Sun-tanning - The untold truth - Blog

Images of scantily-clad body’s laying about under ultra violet (UV) rays brings to mind the misplaced popularity of cigarette smoking during the  40’s and 50’s - remember when we were sold the ruse that smoking imparted an image of sharp, sexy sophistication...? So why, when there is so much compelling evidence pointing to the harm that can be caused by regular and/or prolonged exposure to UV light, do we insist on venerating the bronzed, leathered appearance of the human form over a healthy, wrinkle-free natural-looking skin colour?

Artificial tanning came into its own during the 1970’s and 80’s when we were all striving to look like the six million dollar man, Magnum PI or one of Charlie’s Angels. An all-over tan was not only fashionable, it was considered healthy. In more recent times, studies suggest that the prevalence of melanoma (skin cancer) can at least in part be attributed to society’s obsession with the body beautiful, and some misleading advertising that has been bandied about within a largely unregulated beauty industry.

Sun-tans - they may not cost a lot, but the price is high!

No - modern sunbeds are NOT healthier than natural sunlight. No - sunbed tanning does NOT provide protection against sunburn or skin cancers; the protective effect of a sunbed tan is about the same as an SPF 2 sunscreen. No - the UVA rays often used in most sunbeds are NOT a ‘safe’ method of tanning. While not causing surface burning like the fast-acting UVB rays (which some clinics will use for a ’quick’ tan), UVA penetrates to the lower skin layers where it can adversely affect the skins own immune system which may predispose to skin cancer and lead to premature aging.  Precancerous lesions have been found in skin that has been protected from the sunlight, but exposed to a sun-bed after just two-three years. Of course we can argue that sunbeds can improve a person’s vitamin D status, and this is correct, especially for people who don’t get out doors often. But bear in mind that it is relatively easy to boost your vitamin D production just by incidental sun exposure such as hanging washing on the clothes line, or walking to get the mail each day. In August this year, the Commerce Commission sent a clear message to sunbed operators and distributors warning them under the Fair Trading Act about making misleading or untrue assertions about the supposed health benefits and the known risks of using sunbeds. The Melanoma Network of New Zealand, in March 2011, requested that the New Zealand government implement the World Health Organisations guidelines of banning anyone under 18 years of age from using a sunbed, as well as banning unsupervised use. Most sunbed clinics have voluntarily imposed these regulations. And statistics do point to younger people being the key users of sunbeds. A survey of Southern Cross Health Society members showed that of 1000 people 33% aged between 21-29 had used a sunbed, and 27% would use them again. While in the larger and older age bracket of 30-54, 36% had used sunbeds, but only 14% would consider it again. Another report collating research across developed countries found that the demographic using sunbeds are predominantly females aged between 17-30 years old, who have what are considered to be generally unhealthy lifestyles in that they were likely to smoke, frequently drink alcohol and eat less healthy foods. Alarmingly the International Agency for Research on Cancer has calculated there is a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma for people who first use sunbeds in their teens or twenties.

How can we protect our skin from UV damage?

Nothing beats staying away from UV rays during the at-risk times of 11-3pm, covering up with clothing, hats and natural sun screens, or staying off the sunbed, but there are some readily available nutritional supplements we can take as well. Whether it’s hitting the beach in summer, sitting on the after-deck of the boat fishing or carving up that snowy mountain during the sunny spring months, it is important to protect our skin. Proven antioxidant protectors from UV damage are astaxanthin - a carotinoid (orange pigment) and tocotrienol - a form of vitamin E. When taken internally both these nutrients can offer the skin protection from UV damage.  In addition to being available in supplement form, Astaxanthin is naturally found in red ocean plants and salmon, while tocotrienol is found in some vegetable oils particularly palm oil and wheat germ. While in no way do these replace sun screens and sensible practices in the sun, they are highly beneficial as part of an ongoing health regime, particularly for people who do like to get a tan - be it an indoor or an outdoor one.