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For decades, we’ve been warned
about the dangers that come with being exposed to the sun
without protection. Dermatologists agree that wearing sunscreen
everyday protects skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays that
can cause skin cancer. However, there has been concern about the
safety of indoor tanning methods such as tanning beds.
You’ve heard the claims: “Unlike the sun, indoor tanning will
not cause skin cancer or skin aging,” or “Tanning will not lead
to harmful side effects.” But is this really true?
“This is not true,” says
Stacia Miles, M.D., a dermatologist with The Austin
Diagnostic Clinic (ADC). “The million or so people who use a
tanning bed each day are putting themselves at risk for skin
cancer, premature skin aging and immune system suppression.”
When tanning beds were first introduced to the market, they
emitted only UVB rays, which are responsible for the actual
burning of the skin. As more of the public became aware of this,
the industry began redesigning the beds to emit only UVA rays.
And while this doesn’t directly cause burning, UVA rays have
been linked to the deeper skin damage that results in malignant
melanoma and immune system suppression.
Even more troubling is the number of teenagers who expose their
young skin to this radiation. “More than 2 million teens visit
tanning beds each year,” says Dr. Miles. “They have an increased
risk of developing skin problems because of the fast growth of
cells that is occurring at this point in their lives. This makes
them more susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of the UVA
and UVB radiation that comes from sunlight and indoor tanning
devices.” Studies have shown that people who experience sunburns
and other skin damage as children, in their teens and early
twenties will be more likely to develop skin cancer later in
life.
“Because most skin cancers don’t
appear until after the age of 50, it can be easy to believe that
a tan or a little sunburn isn’t harming your skin,” explains Dr.
Miles. “In reality, that tan or that sunburn is the first sign
of potential problems.”
If tanning beds are dangerous, can
sunless tanning products also be harmful to your health? “These
products are relatively safe,” explains Dr. Miles. “But it’s a
good idea to test them out on a small patch of skin before you
try a widespread application.”
Self tanning products come in a variety of forms, including
sprays, gels, mousses and mists. The tan will fade so you might
have to reapply the tanner every few days.
“Exposing your skin to the sun or indoor tanning beds can
increase your risk of developing skin cancer,” says Dr. MIles.
“But this doesn’t mean you need to stay inside forever—it just
means making smart choices when you’re out in the sun, like
wearing sunscreen at an SPF of 15 or higher, wearing a hat and
looking at alternatives such as sunless tanning products.”
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The Austin Diagnostic Clinic is
a multi-specialty clinic with physicians representing 24 medical
specialties at seven locations. For more information about The
Austin Diagnostic Clinic physicians and services, see the
website www.adclinic.com
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