Skin cancer is strongly linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and indoor tanning is a concentrated, avoidable source of that exposure. Tanning beds and sunlamps emit UVA and UVB rays that can damage skin-cell DNA, accelerate premature aging, and increase the likelihood of developing skin cancers over time. Here is more information on the relationship between skin cancer and indoor tanning:
What Happens to Skin Cells?
Tanning beds emit concentrated ultraviolet radiation, primarily UVA, which penetrates deeply into the skin’s layers. While UVB rays cause sunburn on the surface, UVA rays penetrate deeper to where new skin cells are formed. When these rays strike your skin cells, they damage the DNA inside; DNA specifies how cells function and replicate. When this gets damaged by radiation, the cells may start to behave unpredictably.
Repeated damage accumulates over time. The body attempts to repair DNA. Constant exposure to UV radiation makes it difficult for repair mechanisms to keep pace. These mutations can eventually lead to abnormal growth, which may be the beginning of what becomes skin cancer.
Does Tanning Increase Cancer Risks?
Leading health organizations classify tanning beds as carcinogenic to humans, placing them in the same risk category as tobacco and asbestos. This classification is based on substantial evidence linking UV exposure from artificial sources to all major types of skin cancer. Studies show that using a tanning bed once can increase the risk of developing melanoma, and the risk increases with every session. Indoor tanning is also associated with non-melanoma cancers. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are directly associated with cumulative UV exposure. The younger a person is when they begin tanning, the higher their lifetime risk.
What Makes It Worse?
While indoor tanning is hazardous for everyone, certain biological factors can increase susceptibility to damage. Here are some of them:
- Fair Skin Tone: Individuals with pale skin, light hair, and light eyes typically have lower melanin levels, which means they burn and tan more easily.
- Family History: If a close relative has had skin cancer, your genetic predisposition may be higher, making UV exposure even more dangerous.
- Number of Moles: Individuals with many moles or atypical moles should be particularly cautious, as these spots can change and become cancerous when exposed to high levels of radiation.
- Medication Use: Certain antibiotics and acne medications can make the skin photosensitive, leading to faster and more severe burns.
It is key to understand your personal risk profile to make informed decisions about your health.
How Can You Prevent It?
There are safer methods to achieve your desired appearance while maintaining skin health. Here are some of them:
- Sunless Tanning Products: Lotions, sprays, and mousses containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) react with dead skin cells on the skin’s surface to produce a temporary tan without UV exposure.
- Self-Exams: Check your skin once a month for any new spots or changes to existing moles, looking for asymmetry or irregular borders.
- Professional Checks: Scheduling an annual exam with a dermatologist enables a thorough review of your skin, including areas difficult to see on your own.
Early detection of abnormal growth often leads to simpler and more effective treatment options.
Book a Skin Cancer Screening
The relationship between indoor tanning and skin cancer is direct and damaging. UV radiation from tanning beds alters cellular DNA, creating mutations that can lead to life-threatening conditions. While factors such as genetics and skin type influence individual risk, evidence indicates that avoiding indoor tanning is a fundamental step in cancer prevention. If you have a history of tanning or notice any changes on your skin, contact a qualified dermatologist near you to book your skin cancer screening today.
