MYTH: Tanning at a Salon is a completely safe tan
FACT: There is no such thing as a safe tan.
The American Cancer Society, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, and all major dermatological associations have taken the position that indoor tanning is an unsafe practice (tanning beds). There is no way to get around it, it is know that UV (UltraViolet) light rays can contribute to skin cancer. The tanning industry’s stand is that it produces Vitamin D, which is good for us and helps the body ward off many diseases. American Cancer Society Deputy Chief Medical Officer Len Lichtenfeld, MD, agrees. He asks, “Why expose yourself to an increased risk for skin cancer when you have a safe alternative in cheap and readily available supplements?” he says. Of the three kinds of skin cancers, melanoma can be a fatal form of cancer. A report from the American Academy of Dermatology states, “Melanoma is increasing faster in females 15-29 years old than males in the same age group…. which might be due to high-risk tanning behaviors.” Statistics for 2009 are expected to show over 121,000 cases of melanoma, with over 8,600 deaths.
