I’ve been crusading against indoor and outdoor tanning for years. Regular readers of EverBeautiful.com know that I cannot emphasize enough the importance of using sun protection and yup, I advocate abstinence. When you can, stay out of the sun. I hate to put the kibosh on anyone’s fun and relaxation, so when you are in the sun, be smart; be safe. Use a tanning product with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply it often. And, don’t believe the hype. Your sunscreen is not water and sweat proof, despite what the label says. In fact, the FDA recently unveiled new rules and regulations for sunscreen labels that, for one thing, prevent manufacturers from saying that their products are water and sweat proof. The new rules go into effect next year, but in the meantime, be smart and slather on the lotion often.
Now that you know about my crusade against tanning, you’ll forgive me for bashing you on the head with some salient, but admittedly difficult to read statistics from http://www.skincancer.org. (Here you can also find info on the new FDA rules and regulations regarding sunscreen.)
* Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.2
* About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.12
* About 65 percent of melanoma cases can be attributed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.23
* One or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than double a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.24
* A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns at any age.25
* The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, includes ultraviolet (UV) tanning devices in its Group 1, a list of the most dangerous cancer-causing substances.35 Group 1 also includes agents such as plutonium, cigarettes, and solar UV radiation.36
* Frequent tanners using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to the dose they receive from sun exposure.37
I’m a fan of faux tanning. (But don’t look too closely at my ankles, knees, elbows or feet. They are a dead giveaway to my faux tanning lust and show, not only rigid lines of demarcation, but a peculiar hyper-pigmentation that is not particularly attractive. Oh, I know why – and now I’m going to fix that. I don’t exfoliate before applying my faux tanner.
Here’s news about a new exfoliating cleanser that is specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Chella Skin Care recently announced the launch of their Exfoliating Cleanser Micro Bead Purifier. Formulated with Multi Sal 20, a leading form of beta hydroxy acids encapsulated in a micron sphere, this product delivers salicylic acid at a deeper level. This cleanser helps remove debris from pores and prepares your skin for the use of your favorite self tanners. At a price of $35., the Chella Exfoliating Cleanser is now available at http://www.chella.com.
Made for challenged skin, this cucumber-scented cleanser clears pores with gentle jojoba beads, while time-released salicylic acid balances oil and fights acne-causing bacteria.
Usage Directions:
Activate a small quantity of cleanser with warm water and work into face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly. This product may be used as a daily cleanser or as a bi-weekly exfoliating treatment.
Price: $35.00
Size: 135 mL / 4.5 Fl Oz
For All Skin Types
Happy faux tanning!
Read about Six Overlooked Places to Apply Sunscreen here.
2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2010. Accessed January 24, 2011.
23. Armstrong BK, Kricker A. How much melanoma is caused by sun exposure? Mel Res 1993 December 3(6):395-401.
24. Lew RA, Sober AJ, Cook N, Marvell R, Fitzpatrick TB. Sun exposure habits in patients with cutaneous melanoma: a case study. J Dermatol Surg Onc 1983; 12:981-6.
25. Pfahlberg A, Kolmel KF, Gefeller O. Timing of excessive ultraviolet radiation and melanoma: epidemiology does not support the existence of a critical period of high susceptibility to solar ultraviolet radiation-induced melanoma. Brit J Dermatol March 2001; 144:3:471.
35. IARC Working Group. Special report: policy. A review of human carcinogens—part D: radiation. The Lancet 2009; 10:751-752.
36. El Ghissassi, F. et al., A review of human carcinogens—part D: radiation. Lancet Oncol 2009; 10(8):751-2.
37. Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Accessed January 24, 2011.
What is the percentage of people who get melanoma cancer. I think it’s like 2 tenths of 1 percent, so that is very small. I think that the numbers are a little blown out of proportion and if you tan in a sensible way then you don’t need to be worried any more that the average person.
Thanks for the posts.
Reina – According to http://www.skincancer.org: One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 62 minutes).
One in 55 people will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
It’s actually quite serious.
I’ve interviewed many, many doctors over the years regarding tanning and the possibility of acquiring a “safe tan.” Every single doctor with whom I’ve spoken says a there is no such thing. A tan is a burn. Period.
The best protection is to stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds. Barring that, use sunscreen every day, even on days that are not sunny.
Thanks for your comment – and for the opportunity to further educate my readers on this subject about which I feel so strongly.