2008 Woodie Awards
The tanning addiction
Carmen Blanks
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: Opinion
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According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, indoor tanning is a $2 billion-a-year industry in the United States. As many people know, spending too much time in the sun can be dangerous and harmful to the skin. People have replaced the backyard "lay in shade" technique to the tanning bed salon to get that natural looking glow.
Many people think that tanning beds are safer to use...wrong! There is no such thing as a safe tan. The UVA rays used in tanning beds can damage the skin permanetly. The human skin is made of melanin. When our skin is exposed to the sun, the melanin makes our skin darker. UVA radiation causes premature skin aging and wrinkling. UVA is also known to be responsible for the development of sunburn and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most dangerous effect of tanning. Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. I know people may hear this all the time but I don't think people are taking it seriously.
Not everyone that goes tanning will have sudden health effects. You can minimize your risk by not excessively overexposing your skin.
I am not against tanning but I am against excessive tanning. It is important to know your limits and take care of your skin. Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. I hope that people consider these effects the next time they head to the tanning salon. Tan safely!
Many people think that tanning beds are safer to use...wrong! There is no such thing as a safe tan. The UVA rays used in tanning beds can damage the skin permanetly. The human skin is made of melanin. When our skin is exposed to the sun, the melanin makes our skin darker. UVA radiation causes premature skin aging and wrinkling. UVA is also known to be responsible for the development of sunburn and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most dangerous effect of tanning. Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. I know people may hear this all the time but I don't think people are taking it seriously.
Not everyone that goes tanning will have sudden health effects. You can minimize your risk by not excessively overexposing your skin.
I am not against tanning but I am against excessive tanning. It is important to know your limits and take care of your skin. Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. I hope that people consider these effects the next time they head to the tanning salon. Tan safely!
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