Indoor Tanning - How Safe Is It?

Did you know?

• The sun emits two types of Ultra Violet (UV) light that cause harm to the skin; UVA and UVB.
• UVA causes aging of the skin
• UVB causes burning of the skin
• Both are linked to malignant melanoma (skin cancer).
• Tanning salon lamps may emit two to five times more UVA rays than are found in natural sunlight.
• UVA from a tanning lamp is as harmful as UVB rays during peak sunlight hours.
• The risk of melanoma is seven times greater for people who use tanning salons more than 10 times per year.
• More cases of skin cancer (basal cell) occur among people who use tanning lamps.
• There is an increase in damage to the eyes (e.g. cataracts) for people using tanning lamps.
• Youth are at increased risk: According to the World Health Organization no person under 18 years of age should use tanning lights (tanning beds, sunlamps, etc). Young people who get burnt from exposure to UV rays have a greater risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Safe alternatives to indoor tanning

• Use lotions that colour the skin temporarily.
• Use sunscreens in the natural sunshine (at least a 15 SPF, 30 for children).
• Accept your natural skin tone.

Travelling south in the winter?

It is better to gradually expose yourself to the sun after you arrive and use a sunscreen at all times instead of visiting a tanning salon before you go.