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SATURDAY, Aug. 23, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- It's time to shed some light on the myth of safe tanning.
There is no such thing.
Whether you get a tan from the sun or in a tanning salon, you're damaging your skin, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Chronic sun exposure can cause premature skin aging such as wrinkles, sagging cheeks and skin discoloration.
That's not the worst of it. Long-term sun exposure is a key factor in the development of skin cancer.
Over the years, more and more people have heeded warnings and taken steps to protect themselves from the sun.
However, many people still believe sunlamps in tanning salons are safe. Not true, says the Orlando-Orange County (Fla.) Health Department.
Just like the sun, those sunlamps emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that causes skin damage.
While there's no such thing as safe tanning, you can follow these steps to safer sunning:
- Avoid the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Pay attention to your local UV index and stay inside when UV levels are high.
- Use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the sunscreen regularly to all exposed skin.
- Throw away any sunscreen products after a year.
- Wear a hat with at least a 3-inch brim all the way around.
- Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Large-framed, wraparound sunglasses are best. They protect your eyes from all angles. Make sure your children wear real sunglasses, not toy ones.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, long-sleeved shirts, pants or long skirts when you're in the sun.
- Don't go to tanning salons.
- Check your skin regularly for any signs of precancerous skin conditions. Look for changes in size, texture, shape and color of blemishes, moles and birthmarks or sores that don't heal. If you detect any changes, see your doctor.
- Don't use sunscreens on babies younger than 6 months old. Their bodies aren't developed enough to handle sunscreen chemicals. For children ages 6 months to 2 years, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 4 to 15.
More information
The American Academy of Dermatology has more safe sun tips.
