PROTECTING THE SKIN (To Tan Or Not To Tan?)

Is tanned skin really healthy skin? Now is the time to find out, before it's too late.

There is no safe way to tan.

Skin cancer is the most common human malignancy.

Each year there are approximately 600,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States. The majority are basal cell carcinomas which are usually readily curable and leave only a scar. More alarmingly, for Caucasians there is a one in 105 lifetime risk of developing a melanoma, and it is estimated that the risk will increase to one in 75 by the year 2000. African-Americans and Asians have a much lower incidence rate of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

A history of a blistering sunburn as a child or adolescent doubles the chance of developing a melanoma.

The sun's rays which reach the earth are divided into radiowaves, infra-red, visible and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ultraviolet A and B rays permanently damage the skin. In the past, ultraviolet B rays were considered burning rays and ultraviolet A as "safe" tanning rays. It is now known that both types of ultraviolet rays injure the skin.

The UVB rays penetrate the epidermis (top layer of the skin) and are the principal cause of sunburn and skin cancer; they also contribute to premature aging of the skin. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply, damaging the supporting structure of the skin, thus causing premature wrinkling. UVA rays also exacerbate the damage inflicted by UVB rays.

The amount of ultraviolet radiation one receives depends on many factors. More ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth's surface at higher altitudes and lower latitudes. Many surfaces will reflect ultraviolet radiation. Sand can reflect up to 25 percent and water can reflect from one percent to almost 100 percent depending on the time of day. Clouds do not provide adequate filtration of ultraviolet radiation; up to 80 percent of ultraviolet rays can penetrate through a cloud covering.

Infrared rays, which give the feeling of warmth, are filtered more efficiently by clouds so there is a tendency to stay outdoors longer. Consequently, many people get severe sunburns on cloudy days.

American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines
for limiting sun-induced aging of the skin
Decreases your chance of skin cancer

 Skin Type      Seasonal Sun       Tans              SPF        
                  Exposure


      I             easily and always  never         15 or greater

     II             easily and usual   minimal       15 or greater

     III            sometimes          gradual        8

     IV             minimal            always         8

     V, VI          never              always/well    2