The Visor

Tanning not worth bundled skin destruction

April 27, 2010

From the tanning booth to the hospital room, fifteen minutes four times a month can lead to a lifetime of cancer.

It’s no secret that tanning can cause harmful effects. After all, burning yourself with ultraviolet rays for the perfect bronze cannot be healthy. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. Though it can be treated if detected, certain forms of cancer such as melanoma are fatal if not found early enough. Most of the diseases have been linked to UVA exposure – the rays that tanning beds use since UVB rays cause sunburn.

Just because there is no visible burn, however, doesn’t mean skin damage isn’t occurring. UVA rays are stronger ultraviolet beams that penetrate deeper into the skin. Though most damage is not evident immediately, the destroyed skin cells means premature aging, more commonly known as wrinkles, along with a leathery texture. The immune system is also impaired, evidenced by the skin cancer.

If that baked to perfection look is still desired, safer alternatives do exist. Tanning lotion can be applied that contains dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. DHA will progressively stain the top layer of dead skin and will last until the dead cells are washed off. Another option is the spray tan in which a DHA spray covers the body similar to the lotions.

Although looks take center stage in American culture, a temporary tan is not worth an order of skin cancer along with a side of prematurely aged skin.

Tags:

 Email This Post        Print This Post