If you are over 40, do you still tan?

[Anonymous]

I stopped tanning when I was 20, in 1990. My best friend's mom was a Clarins executive and used to criticize us for sunbathing as teenagers. She'd often say "just don't tan your face. Use makeup to give your face color."

I so wish that I had never wasted my time suntanning, but am grateful now at 43 to have avoided the sun for all of these years. I know I look younger than my peers! All the covering up and sunblock has really helped.

Last summer, I treated myself to a spray tan at a spa for a special occasion and loved the look.

I also do allow myslef some brief moments of daily sunshine sans sunscreen, per my doctor. I have to weigh the therapeutic benefits, mostly mood, against the physical damage.

[Anonymous]

As someone who has greasy skin (like an oil slick) getting wrinkles of course has some bearing on sun exposure, but having naturally oily skin will really be what keeps your skin looking great over the years.

I don't seek the sun out, but I also don't completely stay pale. However, at 40 I have zero wrinkles. I also have no stretch marks, no loose skin, perky boobs and no cellulite. I think this has everything to do with the oily skin I got from my dad. He is nearing 70 and looks amazing.

My poor irish husband's skin is a mess and he does not, and cannot tan. He has that thin white skin that wrinkles like a paper bag. He mom looks 75 years old and she in in her 50s.