Tanning beds again in the news

Posted in Aesthetician Services | Dermatology on October 7, 2009

(and it is not good)

What if the current fad was to drink a vile of arsenic to give your cheeks a rosy glow?  Would you do it even though it would probably make you ill?  Of course not! 

However, people take a similar risk every time they step into a tanning bed.  According to research published in the medical journal Lancet Oncology, tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are more deadly than arsenic and mustard gas.  A new analysis found that the risk of skin cancer increases by 75% when people start tanning before the age of 30!

Over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or irradiation from a tanning bed is a major risk factor in the increased incidence of skin cancer, cataracts, and immune suppression. In a research study conducted for the 3rd Annual GRASP Symposium at Wichita State University in 2007, one of Northwest Face's dermatology providers found that young people tend to perceive that their peers find tanning desirable, only utilize sunscreen when told to, and do not feel good about wearing sunscreen.

Not only are their significant health risks associated with tanning, but also it detrimentally affects your skin beauty.  It is ironic that people trying to “enhance” their appearance will end up causing chronic skin damage that will show up later in life.  Tanning causes premature wrinkling, blotchy skin, and a “leathery” skin appearance.  If you are not willing to stop tanning for your health, then consider doing it for cosmetic reasons.

For those who are concerned about suspicious moles that may be a result of UV damage, contact us immediately for a skin assessment.  For those who are interested in finding ways to enhance their skin beauty, contact us for a complementary Visia assessment.  We will use the latest technology to evaluate sun damage and assess a person’s overall skin health.

Update on 10/28/09: Here is a link we were just sent by one of our patients:  Tanning Beds as Deadly as Mustard Gas, Arsenic