With spring break approaching, University students are eager to attain that “glow” before they bare all and hit the beaches.
It is important for students to realize that getting the perfect tan now may lead to health problems in the future if necessary precautions are not taken.
University Biological Sciences Professor Steven Pomarico said sun damage is a concern that students need to consider. Pomarico said the obvious risk of cancer is accompanied by physical skin damage further down the road.
The damage can add up over time. Many students won’t see the results until they are adults experiencing premature aging, Pomarico said.
Pomarico said all UV rays emitted by both natural sunlight and artificial tanning beds cause DNA damage, which can lead to cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society Web site, there are no safe UV rays. UV exposure can increase an individual’s risk of cancer even without causing sunburn.
The major damage to the skin actually is done when individuals attempt to tan, but get burnt, Pomarico said. Repeatedly burning the skin poses major risks.
Freddie Roberts, owner of Club Tan, agreed that significant skin damage takes place when individuals fail to take adequate precautions and burn their skin repeatedly.
Roberts and Pomarico advocated for students to tan responsibly and refrain from overdoing it in their quest for the perfect shade.
Amy Cavender, Wellness Education coordinator, said everyone should practice sun safety, whether they are fair- or dark-complected.
“People who tan easily can still get sunburnt and are at risk for skin cancer,” Cavender said.
While so many strive for the perfect tan, Pomarico stressed that it is important to realize some skin types burn far easier then they tan.
“Some people have no business tanning. They should just be happy with what they’ve got and go with it,” Pomarico suggested.
Using moisturizers that contain sun-block and wearing protective eye-wear are key in protecting oneself from the dangers of UV exposure, Pomarico said.
These precautions should be taken regardless of how one achieves a tan, whether naturally or artificially.
Pomarico said tanning salons may offer students a convenient, controlled environment in which to tan, but there are drawbacks.
“The problem with tanning beds is they provide students with exposure in a short amount of time, which makes it easy to overdo,” Pomarico said.
Roberts said his salon aims to show customers the right way to tan.
“Tanning is a gradual process. We encourage individuals to start out with as few as five minutes in the bed and slowly build,” Roberts said.
Roberts suggested that if students tan gradually, they will achieve the tan they desire safely.
Pomarico also said, in a tanning bed individuals don’t experience any of the typical warning signs that one’s skin is burning.
“When using a tanning bed, individuals don’t begin to sweat, nor do they have a chance to actually see their skin begin to become red,” Pomarico said.
Pomarico strongly encouraged students to establish a base tan before they expose their skin to long periods of exposure.
“A base tan will actually protect the individual against becoming burnt,” Pomarico said.
Rebecca Adams, biological sciences senior said “I usually don’t lay out. I go to tanning beds. I just do it to get a basic tan so that I tan easier on vacation.”
Roberts said tanning salons offer students a controlled environment in which students can achieve a base tan safely.
Those individuals who use tanning salons as well as lay out should use a low SPF lotion when they are exposed to sunlight, Roberts said.
Roberts said when the desired tan is reached, applying a low SPF will prevent individuals from getting a full dose of the sun and allow the tan to be maintained.