The Dangers of Tanning: Why You Should Skip the Sun and the Salon

 

Sometimes in the middle of winter, you might get a bit discouraged because you aren't outside as much and you'd like your tan back. Although, a tan might seem like a sign of health, the truth is, tanning is a sign of skin damage. Both sunbathing and using tanning beds expose your skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can have serious and long-lasting consequences.  

You might wonder why tanning beds are dangerous.  Well, tanning beds emit high levels of UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin than the UVB rays from the sun. This deeper penetration increases the risk of skin cancer.  Unfortunately, tanning bed use significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.   Tanning beds also increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. One study indicated that you can increase your risk of getting cancer up to 75% by using a tanning bed once and if you are under the age of 35.

In addition,  UV radiation accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and leathery skin.  Unfortunately, tanning beds can damage your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and other eye problems.  Also,  UV radiation can suppress the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.  

Furthermore, deciding to suntan outside in the sun also has its risks. Since the sun also emits both UVA and UVB rays, prolonged sun exposure carries the same risks of skin cancer as tanning beds. Unfortunately, sunburn is a painful and potentially dangerous side effect of excessive sun exposure.  Sin exposure also contributes to premature gaining of the skin, just like tanning beds.Sun exposure can also damage your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and other eye problems. 

You might wonder if there are any healthy alternatives to getting a "Tan".  If you're looking for a healthy way to achieve a bronzed look, consider these safer alternatives. First look at self-tanning products.  They  are available in a variety of forms, including lotions, sprays, and mousses. They provide a temporary, sunless tan without the harmful effects of UV radiation. Check out bronzing powders and creams since they can add a subtle glow to your skin without any risk of sun damage. In addition, many tinted moisturizers contain subtle bronzing pigments that can give your skin a healthy sheen.

Remember, when spending time outdoors, always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Whenever possible, seek shade during the peak sun hours (10:00 am to 4:00 pm). Always, wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat, to minimize sun exposure. Tanning, whether in a tanning bed or in the sun, is a harmful practice. Prioritize your health and choose safe alternatives to achieve a bronzed look. Remember, a healthy glow comes from within, not from damaging your skin.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great weekend. 

The History of Tanning.

  It's only been in recent history that the tanned look has become both acceptable and popular.  In the past, high class women worked hard to keep a pale skin because having tanned skin meant you were of a much lower class.

Up until the early 1900's the wealthier women protected their skin with parasols, hats, and and gloves.  In 1903, a physician recommended people be exposed to sunlight to treat rickets and tuberculosis. He won a Nobel prize for this therapy and it opened peoples minds to enjoying the sun for health purposes.

However, the idea of getting a tan did not really have much popularity until women's clothing became less restrictive and shorter.  Apparently, french beach resorts began staying open during summers in 1923 which allowed the wealthy to sunbath and glow.  It is said that when Coco Chanel sunburned that same year, she began a movement where more people went sunbathing. 

By 1929, this movement created the rise in the production of bathing suits with new styles, cosmetics and clothing all designed so showoff one's beautiful tan. The first tanning oil was released in 1928, followed by a UV filtering tanning oil in 1935.  The Coppertone sunblock was invented and released in the 1940's but did not become popular until a campaign in the 1950's.  

In addition, the creation of the bikini opened up more skin to be tanned and the dark hued tan became acceptable due to Ursula Andress's appearance in the James Bond Movies in 1962.  Even the Barbie doll joined the sun kissed skin look with the release of the Malibu Barbie in 1971. She had bleached blonde hair and a dark tanned skin.  By 1978, the first tanning bed made its appearance in the United States.

Did you know, sunless tanning lotions have been around since 1929 but the original ones were nothing more than a body make up.  In the 1950's a medical researcher discovered a compound which stained patients skin but not their clothing.  This compound because an ingredient in all those quick tanning lotions that gave a tan without sitting in the sun.

Unfortunately, even now, most people want a tan to appear healthy and happy but in exposing themselves to the sun, they are exposing themselves to potential issues including skin that looks aged and appears like a road map.  I think I was about 20 when I realized the term "tanning" also meant treating an animals skin and that is what we try to do to our skin when we go out in the sun without protection.

Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear.  Have a great weekend.