Did you ever wonder what laying in that bed of Ultra-Violet rays would do to you? Other than giving you a nice tan, your skin is prematurely aging, your eye sight is diminishing, your immune system is weakening and you are at a greater risk of getting skin cancer and because of a recent study, the risk is significantly higher than in previous years. The International Agency for Research of Cancer (IARC) has made tanning beds, or UV tanning, in Group-one of their rating system for carcinogens (cancer causing factors). This means that the beds are considered one of the most harmful forms or radiation.
The reason that action was taken against the tanning bed phenomenon is because the rate of skin cancer is on a considerable incline in European countries. This seems a little odd because of the lack of actual sun exposure compared to other nations. However, because of this deficiency, tanning companies found it necessary and profitable to create an abundance of their companies in these “sunless” countries. Most of the people using the beds are of ages 30 and under. According to the study by the IARC "the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30". 75 percent is a huge and very scary number. Another scary number is 8,650. That is how many people die of Melanoma every year. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and it is most commonly formed because of UV tanning.
One of the most important things to do is to be checked by your dermatologist. A full body scan to look for abnormalities, moles and freckles can save you. My sister was checked and discovered possible early signs of melanoma on one of her moles. She is 17 years old. She has only been UV tanning a select few times before prom and other similar things. She is completely fine now because everything has been removed due to that visit to the dermatologist. Getting a fake tan seems to be pretty silly when it will most likely result in all or some of the above mentioned conditions. The Melanoma Foundation, IARC and other organizations are taking strides in increasing awareness of these issues. Because the summer season is winding down, and that lovely sun will be disappearing behind the fall leaves and winter snow, please stick to a bronzer or daily tanning lotion. Do not UV tan!
More questions? Check out this link! http://www.skincheck.org/
I was interviewed by a local newspaper this summer about tanning and I still can't quit. I know it is dangerous and I want to stop but I just cant because of the results. I like the way I feel after and I like how it helps my skin when I break out from sweating during volleyball season. After reading this blog and seeing the statistics I really am nervous. I know that I have felt anxious lately in the tanning bed because I am thinking about all the negative effects it has when I used to just fall asleep like it was nothing. I have gone from the precontemplation stage to contemplation after reading this. Thanks Jess!
ReplyDeleteI've heard many times about the negative effects of tanning. But no matter what the best feeling is being tan. I try not to go tanning but I give in sometimes. To try and still get somewhat of a glow I use Dove Energy Glow lotion after I get out of the shower. I've also tried a few sunless tanners, to lessen the dramatic effects I mix it with a good moisturizer. Thanks for the article!
ReplyDeleteI would never advise anybody to tan, but depending on what you do for a living, whether its acting, modeling, bodybuilding or anything else, a tan is sometimes viewed as a requirement. Pale white skin is sometimes viewed as a negative in these lines of work.
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