This debate has been waging for years amongst scientists. However, the public does not seem to care much as they continue to patronize their local tanning salon. Some scientists feel that any sun is bad sun. While others, like Dr. Berwick (2001) believes that sun tanning gives the body much needed Vitamin D which is activated in the skin through sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet rays has also been said to help reduce psoriasis pains.
Sun tanning is bad when you burn, however when your skin tans at a slow rate it is actually the body’s way of protecting itself. By forming a nice base tan the skin is less likely to burn and therefore less likely to experience the harmful effects of the sun. So if avoiding sun burns is the way to make tanning healthy, then tanning beds seem to be a perfect solution.
Developing skin cancer or melanoma takes 20-30 years of over exposure to the sun. Therefore the cases of melanoma of today were caused back in the 1970’s before tanning beds became popular. The number of deaths related to non-melanoma skin cancer has decreased 1,200 to 1,500 per year over the past 10 years (Berwick, 2001). The FDA also has admitted that it has never been shown that sun tanning has caused a person to have deadly skin cancer.
Sunlight has been said to help produce more energy for people and improve their lung and heart functioning, while a lack of sunlight can lead to depression or what is known as the “winter blues.” In short, everything in moderation is okay, sun tanning included. Always protect yourself against getting sun burns and only sun tan in moderation.
Here are some quick benefits of sun tanning:
- Reduce Stress by decreasing adrenaline levels and releasing endorphins.
- Reduce/Eliminate Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as the “Winter Blues”
- Reduce Psoriasis Effects
- Clear up some acne as exposure to UV rays can help clear the skin
