It’s nice to know that the AAD professionals who might actually benefit from our health problems are taking steps toward preventing them. And it’s a good thing, since the tanning salon industry is pretty self-serving in its portrayal of the dangers and benefits of UV exposure. Contrary to what salon-owners claim, regular tanning is not “needed” for the production of Vitamin D; even in winter weather, the incidental rays absorbed during your daily routine should be sufficient.
Salons also purport to offer a safe tanning experience by filtering out most UVB (sunburn-causing) light. But the sunlamps’ flood of UVA rays penetrates deep into the skin, causing genetic damage to skin cells and accelerating the skin’s aging process. The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization have indicated both UVB and UVA rays as causes of cancer.
A Ban on Indoor Tanning?
With so much information underlining the hazards of tanning bed usage, does it become the government’s responsibility to do away with tanning salons? Not really. After all, sunlight is a natural resource, and many people still contract skin cancer the old-fashioned way—by baking out in the sun. Indoor tanning, like drinking and smoking, can be regulated but is unlikely to be abolished.
What’s important is that aspiring Golden Girls get the facts on tanning before going under the lamps. I spoke with my friend Maria, a twenty-two year old Ivy-Leaguer and future law student, about her tanning habit. She has an unlimited tanning package at a local salon and likes to go three or four times per week (promotions like this encourage frequent use by customers wanting to maximize their spending). She admits that tanning can be addictive: “You look more attractive when you are tan, you feel thinner, your skin is clearer, it’s way cheaper than going on vacation to get that tan you want, plus it’s the only way to stay dark during the school year.” When asked whether she’s concerned with the health risks associated with tanning beds, she replies that “Occasionally I worry about the long term effects of tanning beds…but I don’t really think about it too often. At the moment, the short term effects outweigh the risks.”
