By SARA BERGQUIST

sbe007@latech.edu

 

The temperature is rising, and bathing suits have begun to make a debut, but the sun block is still left behind.

This summer many students will concentrate on building up a tan, but few students are truly informed about the damages that are done to the skin through sunshine and tanning beds.

“Cancer is more common in the South because there is more sun exposure down here,” Dr. Thomas Carey, a dermatologist at the Ark-La-Tex Dermatology Clinic, said.

Carey also said there are very few benefits for getting that golden glow.

“Tanning is mostly done for cosmetic purposes,” Carey said. “The perceived benefit is that people will feel better with a tan.”

Years ago, many models believed it was a good idea to be tan, but now these models are showing up with plenty of wrinkles, Carey said.

Carey also said liver spots, which are odd-shaped brown marks on the outside of the body, are common with his patients who have overexposed themselves to ultraviolet rays.

Tanning beds and exposure to direct sunlight do have a few positive effects, Carey said.

“Exposing yourself 10 minutes a week to a tanning bed will not hurt you; it’s when you stay in there for long periods of time that will cause damaging effects,” Carey said.

Carey also said tanning beds can help improve some skin disorders.

“Tanning can help with acne and psoriasis, [a noncontagous inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurring reddish patches covered with silvery scales],” Carey said. “A little bit of the sun won’t hurt you, but you need to be careful with how much you expose yourself because it accumulates over time.”

Paige Pickett, a registered nurse at the Health Services Center, said tanning beds can be very dangerous for everyone.

“Sun beds produce ultraviolet rays, just like the sun,” Pickett said. “In fact, a sun bed can be even more dangerous than the sun. It’s estimated that 20 minutes in a sun bed can be equivalent to approximately four hours in the sun.”

Fay Elaine Simon, a physician, said it is important for people to expose themselves in moderation to sunlight.

“Most of the body’s vitamin D is synthesized when bare, unprotected skin is exposed to sunlight,” Simon said. “This important nutrient is best known for building strong bones and teeth, [which is] the key to preventing osteoporosis.”

Nothing can completely undo sun damage, although the skin can sometimes repair itself, Simon said.

“It’s never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun,” Simon said.

“Your skin does change with age; for example, you sweat less, and your skin can take longer to heal, but you can delay these changes by staying out of the sun.”

Simon said the best way to protect the skin from harmful sun exposure is to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.

Simon also said to select cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection.

“You can also wear sunglasses with total UV protection [and] avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.,” Simon said.

“Students should also perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths.”