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kazinja -> RE: How to get rid of a tan (2/3/2007 8:01:03 AM)
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A few remarks, telegram-style because of limited time.
- Quiver’s advice does sound very bad to me. Risk versus benefit is unacceptable for most products. They can contain hydroquinone, hydrogen peroxide, mercury and steroids.
- there is a difference between skin bleaching and skin whitening, brightening or lightening
- only hydroquinone can be classified as bleaching. It can have side effects, most of which are reversible if you stop using it. Medical supervision only. The others are downright scary.
- most products are meant to be used topically only and under supervision of a specialized physician to get rid of local dark spots. Applying such products on the whole of your body is pure madness in my opinion.
- documentation of harmful effects of such products can be found everywhere, thanks to their widely distributed use especially in African countries (where non-medically indicated use is fashionable and big business) and the reports of damage they have done.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PDG/is_2_4/ai_n13559169 and many more.
- SAD or seasonal affection disorder can improve when using broad-spectrum high-intensity lighting. Broad-spectrum is not the same as full-spectrum; the presence of the UV-part is not required here, as has been shown in comparative studies.
- for the conversion of vitamin D into the effective D3 form, the presence of UV(B) light is required though, so there seems to be more to SAD than just UV. Pineal gland, serotonin/melatonin conversion?
- light that appears white to us does is not necessarily full-spectrum, far from it. ‘White’ LEDs e.g. are anything but full- or broad-spectrum (actually a narrow blue band with some yellow provided by a phosphor coating).
Bottom line:
Regular exposure of your skin to daylight is good for you, prolonged daily exposure to direct sunlight is a less desirable thing and not necessary for a healthy life. “10 - 15 minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen” are quoted as sufficient (source NIH), but not during the hours directly before or after noon.
In northern regions during the winter months you may consider vitamin D supplementation and/or commercially available broad-spectrum light sources.
When suffering from SAD you might have problems with your serotonin levels (too much is as bad as too little). A very good biochemistry-friendly naturopathic or orthomolecular therapist might provide help.
Lots of success and don’t touch the bleaching/whitening stuff!
Kazinja
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