Here are 10 things to know if you are a tanning fan or have ever been one –
- Tanning beds are proven NOT to be safer than tanning under the sun. Evidence shows that tanning beds, booths, and sun lamps are not safe. Just one session at a tanning salon can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology has posted these numbers – melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and basal cell carcinoma by 29%.
The FDA requires tanning equipment to be labeled with the warnings and risks of developing skin cancer if used.
It is sad to say, however, many young adults are unaware of the risks of using indoor tanning facilities. Although skin cancer is more common in men than women, there is evidence that women that frequent indoor tanning facilities before the age of 30 are 6x more likely to develop melanoma. - This fact is in the form of a myth. Going to an indoor tanning facility to obtain a base tan can help to prevent a sunburn. This is simply not true. Every time you burn in the sun or tanning facility, you damage your skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
- A single visit to an indoor tanning facility can cause serious injury. Severe burning can occur as evidenced by emergency room visits across the US as well as eye injuries from too much exposure.
- Tanning makes your skin age and at a much faster rate. It damages the DNA in your skin, also increasing the risk of skin cancer. Indoor tanning has also been associated with early wrinkles, age spots and the loss of skin firmness.
- The skin needs Vitamin D and some people believe that a tanning bed is an alternative method for getting more Vitamin D into the skin. This is simply not true. The lighting in tanning beds use mostly UVA light. It is UVB light that causes vitamin D to be absorbed into your skin. If you believe or have been told that you are vitamin D insufficient, a supplement is much safer. Consult a healthcare specialist.
- There is evidence available that shows tanning can become addictive. Approximately 20% of young people between the age 0f 18-30 show signs of addiction to this treatment. If a steady dose of UV rays is not achieved, it has been said to cause anxiety and even depression.
- Not a considered risk as much a concern, tanning can cause stretch marks to appear more noticeable.
- A common experience of tanning salon customers is that they receive false and sometimes misleading information. The U.S. House of Representatives ran a study that revealed a shocking discovery. The study showed that when tanning salon staff were asked questions about the risk of indoor tanning, investigators noted that 90% of the staff stated that there was minimal health risk. Some even stated that there were actually health benefits from indoor tanning. The report stated, “The vast majority of tanning salons contacted by the Committee investigators provided false information about the serious risks of indoor tanning and made suspicious claims about the health benefits that indoor tanning provides”.
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. “False and misleading health information provided to teens by the indoor tanning industry.” Published February 1, 2012. Last accessed April 11, 2018. - A tan is considered by many to be a very desirable look when it comes to appearance. However, tanning, whether it be outdoors or indoors can have dangerous consequences. While tanning can sometimes be associated with a healthy look, it is quite the opposite when it comes to skin health. The fact is, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Tanning increases your risk of skin cancer and tanning salons are a major contributor to the incidence of melanoma.
Worldwide, there are more skin cancer cases related to indoor tanning than lung cancer cases related to smoking. - Finally, when you make the choice not to tan, or at the very least reduce your exposure to the harmful rays, you are taking an active role in managing your skin wellness. Another must would be to always use sunscreen as a daily applied task. The CDC provides estimates that suggest which by eliminating the use of indoor tanning, melanoma incidence could be reduced by a significant percentage that would lead to thousands of lives saved.
