New York, NY – As the temperature drops and winter lingers, women are seeking ways to warm up their dull winter skin. Taking a note from Hollywood A-listers, many are abandoning the fake-baked looks achieved from UV tanning in favor of a more natural glow. This is an important and timely shift, as research shows that melanoma incidence among young women ages 18-39 has jumped an alarming 800 percent in the past 40 years1. Additionally, there is evidence showing that just one indoor tanning session increases users’ chances of developing melanoma by 20 percent, and each additional session during the same year boosts the risk almost another two percent.

This new trend of natural radiance means having youthful and refreshed skin, not wrinkles, age spots and a leathery appearance. “A glowing skin tone can be achieved through a healthy skincare and sun protection regimen,” said Skin Cancer Foundation spokesperson Amy Forman Taub, MD. “Adopting sun safety is a great way to keep your skin looking youthful, and will help prevent future sun damage, which often presents itself in the form of premature skin aging.”

To help brighten winter skin, Dr. Taub and The Skin Cancer Foundation offer these tips:

Protect Against Sun Damage

Sun protection is a crucial tool in the battle against premature skin aging. More than 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun. Since UV damage is cumulative over a lifetime, it is something to be concerned about on a daily basis. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends adopting a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing (including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses) and wearing sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or higher, applying about one ounce (a shot glass full) to all exposed areas.

Shimmer Like a Pro

A proper skincare regimen is essential when working toward a healthy, glowing complexion. Follow this routine to help achieve glowing skin:

1. Start with a Morning Cleanse­– Glowing skin starts with proper cleansing in the morning, and remember- it doesn’t have to lather or foam to work. Many cleansing cloths, for instance, don’t lather, yet take all the effort out of face washing.

2. Smooth on a Serum– If using a serum, try one with Vitamin C, which has anti-aging benefits.

3. Apply Moisturizer with Sunscreen– Next, reach for a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.

4. Prime the Skin­– A primer creates a smooth canvas for makeup.

Go With Your Own Glow
Through The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Go With Your Own Glow™ campaign, the Foundation strongly advocates embracing one’s natural skin tone. The campaign encourages women to love and protect their skin, whatever its natural hue. For those who can’t resist the bronzed look but won’t sacrifice their health to achieve it, consider sunless (UV-free) tanners. They are available in many different formulations, including creams, lotions, gels, pump sprays, aerosols and wipes.

About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.