Tan skin has long been associated with health, beauty, and status, but there is a darker side to tanned skin; skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. One in five people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. This is why dermatologists recommend a yearly skin check to ensure the health of your skin.
Kerry Fisher, has been a sun worshiper for years. Fisher had to change her relationship with tanning after being diagnosed with a keratoacanthoma tumor on her skin.
“It started off with what looked like a pimple on my face right under my eye. Then it started to grow so I went to get it checked out. The pathologist got back to me and said I had keratoacanthoma which is rarely cancerous but mine was cancer,” said Fisher.
“I was born in the 1970s. My parents never put sunscreen on me so I do have a lot of sunspots,” Fisher said.
Information about the dangers of sun damage was not widely known in the 1970s, but today, there is plenty of information available about how sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer. Sunscreen contains ingredients that reflect the sun’s rays off of skin.
“I wear a hat now when I’m at the pool. I also apply a 50 spf block,” Fisher said.
While most people are aware of the risks of skin cancer from the sun’s rays, many still don’t know about the risks associated with tanning salons. The lighting in tanning beds can cause skin cancer as well. Many states including New York require 17-year-olds to get their parents’ consent to use a tanning bed. Long term use of a tanning bed can cause melanoma.
Aside from all the dangers of UV rays, there are benefits. People who have skin conditions such as acne and eczema release more sebum. Sebum causes acne and eczema flare ups. Tanning helps to dry out the skin and reduces sebum production.
Hayley Comfort is the manager of Tanning Oasis on Main Street in Brockport. Comfort says in addition to helping with skin conditions, Tanning salons can also be used as a way to reduce severe burns.
“We notice an influx of customers during the winter months. Some people go on spring break and they want to get a base tan so they don’t burn. Going into a high UV ray environment without a base tan can cause severe burns that are more damaging to the skin,” Comfort said.
One of the safest ways to get that golden glow without damaging your skin is spray tanning. On average, spray tans last around five to seven days with prices ranging from $35-$50.
Tan skin has long been associated with health, beauty, and status but for people who are concerned about the darker side of tanning, there are still ways to get that golden glow.
