There is no such thing as a 'positive' sun tan
2010-10-02
IN response to a recent article on the advantages of sunbed tanning I wish to point out a few important matters that may have been misconstrued in your enthusiastic article. Because of the adverse effects on human health of overexposure to UV radiation, including skin cancer, cataracts, suppression of the immune system, and premature skin ageing, the World Health Organisation does not recommend the use of UV tanning devices for cosmetic reasons. In fact, most tanning beds emit mainly UVA rays which may increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Using a sunbed without goggles may also lead to a condition known as arc eye. Most sunbeds emit less than 3% of UVB which in a specific spectrum is required for the manufacture of vitamin D3 in skin. As UVA does not do this, such a claim is misleading. It is far better to get 5 minutes to maximum 10 minutes of midday sunshine on unprotected and uncovered skin of the arms and leg and shoulders 3 to 4 times per week in summer, to build up vitamin D 3 stores in the body. Eat enough fish and have a regular intake of eggs and mushrooms. The UV index for most sunbeds, are far higher than that of sunlight in temperate latitudes. Solariums produce concentrated doses of UV radiation that can be up to three times the strength of the midday summer sun. Any possible advantages of solariums or salon sunbeds are clearly far out-weighed by the dangers of developing aging skin and skin cancers. Research shows that using a solarium increases your risk of skin cancer and contributes to the premature ageing of your skin. Using a solarium before the age of 35 could increase your risk of melanoma by between 75 and 92 per cent. Dr Ernst Eiselen (Skin Care International)
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