r uv ugly?

We live in a world where being tanned and bronze equals beauty. To get this result, we use sun beds to create a lasting impression of beauty and it does something that makes us feel good. But have you ever considered what it's actually doing to your skin?

I was having a little walk around my local shopping centre where I got stopped by someone asking if I wanted to take part in a UV scan where you can see if your skin has been affected by natural sun or sun bed damage. 

I automatically said yes because I was intrigued by what state my skin is in. I have to stress here that I have never used, seen or stepped foot near a sun bed. I know people who have and do use sun beds regularly and I am known to be very vocal about my opinion of them.

 I filled in a quick form and I stood in a booth where they took a quick picture of my face.

RESULT; aren't I a dashing lady?

I was told that the small dark areas on my upper lip and the edge of my forehead is where I had caught the sun a bit but everything was fine and to carry on with what I was using to protect my skin. It was quite surprising to see how visible my freckles were but how amazing is that? Imagine what your skin would look like if you were a regular user of sun beds? You may look tanned, bronzed and ready to hit the beach on your holiday but is it worth the risk of getting skin cancer? One trip is enough to get you hooked to sun beds and enough to cause long lasting damage that can't be reversed no matter how much you spend on skincare creams. 

I use SPF on a regular basis, either in my moisturiser or in any makeup that I use. I try to stay out of the mid-day sun as much as possible (easy enough task in Scotland!) and I slather on sunscreen like it's no-one's business when I'm on holiday anywhere hot. It's the little things that make a big difference to your skin, whether you are conscious of the damage or not. 

If you notice any changes to your skin whether it be a mole, freckle or a patch of skin. It's recommended that you see your GP.

Do you use sun beds? Have you ever thought about the underlying damage to your skin?

Vanessa

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