A Healthy Glow
.... As people start to understand that spending lots of time in the sun can be dangerous, a solution to the sun's harmful rays has been developed. Check your skin, even skin that is not usually exposed to the sun regularly for changes in moles, new growths or sores that do not heal. Places that aren’t necessarily linked to sunburn or are difficult to see such as the scalp, eyes and under the nails should be checked. The “ABCD’s,” asymmetry, border, color and diameter can help them decipher an abnormality on their skin that could potentially be cancerous. We all know that prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin cancer for many, yet why do we not realize the potential dangers of tanning booths? In some ways, radiation emitted from a tanning source may be even more dangerous. Each year, the sun is solely responsible for one million new cases of skin cancer. While most are not life-threatening, many cases are disfiguring. Approximately 80 percent of sun exposure and damage occurs before the age of 18. In addition to cancer, prolonged radiation exposure can lead to a dysfunctional immune system, sun and eye burns, cataracts, and photosensitivity reactions to medications. Skin aging and cancer are delayed effects that don't usually show up for many years after the exposure. Unfortunately, since the damage is not immediately visible, young people are often unaware of the dangers of tanning. Exposure to tanning salon rays increases the damage caused by sunlight. This occurs because ultraviolet light actually thins the skin, making it less able to heal. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays also results in premature skin aging. A tan is damaged skin that is more likely to wrinkle and sag than skin that hasn’t been tanned. Over time, people may notice certain undesirable changes in the way their skin looks and heals. According to some skin specialists, skin that has a dry, wrinkled, leathery appearance early in middle age is a result of UV exposure that occurred in youth. Despite the common perception otherwise, the only benefit of tanning provides is cosmetic. Having a great tan is the one thing people get by going to tanning salons. For most having a great tan helps people to feel better about their appearance. For most women when they go tanning they feel more attractive. This is influenced by famous models and actresses that appear on television and in magazines that influence women to believe they too could look prettier if they had a nice, golden tan. Using sun protection will help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people avoid deliberate sunbathing, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and protective clothing. If a person must be in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even on cloudy days. Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the ...