What is more prevalent in over 100 cities in the United States than Starbucks stores and McDonald’s? [1] Something that is arguably worse than paying over five dollars for a cup of coffee or stuffing ourselves with unhealthy, fast food – tanning salons. Especially in the United States, having tan skin year-round has gained popularity since tanning beds can provide an alternative to sitting outside for hours and can be used in the cold winter months. Just take a look at celebrities - we see them bronzed and beautiful all the time. And we all want to look like Snooki, right? Well, keeping that glow year-round artificially (or from the sun for that matter) comes at a hefty price.
Indoor tanning devices give off artificial UV (Ultraviolet) radiation to provide people with the bronze they desire. What is so dangerous about this are the UV-A and UV-B rays that you are exposed to with indoor tanning devices. The International Agency of Research on Cancer has declared UV radiation as known cancer-causing substances [1]. According to the FDA, exposure to UV radiation can cause [2]:
· Skin cancer
· Skin burns
· Premature skin aging
· Eye damage
So why does this matter? Well, I can bet there are not many people who want their skin to look and feel like a leather bag in their 30s, 40s, or beyond; not to mention the risk of developing skin cancer. “People need to realize that exposure to ultraviolet light, whether it’s from the sun or tanning beds, is dangerous, particularly when you are young, and they need to limit their exposure,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control [4].
In 2004, the Skin Health Study was started in Minnesota to look specifically at the risk of a skin cancer called melanoma and indoor tanning by comparing two groups, ages 25 to 59 – one group of participants with melanoma, one without. This allowed for a variety of potential cancer-causing factors from tanning salon use to be considered – age at initiation, total years used, frequency of use, use of different devices and more. The study had some very important findings, including increased risk, association, and likelihood of having melanoma associated with ever participating in indoor tanning, higher frequency of use, longer period of time used, and specific devices (high-speed and high pressure) [1]. The dangers of UV radiation exposure confirmed!
What can be learned from this? It is important to take care of your skin and your body. While many people know that a sunburn is damaged skin cells from UV rays, a tan is also a response to injured skin cells – to respond to the damage your body produces more pigment, tan or red [3]. Not exposing yourself to such harmful UV radiation results in a lower risk of skin cancer. What does the CDC say you can do to help prevent skin cancer, from indoor tanning or sun exposure [3]?
· Seek shade
· Wear clothes that protect exposed skin
· Wear a hat that shades the face, head, ears and neck
· Wear sunglasses that block as much UV-A and UV-B rays as possible
· Use sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, with UV ray protection
· Avoid indoor tanning
So it is as easy as NOT subjecting yourself to extra UV exposure at a tanning salon to protect your body and your skin! Still want that bronze look for the holidays? Check out safer alternatives such as these sunless tanners that avoid damaging your skin. Learn more about the risks of indoor tanning from the American Academy of Dermatology here. Learn more about signs and other causes of melanoma here.
Samantha Noreen is a first year doctoral student in the Biostatistics Department at Emory University. Her love of books leads to a desire to own a Barnes and Noble - like library one day. She is also greatly hoping that Santa will bring her a puppy this Christmas.
[2] http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/HomeBusinessandEntertainment/ucm116447.htm
[3] http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/indoor_tanning.htm
[4] http://www.nyhealthinsurer.com/2012/news/cdc-skin-cancer-warnings-ignored-by-young-adults/
