2008 Woodie Awards
Indoor tanning controversial: risk vs. benefits?
Josie Kathleen Harvey
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: College News
Tanning is a trend that is extremely common and controversial. Many people ignore the risks of tanning in order to enjoy the effects. Ever think that maybe tanning has other benefits besides a confidence boost?
It is no secret that tanning can cause skin cancer. Any first time tanner is required to fill out a release form stating that they understand all the possible effects from tanning including eye and skin damage. To prevent damage to the eyes, all tanners are required to wear protective goggles.
So if it is possible to get skin cancer from tanning, why do so many people do it?
"I tan a lot because it makes me feel better about myself," says Ashley Gregg, 20, receptionist at an Eastside tanning and hair salon. "It makes me look thinner, and I like that it makes me dark and I can wear less face make-up."
Many doctors, researchers and scientists warn tanners of the effects. However, as is with all controversial topics, there are plenty credible people who are pro-tanning.
"Tanning in a bed is very slightly better than tanning outside because of the UVA and UVB ratio.," says Meredith Galbreath, 37, head of the tanning department at E. Lee Hair and Co. and Tans.
Galbreth continues her explanation of the differences in indoor and outdoor tanning. Lying in a tanning bed gives you a couple hours worth of tanning with a controlled amount of UVA and UVB rays. When lying out in the sun, it is harder to control exactly what rays you are exposed to and how strong they might be on that particular day.
"It is possible to get skin cancer from tanning," Galbreath says. "When you tan after you've been burnt, you are burning over and over again, and you should not do that. You should control what color you get by using lotions, some with SPF for fair skins, and also control the amount of time you are in the bed for."
Many organizations are in favor of tanning and its benefits. The organization Smart Tan launched a new version of their website in January at TanningTruth.com. The website has been up and running since 2005 and is aiming to teach tanners the truths about professional indoor tanning.
It is no secret that tanning can cause skin cancer. Any first time tanner is required to fill out a release form stating that they understand all the possible effects from tanning including eye and skin damage. To prevent damage to the eyes, all tanners are required to wear protective goggles.
So if it is possible to get skin cancer from tanning, why do so many people do it?
"I tan a lot because it makes me feel better about myself," says Ashley Gregg, 20, receptionist at an Eastside tanning and hair salon. "It makes me look thinner, and I like that it makes me dark and I can wear less face make-up."
Many doctors, researchers and scientists warn tanners of the effects. However, as is with all controversial topics, there are plenty credible people who are pro-tanning.
"Tanning in a bed is very slightly better than tanning outside because of the UVA and UVB ratio.," says Meredith Galbreath, 37, head of the tanning department at E. Lee Hair and Co. and Tans.
Galbreth continues her explanation of the differences in indoor and outdoor tanning. Lying in a tanning bed gives you a couple hours worth of tanning with a controlled amount of UVA and UVB rays. When lying out in the sun, it is harder to control exactly what rays you are exposed to and how strong they might be on that particular day.
"It is possible to get skin cancer from tanning," Galbreath says. "When you tan after you've been burnt, you are burning over and over again, and you should not do that. You should control what color you get by using lotions, some with SPF for fair skins, and also control the amount of time you are in the bed for."
Many organizations are in favor of tanning and its benefits. The organization Smart Tan launched a new version of their website in January at TanningTruth.com. The website has been up and running since 2005 and is aiming to teach tanners the truths about professional indoor tanning.
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