In my previous post I wrote about the dangers of exposing your skin to sun because of the high risk of skin cancer.

In a new report in The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, two University of Washington professors wrote about tanning as an addiction. The authors write that some people seek a tanned appearance helps because it helps them feel relaxed, sociable and in a good mood.

As a result, the incidence of skin cancer, including the potentially fatal melanoma, continues to rise. This year, for example, about 70,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed among Americans.

I’ve heard this argument forever, that getting a tan protects them from getting burned in the sun. That is the one excuse so many use when they go on a cruise in the fall or to Mexico during the winter.  It simply is not true. In fact, a tan represents skin damage. Even a brief exposure to ultraviolet light can cause mutations in the DNA of your skin cells.

The problem is that as you get older you are more susceptible to these mutations because your immunity isn’t as strong. The result is, even if you don’t get cancer, you will have that leathery looking skin, that’s loose and wrinkled making you look a lot older than you are.

The report stated that frequent tanners showed signs of both physiological and psychological dependence and just as for smokers or for heavy drinkers, the tanners may know the risk but pay no attention to the possibilities. Although the research numbers are small, there are several other studies which indicate an addiction with frequent tanners.

The recommendation: teach them about the dangers of sun exposure when they’re young, at a very early age, to always use sun screen. Make it as habitual as seat belts.

To your successes in healthy aging.

Ruthan

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