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Soaking in some color

Spray tans with DHA safe alternatives to sun exposure

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Paul Corrie of Fit to Be Tan. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

May was National Skin Cancer Awareness month, dedicated to increasing awareness for prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. But I already know what you’re thinking — I don’t want to look pasty white!

So what are the alternatives to sun exposure and skin cancer? How can you get that healthy glow without the risk of skin cancer or ruining your skin? Sunless spray-on tanning is your best bet and is a practical alternative to sunbathing. “Airbrushing” Hollywood-style is popping up everywhere, but is it safe?

Applied correctly and carefully, most sunless spray-on tanning products containing Dihydroxyacetone, DHA are safe. For the purposes of this article I am referring strictly to spray-on tanning and in particular hand-held airbrushing and not sun tanning lotions and creams, which may contain additional chemicals.

I was first “exposed” to a sunless tanning product almost 20 years ago and I came out looking like a Sunkist orange, not pretty. And I was at one time a spray-on tan devotee and was also airbrushed, but never really thought the results looked authentic. Not to mention my trepidation when inhaling the unknown chemicals, staining my clothing and having orange palms. While I won’t mention the brand of equipment I was using it was the more typical stand-up booth style and while updated, it still exists today.

So how have these techniques evolved over the past couple decades? I discovered a new spray-on tanning salon that specializes in airbrushing that opened recently on the U Street corridor between 16th and 17th Street, NW. Fit To Be Tan, fittobetan.com has joined the ranks of a strip of businesses that is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. From VIDA Fitness, AURA Spa and Bang Hair Salon to Caramel clothing, your options are many. And now makeup and spray-on tanning has been added to the repertoire of image-conscious businesses located all in one area.

Interior designer Paul Corrie, also known as the famous local Peaches from the Dupont Social Club, and his husband, Steve Ewens, opened Fit to be Tan in February. Corrie, an avid spray tanner for 17 years, after his own skin cancer scare, decided to turn his passion for this sun tanning alternative into a business. The flagship shop is in Arlington. The Dupont location also offers professional makeup services by renowned makeup specialist Jaime Vasquez. The technicians go through extensive training and all necessary standardized precautions are used.

The average cost of a single tan is around $50 with package discounts available. While this may seem like a hefty price to pay, think of the risk and cost involved in treating skin cancer.

Most reputable sunless spray-on tanning businesses are using DHA, which was accidentally discovered by the Germans in the late 1920s when it spilled on the skin and produced a brown color.  DHA was approved by the FDA in the early 1970s as a safe cosmetic color additive approved for topical external use only. Today DHA is used worldwide. It’s a simple sugar (glycerin) derived from the sugar cane plant. This colorless chemical interacts with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color change. And since these dead skin cells are sloughed off continually, the color change generally lasts five to seven days. DHA is not absorbed through the skin and into the body and has no known toxicity.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective sunless tanning products are those that contain DHA. Local dermatologist Howard Brooks, medical director for Georgetown Skin, prefers spray tanning to sun tanning and tanning beds and says they’re safe and natural looking.

There are some important caveats to sunless spray-on tanning that should be considered. It’s always advisable to check with your medical doctor who knows about your personal health history before using any sunless tanning products.

And DHA alone does not protect you from sun exposure. There’s no SPF protection and it doesn’t contain UVA or UVB protection.  Also certain medications, such as some anti-depressants, may affect the PH balance in your skin thus altering the efficacy of the product creating a blotchy effect. Hormonal imbalances, allergies and certain foods may also result in a blotchy cover.

It is important to recognize that DHA is not approved by the FDA for inhalation or internal use.  The area of the eyes, nose, lips, and mucous membrane should be fully protected.

Before using sunless spray-on tanning there are certain preparations and aftercare involved such as exfoliating, moisturizing, wearing loose fitting clothing and noting what soaps and cosmetics should be avoided. A qualified technician should have a printed list of instructions to discuss with you prior to tanning. And don’t be afraid to consult with the manager of the salon or lead technician.

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Health

UNAIDS to commemorate Zero Discrimination Day’s 10th anniversary

UN agency urges global action to protect human rights

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A UNAIDS anti-discrimination exhibit at Tocumen International Airport in Panama in 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

As the world marks the 10th anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day; UNAIDS is sounding the alarm on the increasing threats to human rights, calling for renewed efforts to protect the rights of all individuals as a fundamental step towards ensuring health for everyone.

Established by UNAIDS a decade ago, Zero Discrimination Day aims to promote equality and fairness regardless of gender, age, sexuality, ethnicity or HIV status. The progress achieved over the past years is now in jeopardy, however, due to rising attacks on the rights of women, LGBTQ people and other marginalized communities.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasized the critical link between protecting human rights and safeguarding public health. 

“The attacks on rights are a threat to freedom and democracy and are harmful to health,” she said in a press release. “Stigma and discrimination obstruct HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care and hold back progress towards ending AIDS by 2030. It is only by protecting everyone’s rights that we can protect everyone’s health.”

Despite challenges, there has been notable progress. 

At the onset of the AIDS pandemic more than 40 years ago, two-thirds of countries criminalized consensual same-sex sexual relations. They are now decriminalized in two-thirds of countries. An additional 38 countries around the world have pledged to end HIV-related stigma and discrimination, contributing to positive changes that include 50 million more girls attending school compared to 2015.

To sustain and enhance these advancements; UNAIDS urges global support for women’s rights movements, LGBTQ rights, racial justice, economic justice, climate justice and peace initiatives. By standing with communities advocating for their rights, the U.N. aims to reinforce the collective effort towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March 1.

Events and activities that will take place around the world throughout the month will serve as reminders of the essential lesson and call to action: Protecting everyone’s health is synonymous with protecting everyone’s rights.

“Through upholding rights for all, we will be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and secure a safer, fairer, kinder and happier world — for everyone,” said Byanyima.

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Health

New CDC report finds transgender women at higher risk for HIV

More than 1,600 people in seven cities surveyed

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (Photo courtesy of the CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new study report this week that revealed that restricted by employment and housing discrimination and lack of access to needed gender-affirming healthcare for transgender women increasing the risk of contracting HIV. 

Researchers reviewed data from a 2019-2020 survey, the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women, which found that the demographics of HIV/AIDS have been disproportionally high, especially among Black and Latina trans women, who had experienced employment and housing discrimination coupled with lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare.

The Jan. 25 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report was based on data studies of more than 1,600 trans women in seven major urban locales. Participants from Atlanta, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle were chosen by referrals from people and community-based organizations who knew or were part of the local population of trans women.

The study’s researchers noted: “Employment discrimination occurs at the overlapping nexus of poverty, homelessness, incarceration, health insurance, disability, food insecurity and survival sex work. These issues are interconnected.”

The study stated that trans women’s inability to access quality healthcare, including gender-affirming treatment or access to PrEP, and can expose them to potential incarceration as many turn to “survival sex work” and violence, which increases the risk of contracting HIV. 

The study’s author’s pointed out: “When economically marginalized transgender women are refused employment, this refusal cyclically contributes to economic hardships. This analysis …demonstrates the importance of transgender women working and living with dignity and without fear of unfair treatment.”

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Health

A Whole New Perspective on Well-Being

The Mather’s team recognizes that everyone’s wellness journey is completely unique to their life experiences and influences.

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The Mather is incorporating biophilic design—a design approach to facilitate access to nature or things that replicate natural patterns.

It’s easy to spot the distinctive, elegant silhouette of The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62+ opening this spring in Tysons, Virginia. What is not apparent to the naked eye is The Mather’s unique wellness philosophy, which is literally built into the community. 

The Mather’s team recognizes that everyone’s wellness journey is completely unique to their life experiences and influences.

Nature is one of the important factors that contribute to well-being. So The Mather is incorporating biophilic design—a design approach to facilitate access to nature or things that replicate natural patterns. This can include interior spaces with sightlines to a garden, choosing natural wood and stone as interior materials, or incorporating fragrant flowers and plants indoors to spark memories and provide tactile opportunities such as gardening. 

Residents of The Mather will be able to select from plentiful amenities, programs, and other offerings to target their personal wellness goals and preferences.

“Providing biophilic design within interior settings connects residents to the natural world,” says Mary Leary, CEO and President of Mather, the organization behind The Mather. “Research shows that a connection to nature provides positive benefits to mental states and overall well-being. At The Mather, biophilic design is the intersection of buildings and programs with nature in an urban setting.”

“The Mather is attracting a diverse group of older adults,” says Mary. “As a result, we aim to incorporate wellness practices from around the world, including Wyda movement theory of the Celtic Druids, which helps people achieve harmony with nature and contentment through mindfulness.” This holistic regenerative approach is similar to Qi Gong and yoga, while born in a different part of the world. Mather Institute has a special focus on mindfulness to support older adults’ practice of present moment awareness, which can lead to increased overall well-being, compassion, and joy.

A very different example of a wellness offering at The Mather is the Gharieni Welnamis spa wave bed, which uses computer-controlled vibrational therapy and audio frequencies to train the brain to relax. “The bed increases mindfulness, concentration, and creativity—all of which support our mission of creating Ways to Age Well,SM” says Mary.

These and other personalized ways to wellness will ensure that residents of The Mather can choose from seemingly countless ways to focus on their well-being. In other words, the sky’s the limit!

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