Mid Brain reports:

As the summer comes into full swing (at least for the Northern Hemisphere) you’ll undoubtedly be shedding those clothes and heading outside to get that soft, golden tan you richly desire. But is that bronzed look the only thing drawing you under those vibrant summer rays? Well, at least a couple of research groups are suggesting that there might be something more going on.

Tanning addiction

Last summer scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston demonstrated that repetitive sun exposure (and tanning bed exposure) may be a kind of addiction. In this study, researchers interviewed frequent tanners using a modified questionnaire tool typically designed to diagnose drug or alcohol addiction. They found surprising similarities between the two groups.

This finding is interesting but we here at The Beauty Brains don’t put much stock in single studies, especially ones based on psychological data. The problem with this type of data is that it is so variable from person to person. Additionally, the researchers could offer no evidence as to why people would be addicted to tanning.

But now, another group may have just found a possible, scientific cause. Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center conducted this study that looked at the feel-good effects of UV exposure. They found that some people actually experienced withdrawal symptoms when they were deprived of the UV exposure.

High on SPF lotion

The reason suggested is that UV exposure releases endorphins in your body which makes you feel really good. It’s the same chemical responsible for the “runner’s high” that some long distance runners experience.

Unfortunately, excessive UV exposure is bad for you causing all sorts of maladies such as wrinkling, dry skin, age spots, and skin cancer. If you find you have a sun tan addiction, start weaning yourself off now. Limit your sun exposure and by all means wear a good SPF lotion. To get that great tan look consider using one of the many sunless tanners out there. They work much better than they use to.

For our U.S. readers who are celebrating the 4th of July, here’s a patriotic-themed post. Take a look at these 1970’s perfume ads.

The first is for “Moon Drops: Not imported From Anywhere. It’s simply out of this world.”

The second is for “Norell: The First Great Perfume Born in America.”

Do you notice anything that they have in common? (Besides their sheer 1970’s-ishness, that is.)

Apparently the advertising for both these products was designed to combat the “Only foreign nations like France can make great perfume” misconception that ruled the fragrance industry until the late 1970s.

• Discount Perfume
• Jennifer Lopez Perfume
• DKNY Perfume
• Versace Perfume
• Men`s Cologne
• Fendi Cologne

Certainly this notion seems out of date today when one considers how many American “born” fragrances dominate the sales charts.

But isn’t a little bit odd how these anti-foreign fragrance ads from 30 years ago predict the anti-immigration debate in the U.S. that’s raging through today’s headlines?

Are these ads a fragrant foreshadowing of things to come almost 40 years later??

Could they prove to be perfumed prognostications of future world events???

Nawww, not really. The Right Beauty Brain just thought they’d make a cool post.

SheFinds gets a sneak preview of The September Issue.

Girlawhirl thinks real world wonders are way more wonderful than stuffed animals.

FocusOnStyle.com and a bevy of fashion writers show you how to rock The Boyfriend Shirt- one shirt SEW many looks!

Would you like to mix your own SPF lotion? The Beauty Brains tell you why that’s a no-no!

Kim Ray’s question… I was wondering if mixing equal parts of sunscreen with lotion would yield the same benefit as applying both separately.  I want the higher SPF of actual sunscreen and the stronger moisturizer of the lotion. It is really hard to find a product that delivers on both.

The Right Brain responds:

We appreciate how tough it is to find SPF lotions that strike the right balance of moisturization and protection but we don’t recommend that you mix sunscreens with lotion. Here’s why…

Two reasons not to mix SPF lotion

First, as we pointed out in our post on The Wrong Way to Apply Sunscreen, certain ingredients that are commonly used in skin care products can interfere with the way UV absorbers deposit/spread on the skin. The last thing you want to do is compromise the performance of the active ingredient in a sunscreen. Not only are you wasting money but more importantly you’re increasing your risk of sunburn or worse!

Second, as Vananners pointed out in our Forum, if you mix an SPF lotion with a non-sunscreen product you’re essentially diluting the sunscreen. So if you mix your products 50/50 you’d have to use twice as much of the mixture to get the same protective effect. And that’s going to make your skin greasy feeling.

The Beauty Brains  bottom line

We’d recommend you keep looking for a sunscreen that provides the right level of moisture for you. Does anyone out there in the Beauty Brains community have any suggestions for Kim Ray?

Mid Brain muses:

First we told you about a better way to get your gray hair dyed. Then we explained how stress causes gray hair. And most recently we we told you how to to get rid of gray hair forever.  Now  we’re blogging about why you should be HAPPY that you have gray hair. (Why all the posts about gray hair? Trust me, if you had to look at the Left Brain’s roots everyday you wouldn’t have to ask that question!) Anyway, the latest news is that gray hair may actually protect you from cancer!

Gray hair is good

Hair color is produced by cells called melanocytes which are in part controlled by stem cells. When the number of stem cells in hair follicles goes down, hair turns gray. Now researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan have discovered that radiation and chemicals that damage DNA can cause stem cells to permanently transform into melanocytes. Without the stem cells to produce more melanocytes, hair turns grey (Cell, vol 137, p 1088). Another researcher, David Fisher at Harvard Medical School, suggests this processes may help protect us from cancer, by preventing damaged stem cells from passing on mutated DNA.  “One likely beneficial effect is the removal of potentially dangerous cells that may contain pre-cancerous capabilities,” he says. So there you have it gals, it’s Gray Pride Day!