What most people don't know, however, is that people who use tanning beds or lay directly in the sunlight more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The Indoor Tanning Association began heavy advertising in spring 2008 to promote the use of tanning beds and booths. In their advertisements, they stated that tanning beds and sunlight receive a bad reputation, even though their use does not lead to many health issues.
However, the claim is falsified and the connection to cancer and other health issues is backed up with medical evidence.
"The role of UV [contributing to some skin cancer] is incontrovertible, and efforts to confuse the public...should be vigorously combated for the public health," said David E. Fisher, MD, PhD, Research President for the Society of Melanoma
The ITA has promoted three major misconceptions that they claim as the truth in their advertisements. However, consumers need to recognize these misconceptions so they do not actively expose themselves to ultraviolet radiation.
Can Tanning be Good for You?
The first major claim that was promoted in the ITA's 2008 advertisement campaign was that a person needs sun exposure in order to receive a healthy amount of vitamin D.
"Exposure to ultraviolet light causes the body to produce vitamin D, which research suggests is protective against a host of diseases...vitamin D may lead to improved heart health and protect from cancer, among other benefits like bone health," said an article on the ITA Web site entitled "About Indoor Tanning."
However, people can get all the necessary vitamin D they need through food and supplements such as vitamins, Fisher said.
Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, including milk, cereal, yogurt, orange juice, salmon, mackerel and tuna, according to WebMD.
"Why expose yourself to an increased risk for skin cancer when you have a safe alternative that is inexpensive and readily accessible," said Dan Lichtenfield, MD, American Cancer Society Deputy Chief Officer.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that the adequate vitamin D intake for adults 19-50 is 200IU. Adults ages 51-70 should get a daily dose of 400IU and those 71 and over should intake 600IU.
Is Some UV Light Not So Bad?
The ITA has also promoted that tanning beds are healthier than natural sunlight. Indoor tanning beds commonly use ultraviolet bulbs that emit UV-A rays and claim to offer a tan without exposure to the "burning" type of UV-B rays.
Although UV-A rays take longer to cause burns, they penetrate deeper into the skin and can adversely affect cells involved in the body's immune response, said Dr. Omeed Meemar from the National Council on Skin Care Prevention.
The use of tanning beds also quickens the pace of photo aging, according to WebMD. The most frequent signs of photo aging are wrinkles, discoloration, freckles, age spots, benign growths such as moles, and the development of skin cancers.
Sunlight Exposure and Skin Cancer...Not Connected?
Finally, the ITA is increasingly attempting to promote the misconception that tanning does not have any fact-based connection to skin cancer.
"Both the sun and tanning beds have been unnecessarily demonized by the special interests using junk science and scare tactics...it's all hype," said Sarah Longwell, ITA spokeswoman.
The International Journal of Cancer, however, published an article in March 2007 about 19 case studies on the association of tanning beds and skin cancers. It was found that the use of tanning beds before age 35 increased the risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.
It is understandable that people enjoy exposure to sunlight. After all, it is a natural phenomenon that increases the amount of serotonin released into the brain and lifts people's moods. However, research shows that too much exposure is dangerous. Don't waste your money to possibly get skin cancer or bring on those wrinkles faster.
