will make great improvements to your skin.  However, you must be faithful in applying them as directed. 

Chemical Peels:

There are several formulations of strengths when it comes to chemical peels.  I suggest you seek an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon to develop your chemical peel plan.  Chemical peels have a quantitative effect, so typically you would expect to have multiple peels. You need to protect your skin from UV radiation and use a physical sun block every day.

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatments:

Intense Pulsed Light can improve both brown spots and redness.  You should plan on three to six treatments depending on the severity of your sun damage.  Expect redness and swelling for a few days following each treatment.  Your brown spots will get darker before they get lighter.  Then they will come to the surface and flake off.  Again you will need to protect your skin from UV radiation and use a physical sun block every day.

CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing:

CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing is typically the best treatment for sun damage in the form of brown spots, melasma, lines, wrinkles, and the break-down of collagen and elastin.  In most cases this is a one- time treatment. You will need to take about four days off from work or social activity as you will be swollen, red and your skin will peel between days three and five.  This option will give you the best non-ablative results available if preformed by an experienced laser practitioner.

 

Roxanne Hammond

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Laser, Products, Skincare & Aging, Sun Protection | 2 Comments »

“Dying” To Get A Tan

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

How many of you are “Dying” to get a tan?”

The following facts below were provided by The Skin Cancer Foundation.  As I am a strong believer in the duty to make educated choices, I wanted to share these facts with you.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.

Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

About 65 percent of melanoma cases can be attributed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Melanoma accounts for about three percent of skin cancer cases, but it causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths.

One in 55 people will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.

One or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than double a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.

A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns at any age.

Frequent tanners using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to the dose they receive from sun exposure.

People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.

The average annual melanoma rate among Caucasians is about 22 cases per 100,000 people. In comparison, African Americans have an
incidence of one case per 100,000 people. However, the overall melanoma survival rate for African Americans is only 77 percent, versus 91
percent for Caucasians.

More than 20 Americans die each day from skin cancer, primarily melanoma.

One person dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 62 minutes).

Still “DYING” to get a tan???

 

 

Roxanne, Skincare & Laser Specialist

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Skincare & Aging | 4 Comments »