The Safest Tan

Health and Fitness

[Comment Below]

By Rafaella Cuff

Summer is here. Healthy, natural-looking tans are in style, but the means in which some ladies and gentleman use to get that healthy-looking glow is not always that healthy. Is there such a thing as a safe tan? Dermatologists have been debating that for years.

According to the World Health Organization, one in three cases of cancer diagnosed around the world is skin cancer, most of which were caused by over exposure to UV rays. Tanning salons are contributing to the problem.

Cancer is not the only health issue that can arise from too much sun or tanning exposure. Accelerated aging, scarring, and cataracts can also arise from indulging in a summer tan. Dr. Francesca Fusco, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and New York Times blogger, states on her blog that, "While most tanning beds emit the more deeply penetrating UVA, some do emit low levels of the shorter UVB rays. The radiation can result in DNA damage that ultimately leads to skin cancer. No tan will limit sun damage."

Although most health-related problems are experienced years after a person has overused the sun beds or tanning loungers, fair-skinned people can experience issues very quickly. Bowen's Disease, a form of skin cancer that creates red, scaly legions, is both very dangerous and common for pale tanners.

According to the WHO, there are six skin types, classified by how they react to sun exposure. A person with Type I skin typically burns more than they tan and can go to a tanning salon a few times before experiencing an actual tan rather than a burn. It is the type that visits sun beds the most; however, it is also the type that the WHO advises should not go to a sun bed at all.

Children are more affected by UV exposure than adults. In June of this year, Germany banned the use of tanning salons, or solariums, to youth under the age of eighteen based on the studies that have proven that the younger the exposure, the higher the risk of cancer. A panel of British health officials are aiming to do the same thing.

Although indulgent tanning is dangerous, there are health benefits to a little tanning such as relaxation, confidence, and an increase of vitamin-D in the body. The problem is not tanning; rather, it is tanning to the point that it does more harm than good.

First of all, it is important to know your skin type. If you have type I or II skin, frequent UV exposure is not healthy. People with moles and freckles should be especially careful with sun exposure and should get their skin checked by a dermatologist annually. Parents should take special care of their children, since they are the most at risk. Women should also be aware that some cosmetics can enhance the effects of UV on their skin.

High SPF sun blocks, which are not expired, are recommended for outings during the day, and using moisturizers with SPF can protect your face when you carry on with your everyday tasks. Sunglasses, especially if they are polarized, are essential to protect the eyes.

It is also important to know your family history. However, everyone should be cautious of the sun and their UV intake. Most importantly, if your skin changes, it is important to visit a dermatologist. This includes color-changing, variations in moles, and unusual crusting or flaking of the skin. The best thing to do is to catch any irregularity as early as possible.

Originally Published: Issue 806 - July 1, 2009

Share on Facebook

Back to the top