A golden glow tan is considered attractive to most individuals. However, most people do not realize that whether you get a tan at the beach or at a tanning bed, there are a number of health risks involved. Darkening of the skin is caused by harmful ultraviolet, or UV, radiation from either the sun or tanning lamps. The result is permanent cell damage. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to a number of health complications.
UV Radiation
In "Tanning Beds and the 'Safe Tan' Myth," Edwin Brown reports that there is no such thing as a safe tan. Ultraviolet light from the sun is made up of three different wavelengths, UVA, UVB and UVC, which is naturally filtered out by the earth's atmosphere. Because tanning beds produce only UVA rays, the FDA has approved their use if goggles, an accurate timer, a control switch and written instructions for proper use are provided. However, the difference between exposure to UVA or UVB light on the skin is minimal. Compared with UVB, UVA light actually has a slower and less severe effect on the skin, but UVA can burn. Nevertheless, a tan produced by a tanning bed is no different than a tan from the sun.
Photoaging
Photoaging is the process by which skin is damaged as a repercussion of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It results in wrinkled, leathery skin with dark splotches. In "Dermal Connective Tissue Alterations with Age and Chronic Sun Damage," Graham Smith and Rolland Finlayson state that while the etiology of premature aging is not exactly clear, unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays breaks down collagen and elastin fibers in healthy skin, causing wrinkles and loosened folds. Photoaging is a long-term consequence of UV exposure. Avoiding UV exposure is essential to maintaining healthy, young skin.
Eye Damage
If proper eye protection is not utilized when tanning, damage to the cornea, or photokeratitis, can occur. Photokeratitis is thought of as a sunburn of the cornea and causes pain, tearing, swelling and distorted vision. As explained by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in "Injuries Associated with Ultraviolet Tanning Devices--Wisconsin," cataracts are yet another form of damage to the eye that research has shown may increase with prolonged UV exposure. Pain or soreness around the eye and clouding of the eye's lens cause decreased vision. In addition, irregular tissue growth, macular degeneration and cancer around the eye may also occur.
Skin Cancer
According to Anil Kurian in "Implications of Indoor Tanning on Skin Health," skin cancer is the primary concern related to tanning and UV radiation. There are two types of skin cancer associated with UV exposure: melanoma and non-melanoma. While it is rare, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, accounting for the largest number of deaths linked to skin cancer each year. Non-melanoma, also known as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, develops in sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, neck, lips and back of the hands. UV radiation promotes the development of skin cancer in two ways. First, it damages the DNA in skin cells, causing the skin to grow benign or malignant tumors. Second, the immune system is weakened, thereby compromising the body's natural defense against aggressive cancer cells. Both types of skin cancer are noticeable by changes on the skin including discoloration, a mole, birthmark or dark pigmentation; unexplained oozing or bleeding and spots that become itchy, tender or painful.
Other Problems
Excessive ultraviolet contact from any source is known to aggravate such conditions as lupus, diabetes and susceptibility to cold sores. Additionally, pharmaceuticals including antihistamines, tranquillizers, birth-control pills and medications which increase the likelihood of developing a rash, sunburn and other allergic reactions may cause sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Overexposure to UV radiation may suppress proper functioning of the immune system and the skin's natural defense mechanism, ultimately increasing sensitivity to sunlight, diminishing the effects of immunizations and even causing reactions to some medications.
Considerations
There are many advantages of natural sun light, including vitamin D production, increased circulation, decreased cholesterol, blood sugar regulation and mood enhancement. Unfortunately, UV radiation also results in a number of negative health implications. Many individuals believe that a tan acquired using a tanning bed is a safe alternative to a tan from sun exposure. However, in reality, a tan is a tan. UV radiation from a tanning bed is no different than from the sun. Therefore, tanning beds do not protect against the many complications that arise from UV radiation and should be used cautiously.
References
- Medical Update: "Tanning Beds and the 'Safe Tan' Myth"; Edwin Brown; February 1998
- J. Soc. Cosmetic Chemists: Dermal Connective Tissue Alterations with Age and Chronic Sun Damage; Graham Smith and Rolland Finlayson; December 1964.
- MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Injuries Associated with Ultraviolet Tanning Devices--Wisconsin; Center for Disease Control and Prevention; May 1999
- Scientific Co Cons Prod: Bio Effects of UV Rad; Euro Comm: Health and Cons Pro ; June 2006.
- "Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association": Implications of Indoor Tanning on Skin Health; Anil Kurian; March/April 2010
