Ever wonder why tanning beds are popular? Or why so many people, especially teenage girls, risk destroying their skin so early in life? Maybe some are just not aware of the dangers and harmful effects of tanning beds. So before you go with your friends to a tanning salon, consider these things.
Tanning beds can cause more harm compared to sun exposure. You see, sunlight emits UVB rays which affect only the top most layers of your skin. While tanning beds emit UVA rays which can penetrate much deeper resulting in deep sun damage. Sun exposure causes freckles while tanning beds are more likely to cause premature aging, wrinkling even solar lentigines.
What are solar lentigines? They’re dark brown spots that usually appear on the cheeks and forehead of adults around 30 or older. Since the boom of tanning beds, these spots can be seen on the faces of 17 or 18-year-olds. While these can be removed with laser, it’s not cheap. Multiple sessions can cost more than a thousand dollars and that’s just to treat one medium sized spot.
Although laser treatments are pricey and the damage to the skin is irreversible, young adults can’t seem to resist the tanning beds. Why are these teenagers risking so much of their health? One study shows that tanning bed exposure makes the body release endorphins. As you know this hormone makes you happy. So after lying down for hours on the tanning beds, people are happier.
Besides it’s in some ways a vanity thing. Those sporting a glowing tan feel thinner, more successful. So it’s also a feel good thing for young women, who by far the biggest users of tanning beds.
According to some dermatologists tanning beds are almost addictive. It’s like smoking. Quitting is much easier said than done. People don’t stop until they receive a health scare that will ultimately change their lives.
Probably the worst health situation is to develop melanoma – the deadliest of skin cancers. This is also the most widespread form of cancer in young adults. A recent study done by the University of Minnesota proved that excessive use of indoor tanning beds increase the user’s chances of getting melanoma by 74%. Now there’s something users have to think about.
TIP: What does melanoma look like? Basically it’s a mole-like growth on your skin that’s changing or growing in size. If you have it checked early you’ll likely be fine. Problem is some are scared to have any suspicious growths checked and wait to do so until it’s too late.
Even politicians have caught on to the health risks posed by tanning beds. That’s why they agreed to the so called “tan” tax. As well as requiring parental consent for minors who wish to use tanning beds in salons. These tax revenues may cover the higher medical resulting from indoor tanning.
As for the tanning salons, don’t worry. Some are still flocking to get a tan. Whether or not they know the dangers it presents they sure don’t seem to be too worried about it. Maybe they’re waiting for skin cancer to knock on their door and until it does they’ll keep on tanning.
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