Negative again............. :(

[Neon Beach]

http://www.lifenetwork.ca/features/articles/article48_1.asp

[mouthybrat]

Ok, yes there is negativity in this article. But...at least the author took the time to detail good tanning practices such as getting a skin type analysis done and avioding overexposure.

She also put in there information about Vitamin D production.

All in all, I think this article was at least attempting to tell both sides objectively. I commend the author for at least trying to say something positive about indoor tanning.

[Neon Beach]

The author mentions those things however, you will notice at one point it asks, "who should you believe?" Then something like, "afterall the tanning industry has something to gain, do the doctors?"

[Neon Beach]

Here's the article:
The Truth about Tanning by Sarah Lisi
As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, millions of Canadians will flock to the warmth of tanning beds like birds migrating south.
To Tan or Not To Tan:

We've all heard the warnings but have chosen to ignore them or to simply not believe them. There's something about the look of a tan that outweighs the consequences of our quest to achieve one.

The Skin:

The skin is the body's largest organ. It is also the protective layer, shielding our bodies from environmental forces like heat and infection. But many Canadians are harming their skin every day. It's ironic that a good tan makes us feel and look healthy but is actually a sign of damaged skin.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, no tan is a safe tan. When the body is subjected to the harmful rays of the sun, a process is set in motion. First, the body produces melanin (resulting in a tan) to protect itself. It then produces enzymes to repair skin cells damaged by the sun. And, if all else fails, the body signals for severely damaged cells to kill themselves. The peeling of the skin after sunburn is the body's way of getting rid of dead or damaged cells.

Though cancer is the most common side effect associated with tanning, it isn't the only one. The skin is harmed in other ways, such as premature wrinkling.

Cancer Risks?

Health Canada estimates that more than 72,000 Canadians were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2002. It's the most common form of cancer but also the most preventable. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are common types of skin cancer and are often treatable. However, malignant melanoma, while the least common, is the deadliest.

Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that is thought to be associated with long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If untreated, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. Health Canada warns that anyone with fair skin who burns easily could be at greater risk.

According to a recent press release, Fabutan (a popular chain of tanning salons) states that 75-85% of its clients are women, adding that Health Canada noted a decline in the instances of melanoma in females over the last 14 years. The press release also states, "moderate UV light exposure may be associated with a decrease in the risk of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers and has also been linked to helping to improve high blood pressure and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis." Fabutan also cited the fact that ultraviolet rays provide vitamin D, which is necessary for strong bones.

So what should you believe? And just what is considered moderate exposure? Read on to find out…
The Sun:

Sunlight consists of both UVA and UVB radiation, and both have negative effects on the skin. UVA rays penetrate into the inner layers of the skin while UVB rays affect the outer layer of the skin and are most commonly associated with sunburn.

While the sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, tanning beds emit mostly UVA, probably because UVB rays are known to cause burns. However, UVA rays are known to penetrate the skin more deeply, thus resulting in greater damage. According to Health Canada, the average tanning bed emits eight times the amount of UVA that the sun does at noon on a summer day.

Guidelines for safer indoor tanning:

We may never know the "truth" about tanning beds, because for every doctor that endorses indoor tanning, there is one who will warn against it. Remember that indoor tanning companies have a very profitable reason to convince you of the safety of indoor tanning. Does Health Canada? Also, although tanning companies are quick to state that moderate UV exposure is beneficial, they never clearly define just how much exposure is considered moderate.

Regardless of what health officials say, millions of Canadians will still participate in indoor tanning, and those who do should follow these guidelines. They can save your skin, and possibly even your life.
Salons must follow the standard safety practices, including asking you to fill out a form detailing your health history and tanning ability.

Ask which bed is suitable for your skin type and limit your exposure. Salons should have trained employees who can help you.

Certain medical conditions and medications can make indoor tanning extremely unsafe. Speak to your doctor and inform the salon before tanning.

Always wear protective eyewear. Tanning beds can be extremely harmful to the eyes. Sunglasses and closing your eyes are not sufficient coverage. The salon should direct you to use eyewear and if they don't, go elsewhere.

Indoor tanning is not recommended for children and teenagers under the age of 18. In fact, it's been found that the younger you start tanning, the more chance there is that you'll develop skin cancer.

How to Detect Skin Cancer:

If you notice moles on your body, check for these things:

Asymmetry - one half does not match the other.

Border irregularity - the edges are ragged or blurred.

Colour - the pigmentation is not consistent.

Diameter - the width is greater than 6 mm. Any growth of a mole is concerning. However, don't think that just because a mole is small, it's benign.

Contact a dermatologist if the moles on your skin exhibit any of these traits.