2008 Woodie Awards
Tanning industry claims beds do not cause skin cancer, dermatologists disagree
Sarah Hines
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News
Wrinkles. Aging skin. Cancer. The price of a healthy glow may come at a cost. While a tan may be attractive in the moment, the after effects down the road can be life altering, according to dermatologists. However, the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) begs to differ.
The Indoor Tanning Association's latest nationwide campaign says that the tanning does not cause the type of skin cancer known as melanoma.
Recognized physicians and dermatologists say that the ITA is creating a commotion, steering the public in the wrong direction. Dr. David Leffell, a dermatologist with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), says that their stance on tanning is completely unwarranted.
"What [the Indoor Tanning Association is] doing is shameless and harmful to public health," says Leffell. "The tanning industry is irresponsible."
The tanning industry relies on two arguments to make a case for tanning, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. First, since melanoma is mainly caused by sunburn, "controlling" tanning helps prevent melanoma by building up the protective pigment of melanin. Second, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure helps the skin produce vitamin D, which can aid in preventing types of cancer, such as colon and breast.
Students at the University of New Hampshire seem to believe the health experts, yet continue to tan indoors.
Christine Infantine, owner of Perfect Tan, a tanning salon in Durham, N.H., says that March is always the salon's busiest month.
"Students are getting ready to get a base tan before spring break and the summer," says Infantine.
Junior Bridget Shea says she has been tanning since high school but acknowledges that the rays are bad for her skin. However, she feels that a burn is worse than a period of successive exposures to tanning beds.
"I started during prom and went a couple times a month," says Shea. "Now I only go once a month, if less…Tanning is so bad for you, and I really don't think there are any benefits, but it seems safe to get a base tan before a trip. That would be safer than a burn."
The Indoor Tanning Association's latest nationwide campaign says that the tanning does not cause the type of skin cancer known as melanoma.
Recognized physicians and dermatologists say that the ITA is creating a commotion, steering the public in the wrong direction. Dr. David Leffell, a dermatologist with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), says that their stance on tanning is completely unwarranted.
"What [the Indoor Tanning Association is] doing is shameless and harmful to public health," says Leffell. "The tanning industry is irresponsible."
The tanning industry relies on two arguments to make a case for tanning, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. First, since melanoma is mainly caused by sunburn, "controlling" tanning helps prevent melanoma by building up the protective pigment of melanin. Second, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure helps the skin produce vitamin D, which can aid in preventing types of cancer, such as colon and breast.
Students at the University of New Hampshire seem to believe the health experts, yet continue to tan indoors.
Christine Infantine, owner of Perfect Tan, a tanning salon in Durham, N.H., says that March is always the salon's busiest month.
"Students are getting ready to get a base tan before spring break and the summer," says Infantine.
Junior Bridget Shea says she has been tanning since high school but acknowledges that the rays are bad for her skin. However, she feels that a burn is worse than a period of successive exposures to tanning beds.
"I started during prom and went a couple times a month," says Shea. "Now I only go once a month, if less…Tanning is so bad for you, and I really don't think there are any benefits, but it seems safe to get a base tan before a trip. That would be safer than a burn."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
realitycheck
posted 4/12/08 @ 1:54 PM EST
Dermatologists should keep their mouths shut when it comes to what's "safe" and what's not.
They prescribe Accutane for acne. Accutane's side effects are 1000% more dangerous than tanning yet tanning works 1000% better than Accutane. (Continued…)
Kelly
posted 4/13/08 @ 7:53 PM EST
Tanning beds are very dangerous, last year I was diagnosed with Melanoma and have a 4 inch scar from the mole removal and a two inch scar from the SLB. (Continued…)
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