False Protection

No doubt you have heard of the phrase “base tan” before.  Before going away somewhere sunny or even just as summer begins, many people (young women in particular) hurry to get their first layers of colour.  The idea behind this is that because melanin works to protect the skin from burning and sun damage, having a tan before being exposed to increased amounts of sun will protect your epidermis.  Yes, the idea behind this theory is true.  A tan will prevent some damage.  But what most tanners don’t realize is that the protection is equivalent to an SPF (sun protection factor) of only two.  Compare this SPF to the absolute minimum recommended in sunscreen (15) and you may want to reconsider the protection factor of your base tan.  Even if your skin doesn’t burn in the sun, it doesn’t mean you are not at risk for skin cancer.  Always look for skin irregularities.  Moles that change in size, colour or shape, sores that don’t heal or new skin growths (particularly if they become red and/or scaly) are all indications that it’s time to see a doctor.

Which Is Worse?

Sadly, there is simply no such thing as a healthy tan.  The sun (or a tanning lamp) can be quite damaging.  UVB rays can lead to skin cancers and UVA rays, which penetrate the dermis to blood vessels and nerves, can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to diseases and infections.  More importantly, UVA rays have a direct link to melanoma, a fatal skin cancer.  While those who burn easily and those with fairer features, like light skin, freckles, blonde hair and green or blue eyes are certainly at a higher risk for developing melanoma, those who tan without visible repercussions are still at risk.  While other skin cancers can usually be treated effectively, melanoma can spread to other organs and if left untreated can be deadly.

Both tanning beds and the sun are just as risky, as the UV rays are no different, but tanning beds offer risks that the natural sunshine doesn’t.  For one thing, they exist solely to damage your skin in the way of producing melanin.  While tanning beds must comply with federal regulations, the UV rays are still more intense and can penetrate deeper than even the most intense midday (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) sunshine.  As well, people tend to use protection when outside in sunlight.  Sunglasses, hats, loose clothing and lip balm with SPF abound, whereas a tanning bed simply offer goggles.

Cover Up

According to the World Health Organization, over two million cases of skin cancer occur each year and roughly 132 thousand are melanoma.  With growing concerns about the links between UV rays and cancer, people have begun to use sunscreen more regularly while outdoors.  Broad spectrum sunscreens can absorb or reflect harmful rays and if used properly, can prevent skin cancer from developing.  The only safe form of tanning is sunless tanning (there are thousands of creams, gels, wipes and sprays available at drugstores everywhere), which adds pigment to your skin without rays of any kind.  If you do choose to get a little toasty, wear sunscreen at all times when outdoors, protect your eyes and lips, and always comply with time limits for your skin type.  Forget modern conventions: a “healthy” golden glow is just not worth a deadly illness.


Sources:
KidsHealth.org
Health Canada
WHO
About.com Women’s Health
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
Cancer.ca