Some morning controversy | Indoor Tanning
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
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The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) plans to soon launch it’s “Indoor Tanning is Out” campaign, and states that:
Indoor tanning before the age of 30 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma, and recently sunbeds (UV tanning beds) were moved up to the highest cancer risk category—group 1— ‘carcinogenic to humans’ by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.
And for all my peeps who choose indoor tanning to ‘base’ themselves before they go bake in the sun (whaaaaaaat?!!!) Errrr… nope. The only ‘base’ that you should be using is SPF 30+
The CDA further states
A tan will not provide protection from the sun on holiday. One of the busiest seasons for indoor tanning starts in January when many teens tan before spring break. A tan offers very limited protection from sunlight or burning. At most, a tan is the equivalent to a sunscreen with SPF of just 2-4. Not enough to keep you safe in the sun.
…[Indoor tanning] is especially dangerous because UV rays from sunbeds can be up to 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun. Prevention is key because melanoma, has become the third most common form of cancer in young Canadian women (second most common cancer in young Ontarians aged 15-34) years of age, and is mostly preventable.
There are even reports that individuals are going blind from indoor tanning. Apparently the UV rays are penetrating the eyelids and frying the retina…. *BLANK STARE*
What is melanoma? See here for information as provided by the CDA.
For tanning bed stories of actual melanoma survivors click here.
Of course, the risk is higher for certain people than it is for others, based on things like DNA, skin colour, age and lifestyle for example. The most at risk are those who:
- are under 18
- have fair or freckly skin
- burn easily
- have a lot of moles
- have had skin cancer in the past
- have a family history of skin cancer
- use medication that increases your sensitivity to UV rays.
Many antibiotics, birth control pills, blood pressure medicines, diabetes drugs, and pain relievers can increase one’s sensitivity to UV rays, so be sure to ask your doctor about the possible side effect of sun sensitivity of any of the medications that you are currently taking.
But it’s not just Canada, the American Academy of Dermatology put out an ad years ago that stated pretty much the same thing:
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In Australia it’s a requirement to wear sunscreen. Possibly because Australians are generally light skinned, have an active outdoor lifestyle, the depleted ozone layer coupled with the country’s relatively clear skies and of course it’s location close to the equator. Also, I do believe it is illegal for a child to be out and about without wearing sunscreen and protective clothing here.
Protect yourself (face and body) with a broad spectrum sunscreen, i.e. one that guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Wear a minimum of SPF 15+ daily on your face and higher on your body. If you are at the beach the FDA recommends that sunscreen be applied every 2 hours to be effective, sooner if you are sweating or in the water, even if the sunscreen says that it’s ‘waterproof’.
Looking Oompa Loompa orange is so not sexy. If you don’t believe the hype that exposure to UVA/ UVB rays, natural or artificial, can lead to skin cancer, believe this: the fine lines and wrinkles, break down of collagen in the skin which results in a lack of skin tone, and soggy mopey skin, are all signs of premature aging which is one of the harmful effects of over exposure to these harmful rays.
What are the benefits of indoor tanning again?
Appreciate and flaunt the skin you’re in.
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Source: Canadian Dermatology Association
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