Surgeon General Warns Against Tanning and Danger of Skin Cancer

An article in USA TODAY on July 29th offers loads of information on the harmful effects of UV rays and the danger of skin cancer. It is the first time a Surgeon General has issued such a direct statement concerning tanning and tanning beds. A new regulation will require labeling on tanning beds advising those under 18 years-of-age to avoid them completely. To read the full article go to USA TODAY.

Skin cancer is one of the only types of cancer still on the rise with nearly 5 million people treated each year. The most dangerous skin cancer is melanoma and there over 60,000 cases treated last year. It is estimated that 6,000 of of these cases were attributed directly to tanning beds. While most beds are fairly safe if properly maintained and exposure limited, many beds are not accurately calibrated  or have defective filters. These beds can deliver UV rays 10 times that of the sun. This can lead to serious sunburns and skin cancer down the road. Skin cancers take years to develop and the cause can be over-exposure during one’s youth. The damage from UV rays begins with breakdown of cellular walls and free radicals attacking which can lead to mutations.

Tanning in the sun is just as dangerous. Exposure to UV A and UV B rays affect the upper and lower epidermis. Just a couple of bad sunburns can disastrous consequences later in life. If tanning, one should go outside in the morning and late afternoon and wear sunscreen.

A better way to darken one’s skin is melanocyte-stimulating -hormones (MSH). These are peptides that act as triggers for the melanocytes in the lower dermis to produce the pigment melanin.

Skin cancer
Severe sunburn from UV rays.

MTII is an MSH and the preferred method by thousands seeking a healthy looking glow. The color looks more natural and covers the entire body with very little exposure to UV rays. It’s the smarter way to darken the skin.