Is Tanning Harmful?

It's not unusual to see women and men sporting tans year-round. Some are the result of hours lounging in a tanning booth under artificial lighting. While others are developed the old-fashioned way, spending long afternoons under the sun, depending on Mother Nature to turn exposed skin a golden brown. Are there dangers involved in subjecting the body to ultraviolet radiation rays, whether natural or artificial? Dermatologists answer with a resounding, "Yes!"

History

Tanned skin has often been perceived as a healthy glow or an indication of wealth and leisure. But these perceptions are relatively modern. Women from earliest times have worn scarves, bonnets and wide-brimmed hats to protect their skin from the sun's damaging rays. Victorian ladies even carried parasols when out for a leisurely stroll. Tanned skin was not fashionable till after World War II when famed designer, Coco Chanel, sported a bronzed look. Her new look, shared by her jet-setting contemporaries, turned tanned skin into a desirable accessory. By the 60's and the advent of the two piece swim suit, women embraced tanning and a new fashion statement was born.

Types

It is possible to get a tan through use of tanning beds, sun lamps, or by direct contact with the sun's rays. All of these methods rely on ultraviolet exposure. The effects of UV radiation, whether from sun exposure, tanning beds and sun lamps, are the same.

Effects

UV radiation causes the outer layer of the skin to burn. This reddening and painful condition is known as sunburn. For many people, UV radiation will also stimulate melanin production, which causes the skin to turn darker, creating the tanned look. UV exposure has been proven to cause skin damage, including skin cancers such as squamous and basal cell carcinomas, as well as the more serious skin cancer, melanoma. UV radiation can also cause premature aging of the skin, promoting wrinkles and a leathery appearance. Sun exposure also seems to be a risk factor for cataract development. Several studies have shown that UV radiation can affect the immune system in a detrimental manner.

Considerations

Your skin type will affect the risk of sun damage. Those who are light- skinned, with blue eyes and red or fair hair are much more likely to develop skin cancer due to UV radiation. Tanning at a young age also seems to contribute to the development of skin cancers.

Misconceptions

Many teens believe sun lamps or tanning beds are not as dangerous as natural UV radiation. In fact, the UV radiation emitted from artificial sources (UVA) causes deeper skin damage. Scientists also believe there is a strong link between the use of tanning beds and the higher incidence of melanoma.

Prevention/Solution

Dermatologists recommend the following tips to minimize the harmful effects of tanning:

1. Avoid outdoor activities between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun's rays are strongest.
2. Wear wide-brimmed hats and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
3. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.