Addicted to Tanning?
January 31, 2011
New research shows that some people may be as addicted to tanning at indoor tanning facilities as alcoholics are addicted to alcohol. According to the study, approximately one-third of college students who visit indoor tanning facilities might be considered to be “addicted” on the basis of criteria used to diagnose substance abuse addiction. These findings bolster those from previous studies, which found sunbathing (both natural and artificial) to be habit-forming. According to past research, people who persist in visiting tanning beds can experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not get their needed UV-ray exposure. This research helps explain why some people insist on regular visits to tanning facilities despite widespread warnings of the potential dangers of skin cancer.
P.S. One sign of tanning-bed addiction is having missed a scheduled social, occupational, or recreational activity due to the strong desire to visit a tanning booth instead.
Moisturizing Dry Skin
January 25, 2011
To avert the dry skin that inevitably comes with colder weather, avoid long showers or baths and apply a moisturizer upon emerging from the tub or shower. Moisturizers have two basic types of ingredients: “occlusives” (such as petroleum jelly and oils), which coat and protect the skin, and “humectants” (such as glycerine), which attract moisture and temporarily hold it against the skin. While it may seem logical that skin absorbs moisture or oil from a moisturizer, it does not actually work that way. The skin absorbs little from a moisturizer. Instead, the moisturizing effect comes from the protective factor (usually some form of petroleum jelly or oil) and from the humectants. The moisturizer keeps the skin’s own moisture from evaporating.
P.S. It is best to apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin.
The Villages Office