Tanning Beds Cause Cancer, WHO Report Says

Using a tanning bed to achieve a golden tan can ultimately cause cancer, according the World Health Organization (WHO). According to WebMD, WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now moved tanning beds from the category of a possible carcinogenic to a definite cancer causing product. The dramatic rise in melanoma, a serious and deadly skin cancer, in young women supports the labeling of tanning beds as cancer causing agents. Young women are the primary users of tanning beds and are thus at most risk for developing cancer due to tanning bed usage.

Tanning beds cause cancer: How to get achieve a safer tan

The cosmetics market is flooded with self-tanning products that can make your skin look sun kissed without the sun exposure. Jergens currently markets its Natural Glow products designed to moisturize while helping the user achieve a natural looking tan. Meant for daily use, self-tanning products won't make you tan overnight but instead achieve a tan gradually. I have used Jergens' self-tanning products in the past with great, natural looking results. Always follow the directions on the bottle, including a good exfoliation before use, for the best results.

Skip the cancer causing tanning bed and opt for an airbrushed tan?

Other than using a self-tanning product to build up a tan, one can pay for airbrushing. It was rumored that John Kerry had gotten an airbrushed tan back in 2004 just before a debate with then President George W. Bush. He took a lot of flack for that and was made the butt of jokes because of his sudden orange appearance. An airbrushed tan can help with a head to toe even tan, but it is more costly than a self-tanning product easily purchased at the neighborhood drug store. For those who can afford and want an even tan, an airbrush tan may be an option.

Tanning bed cause cancer, but so does sun exposure

Finally, to lower the risk of skin cancer, always remember to apply sun screen. Watching someone die of skin cancer is heartbreaking. When I was in my late teens, my grandfather who lived with us had a suspicious lesion on his ear. He delayed getting medical care until the sore began to ooze. He was diagnosed with skin cancer and had his ear removed in a bid to stop the fast spreading cancer. He underwent radiation therapy and skin grafts and ultimately the cancer spread to his brain. Though he had other medical problems at the time, skin cancer was listed as the first cause of death on his death certificate. Sadly, he may have lived longer had he sought medical treatment for the skin lesion much sooner.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20090728/who-tanning-beds-cause-cancer
http://www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2004/09/29/20040929_215805_dnc55.htm