A lot of people don’t realize how tanning beds are dangerous. Tanning beds are much more dangerous than regular sun exposure. In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, here is some valuable information about the risks of indoor tanning.
Facts (Why Tanning Beds are Dangerous)
In a world where people consider an artificial tan beautiful many want to ignore the dangers of tanning beds. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation one tanning bed session raises Melanoma risk by 20%, and each additional session during that same year boosts the risk almost another 2%. Another new study finds that there are more skin cancer cases due to indoor tanning, than there are lung cancer cases due to smoking cigarettes. So, if you judge others for smoking cigarettes but still use indoor tanning to get a “natural glow” you may want to think twice. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies tanning beds and tanning lamps into its highest cancer risk category linking more than 5% of all melanomas directly to tanning bed use.
Who is at a Higher Risk?
Tanning beds are dangerous for everyone, but if you are young they are even worse for you. According to a study conducted by the International Prevention Research Institute in Lyons, France, those who started using tanning beds before age 35 increase their risk of developing skin cancer by almost 90 percent. This is especially frightening since tanning bed users are mostly made up of a younger population.
Safety of a Controlled Dose
If tanning beds are SO bad for you, why is it still so popular? Many believe that because salons often claim that tanning lamps emit a controlled amount of UV radiation during a session, to avoid tanners from getting sunburnt, that they minimize the risk of damage to their skin. However, new research shows that indoor tanners do burn their skin. The theory that they do not is absolutely false.
Conclusion
Here at WellMedica, we hope this information will help you to make an informed decision when it comes to your skin. Tanning beds are extremely dangerous, and skin cancer is very common. According to studies 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime, so why up the odds by getting an artificial tan? To learn about how to prevent skin cancer, and take care of your skin click here for more information. WellMedica also offers full body mole checks conducted by our Board Certified Doctor, Dima Ali. If you would like to book an appointment with our Doctor call (703) 787-9866 today!
