Although the days of sun worship are over, the sun’s
presence in our daily lives is undeniable.
Over 1 million Americans go to tanning salons every day and over
$5 billion is made by the tanning industry yearly.
However, the sun has been getting a bad reputation due to cancer
incidences and the popularity of tanning in sunny and
self-conscious SoCal.
Hitting the tanning beds to avoid the rays is counterproductive
““ the danger of commercial tanning seriously outweighs the
risks of moderate sun exposure, which has been recently found to
actually benefit our health.
UVA and UVB rays are types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by
the sun and artificial sources. These rays can lead to eye damage,
wrinkles and skin cancer.
Some tanning beds emit five times more UVA than the sun, and
major health organizations, such as the Food and Drug
Administration and the World Health Organization, advise people to
avoid tanning beds, listing them as known carcinogens.
The disturbing fact is that indoor tanning is completely
unnecessary and voluntary ““ it is not associated with or a
consequence of an active lifestyle.
Maria Pasquera, a UC Santa Barbara student and a user of tanning
beds, said that the biggest factor is time: “It takes 10-12
minutes in the studio, something that would take me a week at the
beach to match. Also you get an even tan with no hassle ““ you
couldn’t really get that under the sun.”
Addressing the dangers of tanning beds, Pasquera said,
“People like to keep it up and leading such a hectic
day-to-day life as students doesn’t leave time to think about
future problems.”
With our demanding schedules, it’s very easy to push back
considerations about long-term effects, but that should not allow
us to continually hurt ourselves.
Despite hearing that artificial and unreasonable tanning
isn’t good, few take the time to process that information and
realize just how much they might be giving up in their future.
A survey taken by the American Academy of Dermatology found that
92 percent of respondents understood that getting a tan was
somewhat dangerous yet 65 percent said they tanned to look
better
But just going outside for a natural glow can benefit our health
as well as offer an outlet for our senses.
Spending 10-15 minutes in the sun without sunblock on the face,
arms, hands or back at least twice a week is helpful for our
physical and psychological well-being.
Doctors recommend tanning outside before 10 a.m. and after 3
p.m. when the sun isn’t as strong while allowing our skin to
synthesize Vitamin D.
The lack of Vitamin D in over 25 million adults puts them at
risk for multiple sclerosis, prostate cancer and osteoporosis.
Foods like salmon or milk are sources of the vitamin, but
don’t come close to the levels supplied during exposure to
the sun’s UV rays.
Being active outside or just sitting on the grass as a way to
free your mind of stress on a warm day let your tan settle without
the effort of the event taking up your thoughts.
Under the sun’s vibrant rays, you bathe your senses in a
positive atmosphere, a contrast to the inanimate lights of the
lecture hall or dorm room.
You get to experience a wholesome and relaxing environment
rather than having another task on your already busy hands.
Soaking up the sun should be a personal enjoyment in a
student’s life rather than a nod to imposed fleeting trends
and a sacrifice for the sake of creating an image that you alone
are conscious of having.
Balance is key and jeopardizing health for a few shades
shouldn’t be an option.
To lighten up, e-mail Oster at [email protected]. Send
general comments to [email protected].