Are
Tanning Beds Healthy?
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
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