90°, FairThe Dangers of Tanning and Sunbathing
Tanning is a ritual performed by many young Americans today. The cultural fixation with tanning stems from the idea that having a tan signifies health and beauty. In America’s appearance-obsessed culture, fitting into the current standard of beauty is very important to most people. Regardless of the reason for tanning or where the tan is obtained, it is important to know that all tanning is dangerous.
The effects of tanning and sunbathing range from mild to serious. The mild effects of tanning include visible aging of the skin. It is estimated that 90% of visible age spots and wrinkles are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The serious implications of exposure to UV rays can include the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of this type of skin cancer. It is rarely fatal, but approximately 2.8 million new cases are diagnosed annually. The second most common form, squamos cell carcinoma, is diagnosed at a rate of 700,000 new cases annually, and is responsible for approximately 2,500 fatalities.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in the United States, and 40-50% of Americans who live to age 65 will experience at least one occurrence of basal or squamos cell carcinoma. The good news is that non-melanoma skin cancers (those not caused by genetic factors) are almost completely preventable. Approximately 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are a direct result of UV ray exposure. Protecting the skin from the sun is the most effective way to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer.
The statistics concerning non-melanoma skin cancer may be disconcerting, but with the proper understanding of the dangers imposed by UV rays, one can easily take the proper precautionary measures against UV ray exposure. These measure include daily use of sunscreen and protective clothing. It is also crucial for a person to understand that artificial UV rays are just as harmful as those found in natural sunlight. If the damage has already been done it is important to be educated about the available methods of sun damage reversal and repair.
Sunlight Dangers
The sun damages the skin with a potent combination of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are less intense than UVB rays, but account for 95% of the solar radiation that reaches Earth’s surface. UVB rays are more damaging than UVA rays, but lifetime exposure to the UVA variety is much higher. UVB rays are more responsible for tanning of the skin, and any incidence of tanning results in cellular damage of the skin. A tan is the body’s reaction to UV exposure, and the mechanics of a tan are fairly simple. Cells known as melanocytes produce a pigment called melanin when exposed to UV rays. This pigment is responsible for the darkening of the skin which results in a tan. Tanning is actually the body’s natural defense against further damage caused by UV rays, and is particularly dangerous because the process damages the DNA of the skin’s epidermal cells. Since the body is exposed to UV rays anytime a person is outdoors, it is important to understand that the beach or pool is not the only place your skin is in danger. Any outdoor activity, including winter sports such as skiing, puts the skin at risk.
Skin Cancer Facts: A list of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States.
The Dangers of Tanning: The truth about how tanning occurs and its impact on the skin.
UV Ray Facts: A comprehensive guide to UV rays. The site includes information about the different varieties of UV rays, and ways in which one receives higher amounts of exposure.
DNA Damage: A website with information about the DNA damage which occurs as a result of UV ray exposure. The website also includes results of a clinical study on the topic.
University Study: A study done at the University of California, San Francisco which directly links UV exposure with the development of skin cancer.
Photo sensitivity: An informative resource from a national skin cancer website which explains the dangers of photo sensitivity resulting from certain medication.
Effects of Genetics: A genome study explaining the genetic factors involved with developing skin cancer.
Stages of Cancer: A website offering information about the various stages of skin cancer, and how to detect the disease early.
Resources Directory: A website filled with links to various skin cancer topics.
Artificial Tanning Dangers
Contrary to popular belief, tanning in an artificial environment is not safer than tanning outdoors. The International Agency for Research on Cancer declared tanning beds to be carcinogenic to humans in 2009. Those who tan indoors are 74% more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancers, and a controlled study provided evidence that 63% of 1,167 non-melanoma skin cancer patients had previously tanned indoors, while only 51% of 1,167 unaffected individuals had done the same. Research has theorized that indoor tanning is actually more harmful than tanning outdoors because the intensity of the UV rays remains consistent unlike the UV rays that occur outdoors. The use of tan-enhancers is also unsafe. Tan-enhancing pills, such as Melanotan, are not approved by the FDA for this purpose, and contain color additives that can turn the skin a variety of colors.
Artificial Tanning Products: The official report from the FDA on the safety and effects of artificial tanning products.
Melanotan: A site offering factual information about the intended use of Melanotan pills, and possible side effects.
Tanning Booth Tips: A government-funded site offering a multitude of information about artificial tanning.
Tanning Hazards: Information sheet of tanning hazards compiled by the New York State Department of Health.
Unsafe Bulbs: A report discussing the mercury found in all tanning booth bulbs.
World Health Organization Overview: The WHO’s overview of the risks of artificial tanning and resources for other relevant information.
Exposure Prevention
Protecting the skin from UV ray exposure is a simple process,and should be part of a person’s daily routine. Protection begins by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The sunscreen should offer protection from UVA and UVB rays, and contain and FDA approved UVA blocker such as avobenzone or zinc oxide. Protective clothing should also be utilized. Clothes that are dark in color and woven from heavy fabric provide the best sun protection. Taking care of your eyes while outdoors is also important. Sun exposure can cause cataracts, and damage the fragile skin around the eye area. Wearing a pair of high-quality, wrap-around style sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays is the best way to ensure the safety of the eyes while outdoors. Seeking out the shade is another good way to lessen the amount of UV ray exposure received while outside.
Prevention: A website validated by the Centers for Disease Control which offers a variety of tips on how to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Sunscreen Selection: The government’s advice on how to choose the right sunscreen, and proper application tips.
How Sunscreen Works: The Library of Congress explains the logistics of sunscreen.
Sunglasses Guide: Information provided by the Glaucoma Research Foundation on how to choose the best sunglasses.
Sun Damage Reversal
Once damage has already occurred as a result of sun exposure, is it possible to reverse and/or repair the negative effects. According to the experts, repair begins by wearing sunscreen. Protecting the skin from further damage gives it a chance to recover from previous damage. Exfoliating can also help repair sun damage by removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This process can improve the appearance of an uneven skin tone. Use of over the counter bleaching cream on dark spots is another option. For more intensive repair a trip to the dermatologist may be in order. A professional can offer options such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels to reduce the appearance of sun-related damage.
- Can You Reverse Sun Damage: A guide to some of the options available for reversing sun damage.
- Repair (and Even Reverse) Signs of Sun Damage: An article from the skin cancer foundation on how to repair sun damaged skin.
- How to Reverse Sun Damage and Reveal Beautiful Skin: A listing of the ways to fix and reverse sun damage.
Treatment Options: A thorough list of repair options including descriptions and possible side effects.
Repair and Reverse: A resource offering additional repair options, many of which can be performed at home.
Effects of Microdermabrasion: The results of a series of government-run clinical trials of the microdermabrasion process.
DNA Repair: An informative article about repairing DNA damaged by sun exposure.
Laser Resurfacing Facts: A resource provided by the University of Michigan with information regarding the use of laser resurfacing to treat aging skin.
American Academy of Dermatology: An authoritative source providing a plethora of information about the effects of sun damage, and how to treat them.
Treatment: The Harvard Medical School guide to treatment options available for non-melanoma skin cancers.
