Safe Tanning?
There’s no such thing as “safe” tanning – EVER
Tanning beds actually more dangerous than tanning under the sun
(San Diego) – Despite warnings about the health dangers of tanning beds, nearly 30 million people in the United States still visit tanning salons every year. Nearly three-quarters of them are Caucasian women ages 16 to 49 years old, with over two million between 16 and 19 years old. Revenues have increased five times since 1992 to about $5 billion annually.
With warmer weather ahead and spring break vacations in warmer climates coming up for many people, there’s still a mistaken belief that getting “a base tan” in a tanning salon is a good idea to prevent sunburn.
Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, Medical Director of Goldman Butterwick Keel Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, says this is a myth perpetuated by the tanning salon industry, and that under NO circumstances should anyone purposely expose themselves to artificial tanning due to risks of cancer and premature aging.
“The number one greatest threat to your skin and your appearance is damage from UV rays,” says Goldman. “I can offer you the most advanced cosmetic treatments and skin products available, but they are all worthless if you don’t protect yourself from sun damage with sunscreen and by staying out of the sun and away from tanning salons.
“Tanning beds are dangerous. They are proven to cause cancer. But don’t take my word for it. Both the American Academy of Dermatology and American Medical Association agree with me. The Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration also advise people to avoid tanning salons. The CDC reports that tanning beds can also cause serious eye problems including infections and retinal damage.”
Dr. Goldman says the tanning industry will do or say anything to trick consumers because tanning is big business and the industry is fighting hard against regulation or an outright ban. “They’ll try to convince you tanning beds expose you only to “safe” UVA rays, or than you need the Vitamin D to be healthy. Consumers need to be smart and see this for what it is. It’s just like the tobacco industry talking abut “safer” cigarettes years ago. We now know there is no such thing,” said Dr. Goldman.
Dr. Goldman says if he can’t convince you for health reasons, consider your appearance. “Nothing ages a person more than damage from the sun. Even a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause “liver spots,” freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, wrinkles, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, and worst of all, skin cancer. I’ve seen women in their 20s already showing these signs of aging because they insisted on tanning.”
If you like the bronzed appearance of a tan, look into self-tanners or spend your time getting a safe and beautiful spray-on tan applied by a professional. “Self-tanners are better than ever,” says Dr. Goldman. “The market for them has gotten competitive because people are smarter about staying out of the sun. They improve every year and it can be impossible to tell a good artificial tan from a real one.”
Dr. Goldman has one word of advice about artificial tans: don’t forget to sunscreen. “Artificial tans give you no protection from the sun at all. You need to remember this and apply lots of sunscreen or you’ll suffer a sunburn.”
The World Health Organization has called for teens to be banned from indoor tanning due to the heightened risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. If you are exposed to tanning beds before age 35, your risk of melanoma increases 75 percent. Using a tanning bed more than 10 times a year increases your risk a whopping 800 percent. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that 38,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2010, and 7,300 of them will die from it.
Contact Goldman Butterwick Keel Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to learn more about safe tanning treatments or to get a skin cancer checkup at 858-657-1002 or visit www.gbkderm.com
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