Introduction
Tanning seems to be the latest trend in recent years, whether “artificially” at tanning salons, or naturally from sun exposure enjoying a day at the beach or by the pool. Many people tan with hopes of obtaining that “natural glow” without giving thought to how this exposure is affecting them. Some of the artificial methods used for tanning include; tanning beds, tanning lotions, tanning pills and tanning sprays. Natural tanning (from exposure to the sun) as well as tanning by use of tanning beds depends on exposure to UV rays which are divided into UV-A and UV-B. The rays penetrate the lower layers of the epidermis where they trigger the melanocytes to produce melanin that causes the skin darkening that people aim for, also known as tanning. Overexposure to the UV rays found in tanning beds as well as from the sun, can not only increase the potential to develop skin cancers but can also cause a depressed immune system, cause premature skin aging and increase risks of developing cataracts of the eye.
Despite the more than one million skin cancer cases diagnosed every year; many people continue to tan for cosmetic reasons. The effects of tanning and sun exposure to the body are potentially dangerous, but the risks can be reduced if proper precautions are taken to protect the skin, the largest organ in the body, as well as other vital organs.
Dangers of tanning
According to the Food and Drug Administration’s website on tanning, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Any increase in the skins pigment or melanin, creating a color change is a sign of skin damage. Sunburn is an example of the short term side effects of UV exposure causing increased redness and sometimes painful peeling of the skin as well as blisters. Premature aging is sometimes referred to as “photo aging” and is a long term side effect of unprotected UV exposure that may not show signs until years after a suntan or sunburn. Effects of “photo aging” can include the development of dark spots, wrinkling of the skin, or leathery looking skin (Armstrong and Kricker). Although some forms of skin cancers can be hereditary, they can also be prevented along with sunburns and premature aging, with the daily use of sunscreen (Arizona State University).
There has been an increase of skin cancer cases among young people, 90% of which are traced to ultraviolet exposure. UV exposure from either natural or artificial sources has been shown to increase the risk of developing skin cancer (WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group). The two main types of cancer associated with tanning are basal and squamous cell carcinoma which can progress to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The UV light emitted from the sun or artificial sources for example sun lamps which are used in tanning beds, destroys the DNA of skin cells which leads to mutation of the cells developing to cancerous cells (Fisher, Wang and Datta).According to National Cancer Institute, intermittent exposure to intense UV radiations leading to sunburns especially in childhood and teenage years increases ones risk of melanoma (WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group).
Tanning beds, a common artificial method of exposure to UV light emits UV-A and UV-B. These ultraviolet rays are said to be effective in skin pigment production naturally and thus safe but this is not the case. Studies have shown that indoorUV radiation from tanning beds increase a person’s risk of developing melanoma by 75%. The sun lamps emit 93% -99% UV-A radiation which is three times that given off by the sun and UV-A having the deepest skin penetration as compared to the other two wavelengths of the UV spectrum; UV-B and UV-C , the double emission increases the risk of getting skin cancer (Dermatologic Therapy). The UV-B ray one is exposed to from the tanning beds is greater than that from the sun thus making it more dangerous to ones’ skin.
Exposure to UV light has been shown to have irreversible effects on the eyes in that it leads to ocular melanoma- cancer of the eye. The eyelids being a thin layer is meant to protect the eye from direct rays that may destroy the eye, exposure to excess UV radiation can have harmful effects on the eye that can lead to cancer (WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group).
Skin or eye cancer is of greater risk to those who have fair skin, blond, red or light, brown hair and blue green or gray eyes. People who have freckles and burn easily are also at a high risk of getting these cancers. Those who spend a lot of time outdoors, have been treated for cancer previously or have a family history of skin cancer are also at higher risks of cancers redeveloping, therefore these groups of people are encouraged to stay away from tanning and wear sunscreen (Arizona State University).
In addition to the serious risk of skin cancer, there is the weakening of the skins’ inner tissue with time after exposure to the UV. The weaken of this tissue in turn exposes one to other conditions such as early aging characterized by wrinkles and a leathery skin appearance. The desire of obtaining a natural glow by tanning is therefore short lived because the long term effect of exposure to the UV rays is a leathery look and wrinkles (Fisher, Wang and Datta).
The radiation emitted by the tanning beds have also been found to lead to skin infections. A study by Dr. Julie .E. Russak, revealed staph bacteria as well as fecal bacteria was present in 10 different tanning salons in NY. This risk to exposed broken skin, the chance of contracting skin infections increases. This can be avoided with proper care and hygiene in the salon cleaning and by manufacturers of sun lamps upholding the regulations of Food and Drug Administration which requires that sun lamp products label includes a recommended exposure schedule .
The development of skin cancer and other diseases is enhanced by an immunosuppressed state of the body. The exposure to UV-B can suppress the proper functioning of the body’s’ immune system and skins natural defense s thus making one vulnerable to diseases. UV radiation from just 10 in-door tanning sessions in two weeks can suppress a person’s cancer fighting immune system.This leads to further exposure to the risk of other forms of cancers as well as infectious diseases.
Safety measures and Alternative tanning methods
Limiting ones exposure to the sun and using sunscreen or sun block can help prevent sunburns that are brought about by UV penetration. The current trend is obtaining a natural look as to the orange complexion from tanning beds. Sunless tanning also called self-tanning or spray tanning is a UV free tanning method that dermatologists recommend for those who insist on obtaining the natural look through tanning. Self-tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or erythrulose or both which produce an effect similar in appearance to a suntan. Dihydroxyacetone causes a chemical reaction with the amino acids in dead skin that result in the skin turning brown. This helps to form a light skin though not the best protection cover from destructive rays (Fisher, Wang and Datta).
Dermatologists have advised those who insist on maintaining the tan look despite the dangers that come along with the methods, to use spray tans that have no UV light emission and provide a protective layer (Dermatologic Therapy). However these spray tans have negative effects in that the DHA or erythrulose that are the active components of the sprays may cause contact dermatitis or a rash.
In addition to wearing sunscreen with the correct sun protective factor (SPF) and keeping sun exposure to a minimum and avoiding tanning salons, avoiding smoking and keeping ones skin clean is recommended to maintain the skins glow. Smoking aggravates aging process by drying the skin and constricting the tiny blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin. This reduces the blood flow limiting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This leads to the development of wrinkles especially around the eyes thus giving the skin a sallow appearance (Dermatologic Therapy).
In conclusion, though tanning has been adopted and perceived among many people as a basic beauty essential, its negative irreversible effects are inevitable and evident. These negative effects such as cancers, cataract, immunosuppression and exposure to infections should act as a deterrent to those seeking beauty by tanning. The long term cost and negative effects of tanning definitely outweigh the temporal/ short termgains; a tan is essentially an injury to the skin. Be as that may be there are safer alternatives and precautions that may reduce the dangers associated with tanning.
Works Cited
Arizona State University. "Indoor Tanning: Risk to Health vs. Risk to Freedom." The Science in Society Review, International Journal of Science, Society, and Law, (n.d.).
Armstrong, BK and A Kricker. ""The epidemiology of UV induced skin cancer"." J. Photochem. Photobiol.B, Biol. 63 (2001).
Brody, Jane E. “When Tanning Turns Into an Addiction.” The New York Times 21 June 2010: 3-4.
FDA. The Risks of Tanning. 3 April 2010. 24 July 2011 <http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/Tanning/ucm116432.htm>.
Lipari, Kimber. The Dangers of Tanning. 11 October 2010. 24 July 2011 <http://rowancomp1.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/essay-02-kimberly-lipari/>.
Russa, Julie E. “Risking Infections in Tanning Bed.” Juornal Of dermatology (2010): 23-37.
WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph, Working Group. . “A Review of Human Carcinogens—Part D:Radiation"." The Lancet Oncology(2009): 10 (8): 751–2.
