Understanding the Risks
Tanning, whether you are exposed to the sun or UV lights from tanning beds, targets your skin through harmful ultraviolet rays. Those rays can penetrate to such a depth as to disrupt the DNA of your skin cells, causing mutations that are the root cause of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation studied UV radiation and found it to be the top risk factor for skin cancer development.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers are relatively common types which, if caught in a timely manner, can usually be successfully treated. Melanoma, on the other hand, is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and can progress to other organs in the body very quickly if left untreated.
Sun Safety
The only appropriate way to safeguard your skin from the hazards of UV rays is by drawing on prevention strategies for sun safety. This includes taking some regular actions to prevent potential damage from the sun. For example, every time you go outside, regardless of rainy or sunny days, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.
Reapply every 2 hours or after exposing yourself to water or sweat. Attempt to stay under the shade, particularly during these hot hours of the day from 10 am to 4 pm when the UV rays shine most intensely. Regardless of where you live or what season it is, remember to wear clothing, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Dangers of Tanning Beds
Tanning beds give out rays that can be similar to what you get from the sun, but it may be ten to fifteen times more concentrated than the sun’s rays. Avoid indoor tanning, which can result in a greater likelihood of developing skin cancers. Additionally, regular skin cancer screenings are a great tool for finding cancer at its early stages for effective treatment. An appointment should be booked with a dermatologist immediately if you start to notice any differences in your skin, such as moles, skin growths, or unusual spots.
Schedule Your Screening
At Embrace Dermatology + Aesthetics, we use skin cancer screening in Philadelphia to identify any uncommon lesions early. Early diagnosis is the primary factor for success in treatment, which can save many lives. The main focus of their Spring House and Philadelphia offices is to offer the most advanced dermatological care, such as skin cancer screenings and updated treatment options.
Get Expert Care For Your Skin
The reality is that tanning can cause a lot of harm, and it’s important to keep your skin safe from UV damage. By adhering to sun protection practices, avoiding tanning booths, and getting regular skin cancer screenings, you can decrease your chances of getting skin cancer. Please keep in mind that it’s always better to prevent rather than to treat when it comes to skin health. Protect yourself and keep the health of your skin as your top priority. Take care of your skin and build a healthy relationship with the sun. If you’d like to find out more about our dermatologist in Spring House, PA, or Philadelphia, reach out to our professional team at Embrace Dermatology + Aesthetics.
