life in the garden of eden.

The New York Times quoted John Overstreet, executive director of the Indoor Tanning Association, as saying, “The dermatologists have been trying to link indoor tanning to skin cancer for 20 years, and there is no proof. Melanoma takes years to develop. So for them to say that we are causing an increase in melanoma among young people — well, it’s the opposite of the truth.”

There’s no proof? Dermatologists are lying about indoor tanning being related to melanoma? What about:

• A 2006 study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IRAC, “The Association of Use of Sunbeds with Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers: A Systematic Review,” International Journal of Cancer 120, no. 5 (2006): 1116 - 1122) noted that “exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer. Sunbed use represents an increasingly frequent source of artificial UV exposure in light-skinned populations.” The study concluded that a first exposure to sunbeds before 35 years of age significantly increased the risk of melanoma – by 75%!
• In Tanning Salons Boost Skin Cancer Risk, WebMD reports on a Scandinavian study published in 2003 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The researchers determined that “women who visited a tanning parlor at least once a month were 55% more likely to later develop melanoma than women who didn’t artificially suntan. Those who used sun lamps to tan while in their 20s had the greatest later risk, about 150% higher than similarly aged women who shunned tanning beds.”
• In 2002, a Dartmouth study of nearly 1500 residents of New Hampires found that any use of tanning lamps increased the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 2.5 times (and 1.5 times for basal cell carcinoma) over those who did not use tanning lamps.

There are more, of course.  Mr. Overstreet must have a peculiar definition of “proof” and “truth.” Who’s lying now? The indoor tanning industry is starting to bear a striking resemblance to the tobacco industry.

Ranting about industry lies aside, there’s really no need to throw yourself in front of a tanning lamp. Sunless tanning gives similar results and is much more prudent.

I admit to my vanity, here. I tend to get self-conscious about my Scandinavian / northern European skin color, and by late spring I start fretting about how pale I am compared to all of my fake-and-bake co-workers. One must fit in, unfortunately, and my employers don’t tolerate a goth look with eyeliner and interesting hair colors that complement pale skin.

I don’t deal with getting overheated very well, so slathering on sunblock and sprawling by the lake wouldn’t be much of an option, even if I had time to do that.

After some experimentation, I found out that L’Oreal’s Sublime line has a good color: warm gold/bronze, not orange. The towelettes are prone to streaks, but the mist (LOreal Sunless Sublime Glow Moisturizing MicroFine Mist - 4.2 Oz) doesn’t streak at all. It’s reasonably priced at drug stores and supermarkets. I’ve also tried some of the more expensive options, and they’re comparable. Lancome Flash Bronzer Airbrush Self Tanning Spray 4 oz. has a pleasant fragrance (reminds me of childhood summer, for some reason). It has a bronzer in it, so you can see where you’ve sprayed and you have some color while the tan develops.

Go tan in a bottle.

Tags: cancer, health, indoor tanning