By: Rachel Hoendorf

Since the use of tanning facilities has increased, professional tanning consultants work to promote balance and educate users about how to safely tan. Science Daily states that, “Nearly 1 million Americans visit tanning salons everyday.” Out of the 1 million daily tanners, 70% of them are cacausion females and teens.- TANNING BEDS: THE NEW FAD

“An estimated 30 million North Americans – 65% to 70% of them women – turned to tanning salons in 2006 as a controlled alternative to outdoor tanning.” INCREASE OF TANNING BED USE FROM 1988 “Out of those 30 million North Americans, 1 million of those people were referred to tanning salons by their dermatologist for medical and cosmetic reasons.”

Many tanning bed users are starting at a very young age. Studies show that many young adults have felt influenced to tan because of the media. Many experts have found the average age people start using tanning facilities is age 15. MEDIA INFLUENCE ON TANNING AGE

AVERAGE AGE OF TANNING BED USERS

Celebrities also have a huge impact on the tanning industry Julianne Hough even talked to In Style magazine about her bronzed skin. “I am not even sure what my natural skin looks like because of tanning and spray tanning throughout the past couple of years.” BRONZED GODDESS’

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a disorder that is characterized by severely distorted body image. Many people that have this disorder have resorted to tanning to deal with their disorder. Psychologists recommend the use of indoor tanning if they feel it is the proper solution for the patient and the disorder. BODY-IMAGE DISORDERS

Case studies have found that symptoms of some skin conditions can be suppressed by indoor tanning if a patient isn’t over exposing their skin. Tanning in a controlled environment can help skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. SKIN-CONDITIONS

Seasonal depression is a psychological disorder that happens in the winter months due to lack of Vitamin D. Women have a higher chance of suffering from this disorder than men do. Psychologists recommend the use of indoor tanning facilities as a way to suppress symptoms and boost Vitamin D levels. SEASONAL DEPRESSION: PRESCRIBING SUNLIGHT

Using tanning beds increases your intake of Vitamin D! In the past tanning was known to be a treatment for bone deficiency. The vitamin D given off by UV light can actually increase density of bones. Physicians also promoted assisting those with tuberculosis, muscular weakness, and a variety of skin diseases by using UV exposure. VITAMIN D!!!

If you are tanning for a medical purpose the physician will recommend the proper exposure time for you. Over exposure can be the cause of significant damage, while tanning the correct amount of time according to your skin type can be beneficial. TANNING PROPERLY!

If tanning bed users do not use eye wear they can be doing serious damage to their eyes. Most symptoms are long term and include loss of night vision, color perception, and cataracts. If you are using eye wear that filters UVA and UVB there can be no damage done. ALWAYS USE EYE WEAR!

Many believe that tanning can cause the formation of melanoma, which is not necessarily true. Melanoma and basal cell carcinoma are pre existing damaged skin cells that can replicated because of over exposure. This is why it is important you aren’t over exposing and are taking precautions in order to protect your skin. CAUTION: OVER EXPOSURE RISKS Melanoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma

-You can prevent damage by following recommended exposure according to your skin type. -All salons legally have to allow clients to have access to UVB/UVA percentage, photosensitivity sheets, and the Fitzpatrick skin type chart. -Ultimately each individual is deciding their own fate and it is up to them to expose themselves responsibly. YOU DECIDE