We are finally approaching warm summer days, and most students are anxiously waiting to head out to the beach, take their kids to the park, attend numerous festivals, ride bikes and spend quality time outside. It is very refreshing after being stuck inside all winter. Many people also love to see a golden glow on their skin from their summer vacation. What most students don’t realize is how this time in the sun, or even worse a tanning bed, negatively affects their health and appearance.
Getting a tan to prevent getting burned may be more dangerous than thought. “It is our
skin’s built-in protection system against damage from UV radiation. The rays stimulate our melanocytes to produce melanin, which we see as pigment. Regardless, the UV rays still damage the DNA and protein in our skin which is very dangerous, since it gives instructions for your cells” says Evelyn Manolad, esthetician. “More and more of my young clients are telling me they have had moles removed that were precancerous.”
UVA rays do not burn the skin because they are longer and penetrate past the top layer. “We often call UVA rays the aging rays because they cause damage underneath the surface such as DNA changes, loss of elasticity and volume, and hyperpigmentation. These rays are out every day no matter what the weather outside is,” says Rosalind Wakefield, registered nurse and medical spa owner. “Clients come in even in their early 20s with severe and visibly premature aging and damage on their skin.”
Finding a sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB rays will provide the best protection.
“Think of UVB rays as the burning rays. These are strongest in the summer and affect the top layer of skin. Everyone is scared of these rays, even though UVA are the ones that cause the most accumulative damage.” It also helps to protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses and to reapply sunscreen every hour when outside. “Sunscreens break down extremely easily, especially if the skin comes in contact with water or sweat. Many people think sunscreens don’t work, and it’s usually because they are not reapplying often enough.”
“We used to fry our skin on the beach with baby oil and iodine. Nobody knew that we’d look in the mirror in our 20s and see so many sunspots and wrinkles. Not only that, I’ve had many friends have moles removed,” said Mimi Wahlman, medical spa owner. Tanning beds claim to be safe since they use the UVA rays and don’t cause burns as easily, but they can be just as dangerous.
“Spending 20 minutes in the tanning bed, even once a week or several times a month, will speed up the aging process so rapidly. Unlike muscle or nerve cells, skin cells are constantly dividing. When fresh skin cells are exposed to UV rays, you are putting yourself at such a risk for skin cancer that it might be worth rethinking the tan,” says Kristi Reasons, esthetician and spa manager.
Many people find the rays relaxing and feel it makes them happy. Sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder may find that getting through long winter months may be easier when they use a tanning bed.
“I read on the Internet that it was okay to go in the tanning bed once in a while. I realized that it was making me feel happier and was almost addicting. I’ve tried other methods, such as exercise at the gym and sewing, to keep myself occupied during the winter because cancer runs in my family, and I didn’t want to put myself at more risk,” says Katharine Lion, college student.
Certain medications can put patients at a higher risk for skin cancer. “Patients who use certain acne or immunosuppressant medications or are going through radiation treatments are more photo sensitive. They have to be extra careful in the sun. I’ve seen people on acne medications go on skiing trips and come back with major sunburns. It’s not just the beach where people get sun. It’s an everyday concern, especially for these patients,” says Margaret Hoepner, pharmaceutical representative.
Keeping an eye on your skin is an important preventative measure against skin cancer. Seeing a dermatologist once a year for a screening will help keep you in control of your health.
“Only a doctor can give you proper medical attention, so make sure to be compliant and stay on top of it. We tell people to follow the ABCD rules when looking at their moles. A is for Asymmetry. Moles should be symmetrical and even on both sides. B is for Border. The border should be well defined. C is for Color. The color should be pretty consistent through out the moles. D is for Diameter. Generally it should be under the size of a pencil eraser. These are just basic guidelines. Make sure to see a doctor regarding any medical advice,” says Wakefield.
It is still possible to get color during the summer with protection from sunscreen. Being aware of the risks and following up with a dermatologist will help prevent skin cancers and your skin from aging prematurely.