Skin cancer treatment doctor wants you to know the risks of using a tanning bed
Skin cancer treatment specialist and board certified dermatologist wants everyone to understand how harmful it is to use a tanning bed. Having a tan, or a natural “glow,” is very popular in our current culture – especially during the summer months. Many people will go to a tanning salon to get a tan because they believe that it makes them look better in a swimsuit. Some people even become addicted to tanning, and will feel uneasy and agitated when they don’t go tanning. There are many myths that are circulating currently that dismiss the dangers of using a tanning bed, and this skin cancer treatment doctor wants to bust these myths that are dangerous not only for you skin, but also for your overall health.
Myth #1 – tanning once or twice a year doesn’t cause damage
Ask anyone who has undergone skin cancer treatment for using a tanning bed, and they will tell you just how much damage UV radiation can do. Classified as being a carcinogen, UV light in any amount is harmful for you and your body. If you were to say smoking one cigarette doesn’t cause any damage, health specialists would deny this immediately. In the same fashion, tanning once or twice a year – say before a vacation or a special event, does harm to your body. Even using a tanning bed one time increases your risk of developing skin cancer by 67%. Melanoma rates have been on the rise in those who are in their 20s, all thanks to tanning beds. Skin cancer treatment specialists say that using a tanning bed sporadically is not harmless, and does a great deal of damage to your skin.
Myth #2 – tanning for short periods is less harmful than sitting out in the sun for a long time
This is a myth that needs to be exposed for its falsehoods. Lying out in the sun is in fact safer than a tanning bed. (Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied whenever there is a chance for an extended period of sun exposure.) If you use a tanning bed younger than 35, your risk of developing melanoma is increased by 75%. Minimize your chance of needing skin cancer treatment by staying away from tanning beds.
Myth #3 – tanning beds increase your vitamin D levels
Your body can make as much vitamin D as it needs simply with a few minute of exposure to the sun. There is no need to increase your risk of developing skin cancer and needing skin cancer treatment to make vitamin D that your body could receive in many other healthy ways. If you are looking to increase your vitamin D levels, eat more dairy, oily fish, or vitamin D supplements.
Metrolina Dermatology – your Charlotte Mohs surgeon and skin cancer treatment specialist
Skin cancer treatment can be avoided by staying away from tanning beds. A south Charlotte dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Sasha Haberle, located in Charlotte, NC, and her team of skilled staff are available to help you with your skin needs. If you live in the Charlotte, NC area and are in need of a dermatological consultation, book your appointment today.
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