Indoor Tanning Risks to Skin
By Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACS
 Indoor Tanning Risks to Your Skin
Avoid Indoor Tanning
Indoor tanning, like outdoor sun exposure, carries some serious risks including premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Since there can be a long lag time between exposure and the manifestation of damage in later years, many people disregard these long-term health risks in favor of immediate gratification.
Despite Warnings, Tanning Salon Industry Continues to Grow
Dr. James Spencer, editor of “Cosmetic Dermatology”, wrote two editorials that are worth summarizing. Indoor tanning has evolved into an estimated five billion dollar industry. It is estimated that 28 million people use indoor tanning equipment each year in the United States alone. Despite public health warnings, the industry continues to grow (footnote 1). Tanning provides Skin Cancer, Deep Lines, Sagging Skin, Hyperpigmentation
Scientific studies have shown the detrimental effects of tanning (footnotes 2,3). The tanning industry would like the public to believe that this type of UV exposure is beneficial. There are no studies to support this and the United States Federal Trade Commission has disallowed any advertising in this regard. The tanning industry says that their tanning devices are safe because they do not contain UVB rays and people who use it will not burn. What they don’t say is that the UVA rays (which penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin) can cause skin cancer, deep lines, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation. The Dr's Trip to The Tanning Salon
In his editorial, “My Trip to the Tanning Salon”, he felt “it was time to gain some first hand experience.” He went to a local tanning salon. The cost of the various packages was described, a brief history was obtained and the process started. After the attendant left, Dr. Spencer had a chance to examine the tanning unit. “The US Food and Drug Administration requires that all machines have a label warning users of possible dangers, including burns, eye damage, and skin cancer. This label was rubbed off on the unit I used.” After climbing in and feeling “a bit claustrophobic”, he noted the unit felt hot but fans blew air for cooling. After a minute or two, he exited, waited for the machine to turn off and returned to the front desk. The attendant “was enthusiastic” about signing me up for a package of sessions. I hesitated and asked if this could cause skin cancer. His response was measured. First, he said ‘nah’ but then went on to say I’m not going to say your couldn’t get it, but NAH, it’s moderate and controlled. It’s certainly less ultraviolet than the sun! I told him “I would think it over.” Admittedly, this is one experience in one salon. Nevertheless, “tanning salons are under no obligation to be more formal.” There was no informed consent. On two occasions, I was essentially told that tanning does not cause skin cancer. No effort was made to assess my skin type to determine exposure time. “Acute burns can and frequently do occur in tanning salons. ”I was not asked or warned about photosensitizing medications or diseases. Important Information Regarding Indoor Tanning: - There is no such thing as a "safe tan."
- The bulbs used in tanning beds emit 2-3 times the intensity of UltraViolet A (UVA) radiation than the earth receives from the sun.
- An individual who is exposed to tanning bed radiation for 30 minutes receives sun damage equivalent to that obtained during an entire day spent "baking" at the beach.
- The regular use of tanning beds greatly increases the risk of skin cancer (especially deadly melanoma) and accelerates premature aging of the skin.
- Experts have wondered "Why buy skin cancer when you can get it for free?"
- Getting a "base tan" is about as useful as a few puffs on a cigarette to prevent lung cancer.
Many people feel they look better with a tan. Please remember, there will be a price to pay. Sooner or later our bad habits catch up with us. We don’t subject our children to UV exposure so why do it to ourselves? We strongly urge patients to avoid tanning. We applaud Dr. Spencer for his editorials. What can you do? It is extremely important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen every day. Put it on whether you think you need it or not. It is simply a great habit to get into and maintain. Sunscreens take only a moment to apply, are relatively inexpensive, and can help prevent the detrimental effects of the sun. Please see “Sun Damage/Sun Protection” article for more information about UVR (ultraviolet radiation). At Skincare-MD.com we carry many broad spectrum sunscreens such as: References: 1. Spencer, JM "Indoor Tanning Politics", Cosmetic Dermatology 16:14 Sept 2003
2, 3. Westerdahl J, Ingvar C, Masback A, et al. "Risk of cutaneous melanoma in relation to use of sunbeds: further evidence for UVA carcinogenicity", Br J Cancer 82:1593-1599 2000
3. Karagas MR, Stannard VA, Mott LA, et al. "Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers", J Natl Cancer Inst. 94:224-226 2002 Contact Us With Your Questions
As always, we encourage you to call our office if you have any questions. We will be happy to talk to you about your skin type and condition and make product recommendations. Our MD Forte, Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx and Kinerase Advanced Skin Care Programs are all excellent for skin rejuvenation. We can help you decide which skin care program would be best for you. We are available during office hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST at 1-877-415-0600 or (603) 296-4920. You may also email us at info@skincare-md.com if you have any questions.
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