Myths About Tanning

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, on an average day in the United States, more than a million people tan in indoor tanning facilities. Almost 70% of those people are Caucasian females ages 16 – 29. Additionally, many more people tan outdoors on a regular basis at the pool, in the park, or wherever they can catch those extra rays of sun.
With so many voices in the media and health world talking about tanning and how it’s good or bad, it’s important to know the truth. Here are five myths about tanning debunked!

Myth #1 – “I have to have a tan to look good.”
Although you may think your skin looks good now, overtime, tanning will age your skin prematurely. You can develop brown spots, cataracts, sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and may even have a “leathery” look. 

Myth #2 – “Only old people get skin cancer.”
More and more young people are getting skin cancer! The risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, increases by 75% if you tan indoors before the age 35. Currently, skin cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women ages 20 – 29.

Myth #3 – “Having a ‘base’ tan will protect me from getting sunburned later on.”
Any tan is an indication of skin damage. Because of this, in reality, there is no such thing as a safe tan.

Myth #4 – “Tanning is the best way to get vitamin D.”
Although sunshine definitely activates the production of vitamin D in the body, it is not necessary to tan for long amounts of time to experience those benefits. Most people can get their daily dose of vitamin D from their normal outdoor activities, proper nutrition, and vitamin supplements.

Myth #5 – “Tanning indoors is safer than tanning outside.”
Both tanning indoors and outdoors can cause skin cancer. Sometimes people think that tanning indoors is safer because it’s “controlled.” However, this controlled amount of UV exposure is high and those who tan frequently will receive significantly more UV exposure over a year than they would from the sun.
You can learn more about protecting your skin from the sun in the previous blog post, “Protecting Your Skin from the Summer Sun.”




Sources:
"ASDS — American Society for Dermatologic Surgery." MYTH VS. FACT: The Real Truth about Tanning, Tanning Beds and Sun Protection. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2013. <http://www.asds.net/_NewsPage.aspx?id=56>.
Doheny, Kathleen. "Tanning Myths: What's True, What's Hype?" WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 19 July 2013. <http://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun/tanning-myths-whats-true-whats-hype?page=2>.
"Indoor Tanning." American Academy of Dermatology. American Academy of Dermatology, n.d. Web. 19 July 2013. <http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/indoor-tanning#.UeluODdNp6Y>.
"Skin Cancer Myths vs. Facts." Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d. Web. 19 July 2013. <http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/myths-vs-facts>.
"The Truth About Tanning” Infographic." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 03 July 2013. Web. 19 July 2013. <http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/infographic.htm>.