Avoid Tanning : Avert Risk of Early Skin Aging, Higher Skin Cancer Risk

Radiation from the sun or tanning sessions can hasten skin aging and increase skin cancer risk in the long run.

Highlights

Skin is prone to damage by a number of environmental factors including exposure to harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiations from the sun that can increase the risk of skin cancer and contribute to skin aging.
Recent findings reveal that tanning from the sun or indoors, contribute to major skin damage in the long run.
Wrinkles and sagging skin are two significant repercussions of tanning.

A recent study claims that tanning, both indoor and outdoor, can cause major skin damage in the long run.

Tanning has two significant repercussions wrinkles and sagging.

Skin Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It can develop due to a continuous exposure to sun over the years.

‘Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiations, with a Sun Protection Factor(SPF) of 30 or higher, is important.’

"Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds not only can increase your risk of skin cancer but also can contribute to skin ageing," said Arianne Shadi Kourosh, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, US.

The ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds tend to increase the risk of skin cancer and also contribute to skin aging.

The statement further read, "Moreover, other forms of radiation, such as heat and visible light, can negatively impact the skin, as can pollution, so protecting your skin from the environment can benefit both your health and appearance."

Quiz on Skin Cancer
The skin is the largest organ of the body, comprising of two main layers - the epidermis and the dermis. This quiz on skin cancer will help you brush up your knowledge on this topic.

Researchers said that habitual exposure to ultraviolet rays could cause blood vessels to become more prominent, causing skin redness, while visible light and pollution could cause uneven skin tone, especially in darker skin types.

Short wave ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are known to cause sunburns and uneven pigmentation and long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and infrared radiation penetrate deeper into the skin damaging the existing collagen and reduce collagen production, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.

Some People may be Genetically Susceptible to UV Tanning Dependence
Studies have found a possible underlying genetic susceptibility to being dependent on UV tanning.

Sunblock

The researchers asserted the significance of an apt sunblock cream since both kinds of Ultra Violet rays- UVA and UVB-can be equally damaging to the skin.

Tanning Devices Cost US Healthcare $343.1 Million a Year
New study says indoor tanning-related skin cancers contribute significantly to early deaths.

It is essential to use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor(SPF) of 30 or higher that provides both UVA and UVB protection.

"Since both types of ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin, it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides both long wave ultraviolet A and short wave ultraviolet B protection, with an SPF of 30 or higher" Kourosh said.

Source-Medindia