joel schlessinger md faq - the risks of indoor tanning
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Dr. Joel Schlessinger answers frequently asked questions about the risks of indoor tanning.TRANSCRIPT
Joel Schlessinger, MD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RISKS OF INDOOR TANNING
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
Indoor tanning involves using a bed or booth that emits ultraviolet radiation to achieve a cosmetic tan. The average tanning bed or booth emits 97% UVA rays and 3% UVB rays from its fluorescent bulbs. This output is similar to the sun’s output at its peak, but can be two to three times stronger.
What is indoor tanning?
Before After
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Tanning, whether it is from natural sunlight or an indoor bed, is no different from a sunburn. It means that your skin has sustained cell damage. There are many risks associated with skin cell damage. No matter how safe tanning salons claim their beds are, the FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology have discovered undeniable links between indoor tanning and serious health issues.
Why is indoor tanning bad for you?
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Exposure to UV radiation (natural or artificial) increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma as well as the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, have both been linked to indoor tanning. The risk of developing melanoma increases 75% if regular tanning sessions occur before the age of 35.
Cancer risk
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Indoor tanning leads to premature photoaging. Fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots may appear on the skin. The skin’s texture may also change, becoming thicker and leathery in appearance.
Premature aging
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Repeated UV radiation exposure may suppress the immune system’s proper functioning, as well as the skin’s natural defenses. This leaves you more susceptible to disease, including cancer.
Immune system suppression
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o Exposure to UV radiation can cause irreversible damage to the eyes. The plastic goggles provided by tanning salons may not provide adequate protection over time.
o Allergic reactions to UV radiation and tanning bed cleaning products may cause a painful rash.
o Some contagious viruses and fungi may be transmitted between users if proper sanitary measures are not taken.
Other health issues
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Though sunlight is a source of vitamin D, you do not need to spend any amount of time outdoors to get the recommended daily amount. There are countless oral supplements available at your local drugstore or vitamin emporium that allow you to get your vitamin D safely.
Myth: I need to spend time in the sun to get the recommended amount of vitamin D.
Before After
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Salons may attempt to regulate your tanning bed usage by timing each session, but even if you do not abuse tanning limits, your health is still at risk. Researchers have linked melanoma cases to those who have not experienced sunburn from a tanning bed and who have used the beds according to the industry’s guidelines.
Myth: As long as I follow recommended indoor tanning guidelines, I’ll be able to avoid health risks.
Before After
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Burning and sun damage will not be curbed with a base tan--a tan itself is technically damage! Dr. Schlessinger strongly discourages his patients from attempting to get even subtle color from indoor or outdoor tanning. He and other dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with a minimum 15 SPF rating, but more is always encouraged.
Myth: I need to book a few sessions at the tanning salon to get a base tan before my beach vacation.
Before After
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Though those with darker skin tones may not be as much at risk for sunburn or skin cancer, sun exposure is still sun exposure. Essentially, if you have skin, you can get skin cancer. Everyone should wear sunscreen daily and avoid sun exposure no matter the weather, their skin tone or their skin type. Read on to learn about some of Dr. Schlessinger’s favorite self-tanners and sunscreens from LovelySkin.com.
Myth: I have a naturally darker skin tone and never burn. I don’t need to worry about the effects of the sun on my skin.
Before After
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The safest and quickest way to achieve a cosmetic tan is through sunless tanning products. Self-tanners are temporary topical treatments that allow you to achieve an even, natural-looking tan without putting your health at risk. LovelySkin.com carries a wide variety of self-tanners to help you stay bronzed the safe way all year long.
I feel better about myself when I have a tan! Is there any way I can get a tan safely?
Before After
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jane iredale Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer allows you to achieve subtle color whenever you’d like. The moisturizing lotion delivers a natural tint to the skin without streaking or staining. You can apply it either daily or weekly to gradually build color and customize a complementary glow.
jane iredale Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer
Before After
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Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads are the only exfoliating and anti-aging self-tanning towelettes that contain active vitamin D to firm and smooth the skin and slow hair growth. Turn dull texture and tone into radiant, glowing skin with a natural-looking, streak-free tan.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body with Active Vitamin D
Before After
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Use Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe to help even out your skin tone and get smooth, beautifully-bronzed skin. The paraben-free and oil-free lotion contains green tea for its antioxidant benefits. Unlike other self-tanners, there are no unpleasant odors, just a natural vanilla scent.
Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe
Before After
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TanTowel Classic Half Body allows for a quick, mess-free application, even on the go—they’re great for travel! The towelettes gently exfoliate, allowing for more even application and smooth, healthy skin.
TanTowel Classic Half Body
Before After
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Yes, always wear sunscreen! Self-tanners typically do not include sun protection, so you’ll still need to wear a sunscreen every day. The following sunscreens available at LovelySkin.com are favorites of Dr. Schlessinger and his patients.
Do I still need to wear a sunscreen if I use a self-tanner?
Before After
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Don’t let present breakouts and the fear of clogged pores keep you from applying sunscreen to your face! EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Fragrance-free and paraben-free, this sheer, non-greasy formula is perfect for even very sensitive skin types.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Before After
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If you lead an active lifestyle or need to spend long periods of time outdoors, you need EltaMD UV Sport. This sunscreen remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and uses 9% zinc oxide to physically block harmful UVA and UVB rays. The elegant formula will not run into your eyes, even during swimming or excessive sweating.
EltaMD UV Sport Water Resistant Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Before After
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Add Obagi Sunshield Matte to your oily skin care routine today. The lightweight formula provides unbeatable physical protection with 10.5% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate. This PABA-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen won’t exacerbate or irritate breakouts and it leaves an elegant matte finish to help control shine.
Obagi Sunshield Matte Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Before After
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light is ideal for combination skin. The chemical, water-resistant facial sunscreen blends beautifully into the skin, creating a soft, smooth complexion. A powerful antioxidant complex helps to protect skin from damage and lend anti-aging benefits.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
Before After
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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.