Tanning beds may raise common skin cancer risk 70 percent

[Scarl3tbutt3rfly]

I know there are some people that like to use tanning beds. Just figured I'd share.

I have actually tanned in the past, mostly because it was recommended by my first trainer for competition to get a "base" Totally unnecessary nowadays. And I haven't done it since those first 2 years. I "embrace" my whiteness!!! I'm also extremely religious about using sunscreen on my face when I go out. But most face lotions now have sunscreen included so that makes it easy!!!


Tanning beds have already been linked to an increased risk of the deadliest type of skin cancer and now new research shows they can also raise the odds of developing the most common form of the disease….read more with the link below..

Tanning beds may raise common skin cancer risk 70 percent
(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45656187/ns/health-cancer/?#.TunzZZh6ypE)

[mackie]

Thanks for sharing, Ila. Scary. I have tanned off & on for years! (up until a couple months ago). Not to get tan, but to help with severe psoriasis. Tanning (real sun or indoor) helps more than any other type of treatment. Getting a little color was always a "side effect" though, admittedly, one I enjoyed. However - I have never tried to get dark. I never even use the beds/booths for the maximum-allowed time. Never. I keep it brief.

Recently, I stopped tanning to get ready for laser-hair-removal... and fortunately, this time (first time in years) my skin problem hasn't flared up. I'm hoping it stays this way. I don't want to start tanning again. The risk factor scares me.

[RpH]

Psoriasis has got to be directly related to Vitamin D levels. We see flare ups much more in the winter than in the summer. Have you ever taken 5000 IU of Vitamin D a day? I'd try it and see what kind of results you got and if you didn't get anypositive results, I'd up the dose.

[pavermama]

It's addicting. I'm 45 and have been going since before I was 18. (not consistently). I hate being pastie white and it always makes me feel better! I know they are bad for you. It makes me not as depressed in the winter. I've learned to go only occasionally and I limit my time to no longer then 10 minutes. I go back and forth on the sunless lotions. I get tired of the smell and using them on a regular basis gets old after awhile. When I sweat the residue comes off on my workout clothes and it sucks!! If I'm going on vacation, I tan more to get a base so I don't burn as bad. I know I need to quit altogether but it's hard!!!!!

[Erik]

scary stat

[lesliemirinda]

I gave it up recently after seeing a dermatologist and having something "suspicious" cut out of my arm. Turns out it was nothing but makes you think...I am now happily a spray tanner...I go once or twice a week...its not perfect but I know its better than being addicted to the tanning bed!

[Inatic]

It's addicting. I'm 45 and have been going since before I was 18. (not consistently). I hate being pastie white and it always makes me feel better! I know they are bad for you. It makes me not as depressed in the winter. I've learned to go only occasionally and I limit my time to no longer then 10 minutes. I go back and forth on the sunless lotions. I get tired of the smell and using them on a regular basis gets old after awhile. When I sweat the residue comes off on my workout clothes and it sucks!! If I'm going on vacation, I tan more to get a base so I don't burn as bad. I know I need to quit altogether but it's hard!!!!!\if tanning makes you feel better, you're likely low in Vitamin D. Look into supplementing it.

[pavermama]

\if tanning makes you feel better, you're likely low in Vitamin D. Look into supplementing it.

I have had it checked by my Thyroid Dr. I'm in the normal range but he told me if I wanted to supplement some I could. Was on the lower end of normal. I do need to get in gear and get some. Specially since winter is upon us!!
I would do the spray tans but they are 25 bucks a session and only last me a week, if that.

[Inatic]

I have had it checked by my Thyroid Dr. I'm in the normal range but he told me if I wanted to supplement some I could. Was on the lower end of normal. I do need to get in gear and get some. Specially since winter is upon us!!
I would do the spray tans but they are 25 bucks a session and only last me a week, if that.
low end of normal isnt optimal

[TEACHK]

It's addicting. I'm 45 and have been going since before I was 18. (not consistently). I hate being pastie white and it always makes me feel better! I know they are bad for you. It makes me not as depressed in the winter. I've learned to go only occasionally and I limit my time to no longer then 10 minutes. I go back and forth on the sunless lotions. I get tired of the smell and using them on a regular basis gets old after awhile. When I sweat the residue comes off on my workout clothes and it sucks!! If I'm going on vacation, I tan more to get a base so I don't burn as bad. I know I need to quit altogether but it's hard!!!!!

MY SIL died from skin cancer. It was a long, torturous illness. Habits are all hard to break (clearly some are addictions and even harder). It's GREAT that you cut down on tanning. I don't use tanning beds and try to limit sunbathing even on vacay. It is hard to embrace the whiteness when ya' look good (healthy?) with a tan.

[mackie]

Psoriasis has got to be directly related to Vitamin D levels. We see flare ups much more in the winter than in the summer. Have you ever taken 5000 IU of Vitamin D a day? I'd try it and see what kind of results you got and if you didn't get anypositive results, I'd up the dose.
No, I've never taken quite that much. I take 4000 IU. I hesitate to take more without having my D-levels tested. I've read a bit about high doses causing "toxicity" in some people. If I were to have a toxicity reaction, that could likely aggravate psoriasis as the condition likes to attack when there is any need for repair; injury, illness, infection, etc.

I don't know that psoriasis is 'directly' related to Vitamin D. It is a genetic immune disorder; over-active T-cells (sort of the opposite of an immune deficiency disorder).

Not to say that Vitamin D can't be beneficial. Lots of patients get good results with topical Vitamin D ointments (personally, that has never helped me or my sister). But studies, so far, have not found any improvement with Vitamin D supplements.

A common treatment that yields good results is injectible immune-suppressant such as Enbrel. I have yet to try that. I don't like the idea of suppressing my immune system. Nor do I like the idea of injecting myself on a regular basis. :shock: My sister does it and she is happy with the results. However - if I do have another severe flare-up, I may consider it over tanning. Hoping not to have to make such a choice.

One of the reasons many people have more flare-ups during the winter months is the cold weather. For some reason the over-active T-cells, of psoriasis, really go crazy when the skin gets cold. I used to get bad flare-ups after skiing (or attempting to ski, I should say :lol:).

[pavermama]

low end of normal isnt optimal
What amount is good to take for supplementing?

[Inatic]

What amount is good to take for supplementing?
depends on what your own levels are plus supplementing. not one size fits all. Nothing ever is ;)

My dr, for me, wants my levels at 60-80 (depending on the lab range)

[pavermama]

Thanks Ileen!!

[Espi]

This thread may be the appropriate one for my question.. but first a response to the OP: apparently melanomas are worse on people that NEVER tan than on people that tan regularly.. everything in moderation, eh?

Now.. since you're mentioning vitamin D3 : my question is.. do regular tanning beds still have UV-B light in them? Only light from the UV-B spectrum can build up vitamin D in your skin. Vice versa, my other question is: can UV-B lights result in a tan?

Why the question? Been following dr Mercola for a while and while I think he's a bit 'loco' on some stuff.. he's got some good things to say too.. the reference to melanoma being more frequent among 'never tanners' is his.. but so is his recommendation to get vitamin D3 from the sun or sun lamps. So despite having access to a gazillion iu's of D3 (up to 5000 iu which we used until recently).
We bought a UV-B light some 3 weeks ago and I've been building up exposure slowly.. slowly as in adding 15 seconds every 2 days, so am now at 4 min each side.
A LOT of the literature we found on UV-B refers to psoriasis treatment, either just focusing on the UV-rays or in some cases mentioning D3 too.

So.. again:
1 do regular tanning beds contain UV-B too or just UV-A ? (they claim it has been removed due to it causing redness)
2 does the UV-B light cause you to tan... (now I'm spending time using it, i'd love to get a bit of a tan.. if not, I'd want to use the sunbed once or twice a week too)

[ncfarris26]

This thread may be the appropriate one for my question.. but first a response to the OP: apparently melanomas are worse on people that NEVER tan than on people that tan regularly.. everything in moderation, eh?

Now.. since you're mentioning vitamin D3 : my question is.. do regular tanning beds still have UV-B light in them? Only light from the UV-B spectrum can build up vitamin D in your skin. Vice versa, my other question is: can UV-B lights result in a tan?

Why the question? Been following dr Mercola for a while and while I think he's a bit 'loco' on some stuff.. he's got some good things to say too.. the reference to melanoma being more frequent among 'never tanners' is his.. but so is his recommendation to get vitamin D3 from the sun or sun lamps. So despite having access to a gazillion iu's of D3 (up to 5000 iu which we used until recently).
We bought a UV-B light some 3 weeks ago and I've been building up exposure slowly.. slowly as in adding 15 seconds every 2 days, so am now at 4 min each side.
A LOT of the literature we found on UV-B refers to psoriasis treatment, either just focusing on the UV-rays or in some cases mentioning D3 too.

So.. again:
1 do regular tanning beds contain UV-B too or just UV-A ? (they claim it has been removed due to it causing redness)
2 does the UV-B light cause you to tan... (now I'm spending time using it, i'd love to get a bit of a tan.. if not, I'd want to use the sunbed once or twice a week too)

Depends on each individual bed. Usually the "entry level" (basic) beds contain the highest amounts of UVB. Typically around 6.5%- 8.5% but all bulbs are different. Once you get to the fancier beds(more bulbs, less time, facial tanner, cost more, etc) you get less UVB and more UVA where you eventually get to 100% UVA beds, if your salon has them. Sometimes you might hear them being referred to as "bronzing beds" or "bronzing bulbs". The whole point of this is because UVB stimulates your melanocytes to produce melanin and UVA darkens it. So you start out in the beginner beds and then move to the big beds. You will just have to ask for that particular bed what bulbs they use.

[Espi]

Thanks, that was really interesting and it now makes perfect sense to call the mixed UV-A+B beds 'beginner' beds (puzzled me when reading this) when you know UV-B stimulates the production of melanocytes ..
Once you have plenty of these, you don't really need much more of them.

As it is, the only sun tanning beds I'll be using are the ones in my current gym (there's 2 and both are the same) . 1 coin is 5 euro and lasts for 10 minutes. In the past year I've maybe used it 5 times tops.. just as a 'feel good' thing.
Sofar nobody was able to answer my questions regarding how the bulbs are in that bed, but probably haven't spoken to the right person yet.

Does 'making melanocytes' mean I won't get a tan this way, e.g. from the UV-B light alone?

[Scarl3tbutt3rfly]

This thread may be the appropriate one for my question.. but first a response to the OP: apparently melanomas are worse on people that NEVER tan than on people that tan regularly.. everything in moderation, eh?

N

I have actually heard someone say once that if you were going to an area to travel in which you have the potential to get burned, that getting a base tan in a tanning bed would be helpful prior. Not sure if that is true or not though.

I personally use sunscreen, and I'm sure any justification for using a tanning bed can be valid. I'm sure there is even a study out there on it. I just saw this in another forum and thought I'd share since I know there are lots of people who enjoy the tanning bed. I personally am fine with my skin color. I'm a redhead, and in all honesty think I look better with white skin then tanned skin lol!! I also freckle like crazy when I tanned..and I have gotten more freckles over the years as it is it seems like :/...I'm probably a high risk group for skin cancer as it is because of this. I also am not willing to risk it.

Everyone has their vices!! I found when I did tan, it is extremely relaxing, and I did enjoy the experience. And like someone mentioned, in the winter it is helpful with mood, plus warms ya up alot! :beach:

[ncfarris26]

Thanks, that was really interesting and it now makes perfect sense to call the mixed UV-A+B beds 'beginner' beds (puzzled me when reading this) when you know UV-B stimulates the production of melanocytes ..
Once you have plenty of these, you don't really need much more of them.

As it is, the only sun tanning beds I'll be using are the ones in my current gym (there's 2 and both are the same) . 1 coin is 5 euro and lasts for 10 minutes. In the past year I've maybe used it 5 times tops.. just as a 'feel good' thing.
Sofar nobody was able to answer my questions regarding how the bulbs are in that bed, but probably haven't spoken to the right person yet.

Does 'making melanocytes' mean I won't get a tan this way, e.g. from the UV-B light alone?10 minutes is the maximum? If so then there's probably not a lot of UVB. But unless you are in a 100% UVA bed you always have the chance to get red/burn. Easy way to remember is UVA, A=Aging and UVB, B=Burn. (UVA is aka aging because it has a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper.) Also if you look at the bulbs in that bed there should be an imprint on the end of each one as far as brand/type that you could Google.


Are you saying that your UVB light is only UVB and zero UVA?

[Inatic]

I have actually heard someone say once that if you were going to an area to travel in which you have the potential to get burned, that getting a base tan in a tanning bed would be helpful prior. Not sure if that is true or not though.

I personally use sunscreen, and I'm sure any justification for using a tanning bed can be valid. I'm sure there is even a study out there on it. I just saw this in another forum and thought I'd share since I know there are lots of people who enjoy the tanning bed. I personally am fine with my skin color. I'm a redhead, and in all honesty think I look better with white skin then tanned skin lol!! I also freckle like crazy when I tanned..and I have gotten more freckles over the years as it is it seems like :/...I'm probably a high risk group for skin cancer as it is because of this. I also am not willing to risk it.

Everyone has their vices!! I found when I did tan, it is extremely relaxing, and I did enjoy the experience. And like someone mentioned, in the winter it is helpful with mood, plus warms ya up alot! :beach:
one is at higher risk for any cancer (quote an fb friend) with low levels of Vit D..

I'll share what else she says. Shes a holistic practioner.

[Espi]

The light is a bulb that gives off a lot of heat as well and generally is used for reptiles :)

http://www.osram.com/osram_com/Professionals/DisplayOptic_Lighting/Products/Ultraviolet_Lamps/ULTRA-VITALUX/index.html has a bit more but no product information at all.. can't even find it on the original box that came with it.
That says: 'a radiation mix similar to that of natural sunlight' . Applications can be both industrial (testing for suitability of use in the tropics) , for pets (equine solariums, zoos, terrariums), actually is not approved on humans, but on websites I've found people with skin diseases like psoriasis mention the light . same for people interested in D3 build-up.
So, that's how I got to buy one ;). Not with the intention to tan, but.. now I have one, I'd like to get one too!

For redheads, a deep tan would probably not be so smart and getting D3 from capsules a better idea.