Am I at risk of skin cancer if I go tanning once every two weeks?

By Becky Friday, February 09, 2007

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Everyone I know chastises me for visiting a tanning salon from time to time. I know extensive sun exposure is dangerous, but the truth is, I'm a little skeptical about the alleged danger of exposing myself to UV rays only once every two weeks for no more than 12 minutes. I live in a fairly cold climate, so it's not like I'm getting all that much sun exposure outside of my occassional "fake bake" indulgences. What's more, my facial moisturizer is SPF 15.

Can somebody tell me - is my fake baking really so bad?

Comments (4) | Add comment

sunnygirl

3/ 2/07 10:43am

Have you seen Sue's article on tanning salons?

http://www.healthcentral.com/skin-cancer/c/115/6851/salons-hype

Sarah

3/ 2/07 10:47am

There's also a fantastic article in Prevention magazine on tanning salons.

http://www.prevention.com/article/1,5778,s1-1-55-199-3881-1,00.html

Anonymous

3/ 2/07 8:54pm

I just had MOHS surgery to remove Basal Cell Carcinoma. I caught it early and the Dr. and nurses said it is one of the smallest "holes" they have ever seen.......yet it is a big nasty gross HOLE in my upper abdomen requiring about 15 stitches!

NO TAN IS WORTH THIS!!! Sunscreen people, please!

Becky

3/13/07 2:52pm

Thank you all for your comments - I appreciate the honest insight. Looks like it may be time to switch to the spray tan...or just become content with my natural olive-toned skin. :)

Am I at risk of skin cancer if I go tanning once every two weeks?

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