Jersey Shore Pharmacy

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Health & Wellness Sun Damage : The Dangers of Tanning – Indoors or Outdoors

Jay Greco, RPh

Have you ever been mistaken for Casper the Friendly Ghost? You may still value a glowing tan, even if you’re not quite that white. Many people think and feel a little color gives them a healthier – maybe even sexier – look.

So isn’t it ironic that your glorious tan can actually put you at risk?

When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – whether from the sun or a tanning device – your skin reacts by producing more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that darkens your skin. Tanning can cause premature wrinkling, skin spots, and a “lovely” leathery look down the road. In addition, it can also suppress your body’s immune system and cause eye damage or allergic reactions.

Some people can develop skin cancer

from too much UV radiation. Were you one of those kids who shunned skin protection or overstayed your time in the sun? If so, you probably had a severe sunburn or two, putting you at greater risk for the deadliest form of skin cancer: melanoma. What’s worse is the sun isn’t the only culprit! Tanning devices like sunlamps used in tanning beds are more dangerous than previously thought. A few years ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) looked at 19 studies conducted over 25 years. It found a link between indoor tanning and two kinds of skin cancer, as well as melanoma of the eye. The risk of skin melanoma increased by 75 percent when indoor tanning started before age 35. As a result, the agency moved these devices into the highest cancer risk category: “carcinogenic to humans.” It is time to take stock of that warning, especially if you have pale skin; blond, red or light-brown hair; or you or a family member has had skin cancer. Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women in their 20’s. One in eight with melanoma die from the disease. Besides avoiding tanning salons, what can you do? Take precautions, whether you’re sunbathing at the poolside or cutting through the snow on the ski slopes. If you can, limit your time in the sun when rays are strongest – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and long pants, when possible. Use a water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Make sure it is rated as broad spectrum, which protects against all types of skin damage. Be sure to apply sunscreen to areas of uncovered skin about 15 minutes before you go outside. Always pay special attention to your nose, ears, neck, lips, and hands and reapply every two hours. If you have a child younger than six months, talk with their doctor or Health Mart before you apply sunscreen. It is important to check your medications and cosmetics with us because they can make you more sensitive to UV rays.

What else? Buy sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UV protection – especially for your children. If you’re not sure whether your shades already offer this protection, check with your eye care professional. Remember, you can find many of these sun protection products right here in our store. Together we can help your family stay protected from melanoma.

Jersey Shore Pharmacy is an independently owned and operated full service pharmacy. Our pharmacists and technicians are here to answer your questions. Stop by and see what a pharmacy experience should be! For more information, call 609-660-1111 or visit www.jerseyshorepharmacy