Pale never looked more pretty, The Dangers of being Tan

3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year

One person dies every hour from melanoma (skin cancer)

It's that time of year again summer is here vacations are starting. Now who has the best tan, I can't go on vacation looking so pale, and I'm totally darker than you. Our society has become so obsessed with being tan that we forget what it does to our body. Tanning is not safe it's very dangerous everyone should know the risks.

Society puts a lot of pressure on being beautiful, young, and tan. As an Esthetician (skin care specialist) I understand this completely. But did you know that tanning is the most harmful to your young pretty skin. Besides the dangers of damaging your skin it's also aging you! Dark spots, wrinkles and leather skin. All caused by unprotected exposure to the skin. Yuk that's not pretty at all. Would you rather look tan now and old sooner? 

But today I'm talking about skin cancer Basal cell, and Squamous cell carcinoma and most deadly Melanoma. Most people aren't thinking about these as they head out to their favorite park or beach. It's way more common then most are aware of and very deadly. 

Prevention:

Your first line of defense is the clothing you wear, make sure you can cover up as much skin as possible. Wear a large hat to cover your face when you know you're going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. Find tight knit clothing that doesn't allow too much sun to sneak through. 

Find a shady place to sit avoiding direct sunlight can help a lot. Sit under a tree or bring an umbrella. 

Always remember to wear sunblock. UVB/UVA Spf 15. Apply your sunblock before heading out into the sun and always remember to reapply sunblock it doesn't last all day. A good rule of thumb is to reapply every hour.

Try your best not to burn every time you go out. Burning increases your chances of getting skin cancer. 

Never use tanning beds are these emit UVA rays (burning rays) which are the most harmful to your skin. 

Keep newborns out of the sun it is suggested that you do not apply sunblock to babies younger than six months old.  So make sure they're covered hidden from the sun. 

And remember the most harmful rays are between 10 AM and 4 PM. 

Some facts about tanning, skin and cancer:

Skin cancer is one of the most deadly cancers for people ages 15-39.

A tan is a sign that your skin has been damaged.

Melanoma has increased by 250% in the last 30 years.

Most of your skin damage occurs as a child, so parents please remember the sunblock!

Certain medications you take can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Sun tan oil does not prevent skin cancer.

Get burnt 5 or more times in your life can double your chances of melanoma.

More people develop skin cancer from tanning than develop lung cancer from smoking.

Using a tanning bed before the age of 35 can increase the risk of getting melanoma by 75%.

What to look for?? How will I know if I get skin cancer?

Paying attention and doing self checks of your skin are so important. Always be aware of new or changing spots on your body. Here are a few things to look for:

A skin growth that changes in size.

A growth with a color of tan, brown, black, multicolored, translucent or pearly.

A spot or sore that doesn't heal, seems to itch, bleed or scab.

A spot, birthmark, mole that changes in size, color, thickness, texture, has irregular shape, is bigger than a 1/4 of an inch. 

And most importantly if you see ANYTHING you think is strange see a physician immediately.  Early detection is key. 

I hope this has opened up a few eyes and raises some caution about skin safety. 

Thank you for reading and have a happy fun summer.