It’s no secret that tanning, both indoor and outdoor, is dangerous. Is obtaining a golden glow really worth risking your life?
- Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. And what causes skin cancer? Oh, yeah: tanning. Studies show that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point during their lifetime. Ironically, skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer.
- Premature Aging
If you’re sunbathing without protection, UVA rays are penetrating your skin and breaking down collagen and elastin. This causes premature wrinkles and skin tone damage – ever heard of age spots? They’re not caused by age; they’re caused by the sun. In fact, 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun’s harmful rays.
- Acne
A common misconception about tanning is that it helps to clear your complexion by drying up zits. False. The sun does dry your skin out, but it’s not helping you; the dryness actually just triggers more oil production, which leads to more acne.
- Hair Damage
The sun’s harsh rays dry out your hair the same way it dries out your skin. Too much time in the sun will leave your hair brittle and will fade color as well.
- Addiction
Tanning releases endorphins, which makes it every bit as addictive as exercise – with the opposite effects on your health. Do you really want to become addicted to something that causes hair damage, acne, premature aging, and skin cancer?
