The Dangers of TanningBy: Danielle, Carmela, Nick, & Phil

What is Sun Tanning?

• Sun tanning or simply tanning is the process whereby skin color is darkened or tanned. The process is most often a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from artificial sources, such as a tanning bed.

History of “Sun Bathing”• Pre 1900’s it was concentered “lower class” to be tan.• In 1903, Niles Finsen -“Finsen Light Therapy.” The therapy was a cure for diseases such as

lupus vulgaris and rickets, Vitamin D deficiencies.• by 1913 'sunbathing' is referred to as a desirable activity for the leisured class.• In the 1920s, Coco Chanel accidentally got sunburnt while visiting the French Riviera. In

addition, Parisians fell in love with Josephine Baker, a “caramel-skinned” singer in Paris. • In the 1940s, advertisements started appearing in women’s magazines which encouraged

sun bathing. At the same time, swimsuits' skin coverage began decreasing.• 1950s, silver metallic UV reflectors were common to enhance one’s tan.• 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie, which had tanned skin, sunglasses, and her very

own bottle of sun tanning lotion.• 1978 tanning beds first appeared.• SPF labeling was standardized by the FDA in1978, deeming the UV rays to cause skin

cancer.• Tanning is now a 5 billion dollar industry in the United States today.

Self Tanning

• Some people use chemical products which can produce a tanning result without exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Such As:-Spray Tan- “At Home” Bronzing Spray/Lotion- Bronzing powders

Why do people tan?

• Image• Media• Self-Esteem• Medical Reasons• It’s Fun/Feels good

Did you know?• The cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to

premature skin aging (wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, and skin cancer.)

• Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners, AKA tanning beds, are 74 percent more likely to develop skin cancer.

• Tanning effects are irreversible. •

How it happens…• The sun produces UVA and UVB rays. • Skin cells in the top layer of skin (the epidermis) produce a pigment called

melanin that gives skin its natural color.• When skin is exposed to UVB radiation, more melanin is produced,

causing the skin to darken. (defense mechanism from absorbing the UV radiation)

• A tan is a sign that the skin is attempting to protect itself against UV damage.

• When the melanin absorbs too much UV radiation, you will get a sunburn.• More Melanin produced = more UV damage sustained.• “Roasting” is a good term used by many sunbathers/tanners, because you

actually are.

Skin Cancer• Increased exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage to the melanin and the skin

cells, eventually leading to cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Melanoma

Can tanning/sunbathing hurt my eyes?

YES IT CAN

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Is it really worth it?