It’s no secret; we live in a health-conscious world these days. You try really, really hard to do things that are good for you and avoid things that are harmful; you eat clean(ish), you drink lots of water, you don’t smoke, but you still use a tanning bed on the regular. Bad news: all of your healthy habits have been counteracted.
What are the Consequences?
If you tan, especially in a tanning bed, you’re absolutely negating all of that healthy behavior! In a study published in JAMA Dermatology, results showed that the number of skin cancer cases due to tanning is higher than the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking.
Not only that, but in the US alone, 419,254 cases of skin cancer can be attributed to indoor tanning. Out of this number, 6,199 are melanoma cases. Britain has even gone so far as to ban the use of tanning beds for people 18 years old and younger, and the FDA now classifies tanning beds as a level II device, meaning that they are moderate to high risk devices. They will also require all tanning beds to require a label stating that they should not be used by persons under the age of 18.
What can I do Instead?
We referred to skincancer.org to answer this question. Try a self-tanner in the form of a spray or lotion. Many dermatologists believe that this is a healthier alternative to sun-bed tanning.
Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a coloring that sits on top of the skin to give it a sun-kissed glow. If used as directed, they can be a safer mode to getting your tan on. As with any other product, make sure to speak with your dermatologist before introducing a new product or treatment into your skincare routine.
What Else?
Don’t want to use self tanners? Go with your natural glow! Keep up a strict skincare routine to maintain a healthy, natural look. Remember: stay away from the tanning bed!
Want to find out more about creating a healthy skincare routine? Come into our student spa* and speak with one of our talented students about products and treatments to try.
*All services performed by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.
