It's that time of year again: the season of fake-n-bake. With spring break only a few weeks away, many students are getting ready to leave the dull winter look behind for the perfect tan.
Some however, may not know the dangers of exposure to UV rays and the effects it might have on their skin. Whether spending time lying outside under the sun, or under lights in a tanning bed, too much is just not healthy.
You've heard it before, but the effects of tanning go beyond leathery skin or wrinkles. Tanning can cause premature aging and increases the chance of skin cancer.
According to The American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers - a harsh reality that should make you think twice before sunbathing.
The benefits of tanning beds are that you can control the amount of exposure. You are still exposed to UV rays, but you can control the time limit and the type of UV rays.
Jim McCormick of Malibu Tan said the problem comes when you burn, this increases your chances of skin aging and cancer. Being in a controlled environment reduces the chance of burning.
There are many types of UV rays. UV-B rays are what begin the tanning process and the UV-A rays are what finish a tan, or bronze.
According to McCormick, high pressure tanning beds have a low percentage of UV-B rays. This helps prevent burning on fair skin and in some cases is a better option. “Within one day I could already tell a difference, and I didn't
burn,” sophomore Rachel Willis said. “It was a great way to start a tan.”
Sunless tanning is also a hit among students. With so many options to choose from and a safer way to achieve a tan, sunless tanning might be a better alternative.
From sprays to mousses, to lotions and gels, almost every type of sunless tanner is available.
“Sometimes I use sunless tanner, it is a convenient way to get a fast tan,” Willis said.
Salons offer airbrush tans and spray tans for a more professional look, lowering your chance of looking orange or striped.
McCormick said there is another option when it comes to sunless tanning. There are now booths you stand in while a mist is released in the booth to give an even UV-less tan. Sunbathing, whether on a bright day or even on an overcast day, can cause harmful sun burn.
Hillsdale dermatologist, Walter G. Korytowsky, said all exposure to UV rays are potentially dangerous, starting a tan before you go out into the sun will prevent burning but not your chances of cancer.
“Just because you are not burned, doesn't mean that you are not at risk of premature aging and cancer of the skin,” Korytowsky said. “Wearing sunscreen and covering yourself are very important in protecting yourself over spring break.”
In some cases, however, tanning can be beneficial to the skin. Sophmore, Carly Kosik, was told by her dermatologist to go tanning to tanning beds as a solution to acne. Kosik said the effects of tanning have cleared her skin.
While there are healing properties in tanning, in excess the negative effects could be irreversible or even deadly. With so many options in getting that perfect tan, make sure you are not sacrificing your skin's health.