Tanning
Tanning Is Not Part
of a Healthy Lifestyle
A tan, whether you get it on the beach, in a bed, or through incidental exposure, is bad news, any way you acquire it. Tans are caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning lamps, and if you have one, you’ve sustained skin cell damage.
No matter what you may hear at tanning salons, the cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, and more), as well as skin cancer. Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.
For the real facts about the dangers of tanning and how to get a bronzed glow without risking your health, read the tanning information below or visit our Prevention section.
Featured Story
Tanning Industry Misleading Teens about Tanning, Says Congressional Report
A new report released by leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce reveals that tanning salons are routinely not providing accurate information about skin cancer and other risks to teens seeking their services. The alarming results show that the vast majority of tanning salons contacted by Committee investigators provided false information about the serious risks of indoor tanning and made erroneous claims about the health benefits that indoor tanning provides.
Learn More About Tanning
Hooked on Tanning: Why You Shouldn't Start
Despite overwhelming evidence linking UV radiation to skin cancer, exposure to the sun and indoor tanning machines continues to increase.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Young women whose first indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanning experience is with their mothers are more than 4.6 times more likely to become heavy tanners.
The Tale of Tanning
Tanning is a fairly recent trend. Tanned skin is not, nor has it ever been, a universally accepted ideal. Learn the history of tanning.
Appearance Trumps Health as an Anti-Tanning Argument
“I know I’ll probably get skin cancer from tanning, but that will be when I’m old, like in my forties.”