Health Issues of Tanning

The summer's finally here!! Now's the season for hiking, camping, and tons of other fun outdoor activities you've been waiting all winter to do. BUT BEWARE, there's dangerous UV in the air.

I think I know why despite all the doctors telling us about the ill effects of the dreaded UV-rays, people don't seem to heed the wise words. Suntanned skin seems more healthy and sexy at the beach.

But remember, skin cancer is caused by UV radiation and it is very slow to develop. So the "healthy" golden tan you get this summer will be a major cause of the skin cancer you may develop later in life, which will end up ultimately costing you a hefty price.

In this month's issue, I'll give you a heads up on the effects of sunlight and some useful tips for preventing skin cancer.

What Exactly Causes Skin Cancer

It's very simple. UV radiation damages your skin, and this damage can lead to skin cancer. It's also a well-known fact that fair-skinned people get skin cancer far more frequently than those with darker skin. Darker skinned people have more melanin, a brown pigment in their skin, which serves as a barrier by absorbing UV rays, thereby lowering the risk of skin cancer. But remember that even darker skinned people can get skin cancer.

There are other determining factors, including your heredity and the environment you live in. If there is a history of skin cancer in your family, you are probably at a higher risk. And if you live in an area at a relatively higher altitude, or under the "Ozone Hole", your risk is also higher.

What About Those "Safe" Tanning Salons?

Recently, the indoor tanning industry has taken an aggressive stand, claiming that indoor tanning is not only harmless but also actually healthy. They claim that tanning is a reaction in response to UV radiation, so this protection-theory is cited to support their suggestion that indoor tanning is healthy.

On the contrary, experts and medical groups around the world are actually calling for a ban on the tanning bed. They have found that UV radiation can damage DNA even before a tan is produced. Even with moderation, the risk of skin cancer is increased.

Precautions That Reduce Your Risk

The following steps have been recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation to help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Minimize your midday sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm

Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher to all areas of the body exposed to the sun

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days and reapply after swimming or perspiring

Wear clothing that covers your body and shades your face - hats should provide shade for both the face and back of the neck

Avoid exposure to UV radiation from sunlamps or tanning parlors

Protect your children (keep them away from excessive sun exposure when the sun is strongest, say between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, and apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to children 6 months of age and older. **Do not use sunscreen on children under 6 months of age because their skin is too sensitive. Parents with children under 6 months of age should severely limit their children's sun exposure)