According to the National Cancer Institute, women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Long-term exposure to either tanning beds or the sun's rays increases the risk of skin cancer.
Features
When skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV), cells known as melanocytes produce the brown pigment called melanin, which darkens the skin. The skin darkens as a natural defense against the ultraviolet radiation. Both the sun and tanning beds expose the skin to UV rays.
Artificial vs. Natural
Tanning, whether by artificial means or the sun's rays, presents a risk. According to SkinCancer.org, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Repeated sun exposure damages the DNA, causing genetic defects that can result in skin cancer. Sun exposure can also cause premature aging effects such as wrinkles and sagging skin. The ultraviolet rays used in tanning beds are not safe either and increase the risk of skin cancer. The National Cancer Institute states that "exposure to tanning-salon rays increase damage caused by sunlight because ultraviolet light thins the skin and makes it less able to heal."
UVA vs. UVB
Tanning beds primarily emit long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, whereas sunlight contains both UVA and medium-wave ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The sunlamps used in tanning salons emit UVA that is 12 times that of the sun, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. At one time, UVA rays were though to be harmless, but now the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization now deem both UVA and UVB to be causes of cancer.
Although UVA is less capable of causing sunburn than UVB, UVA is present during the day year round and accounts for 95 percent of ultraviolet rays reaching earth. UVA damages skin cells in the dermal layer of the skin and contributes to the development of skin cancer. People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
Risk Factors
People with fair skin; blonde or red hair; and blue, grey or green eyes are more susceptible to the rays of the sun and to artificial tanning than those with darker skin. Artificial tanning can also be more dangerous for those prone to sunburn, as well as people with a family history of skin cancer.
Prevention
The best way to protect your skin is to avoid tanning beds and limit your exposure to the sun. Always use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 25 or higher when spending a period of time in the sun. Although sunlight is necessary for the body to manufacture Vitamin D, only a small amount of sunlight is needed. Vitamin D can also be obtained from other sources such as milk, eggs, shrimp and salmon.
Significance
According to MedicalNewsToday.com, a study published in the March 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" indicates that users of indoor tanning devices are more likely to become addicted to tanning. Exposure to ultraviolet light can be addictive, due to the production of endorphins that can cause dependency. Tanning still remains popular, even though people may be well aware of the skin cancer and other risks associated with tanning either by sun or salon. There are alternatives, such as spray-on tanning lotions, that can help you achieve that attractive golden bronze look without risking your health.
