Joel Schlessinger MD FAQ - The Risks of Indoor Tanning
1. Joel Schlessinger, MD
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE RISKS OF
INDOOR TANNING
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
2. Indoor tanning involves using a bed
or booth that emits ultraviolet
radiation to achieve a cosmetic tan.
The average tanning bed or booth
emits 97% UVA rays and 3% UVB rays
from its fluorescent bulbs. This
output is similar to the sun’s output
at its peak, but can be two to three
times stronger.
What is indoor tanning?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
3. Tanning, whether it is from natural
sunlight or an indoor bed, is no different
from a sunburn. It means that your skin
has sustained cell damage. There are
many risks associated with skin cell
damage. No matter how safe tanning
salons claim their beds are, the FDA and
the American Academy of Dermatology
have discovered undeniable links
between indoor tanning and serious
health issues.
Why is indoor tanning bad for you?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
4. Exposure to UV radiation (natural or
artificial) increases the risk of
developing skin cancer. Squamous
cell carcinoma as well as the
deadliest form of skin cancer,
melanoma, have both been linked to
indoor tanning. The risk of
developing melanoma increases 75%
if regular tanning sessions occur
before the age of 35.
Cancer risk
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
5. Indoor tanning leads to
premature photoaging. Fine lines,
wrinkles and dark spots may
appear on the skin. The skin’s
texture may also change,
becoming thicker and leathery in
appearance.
Premature aging
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
6. Repeated UV radiation
exposure may suppress the
immune system’s proper
functioning, as well as the
skin’s natural defenses. This
leaves you more susceptible to
disease, including cancer.
Immune system suppression
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
7. o Exposure to UV radiation can cause
irreversible damage to the eyes. The
plastic goggles provided by tanning
salons may not provide adequate
protection over time.
o Allergic reactions to UV radiation and
tanning bed cleaning products may
cause a painful rash.
o Some contagious viruses and fungi
may be transmitted between users if
proper sanitary measures are not
taken.
Other health issues
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
8. Though sunlight is a source of
vitamin D, you do not need to spend
any amount of time outdoors to get
the recommended daily amount.
There are countless oral
supplements available at your local
drugstore or vitamin emporium that
allow you to get your vitamin D
safely.
Myth: I need to spend time in the sun to get the
recommended amount of vitamin D.
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
9. Salons may attempt to regulate your
tanning bed usage by timing each
session, but even if you do not abuse
tanning limits, your health is still at
risk. Researchers have linked
melanoma cases to those who have
not experienced sunburn from a
tanning bed and who have used the
beds according to the industry’s
guidelines.
Myth: As long as I follow recommended indoor
tanning guidelines, I’ll be able to avoid health risks.
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
10. Burning and sun damage will not be
curbed with a base tan--a tan itself is
technically damage! Dr. Schlessinger
strongly discourages his patients
from attempting to get even subtle
color from indoor or outdoor
tanning. He and other
dermatologists recommend a
sunscreen with a minimum 15 SPF
rating, but more is always
encouraged.
Myth: I need to book a few sessions at the tanning
salon to get a base tan before my beach vacation.
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
11. Though those with darker skin tones
may not be as much at risk for sunburn
or skin cancer, sun exposure is still sun
exposure. Essentially, if you have skin,
you can get skin cancer. Everyone should
wear sunscreen daily and avoid sun
exposure no matter the weather, their
skin tone or their skin type. Read on to
learn about some of Dr. Schlessinger’s
favorite self-tanners and sunscreens
from LovelySkin.com.
Myth: I have a naturally darker skin tone and never burn. I don’t
need to worry about the effects of the sun on my skin.
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
12. The safest and quickest way to
achieve a cosmetic tan is through
sunless tanning products. Self-
tanners are temporary topical
treatments that allow you to achieve
an even, natural-looking tan without
putting your health at risk.
LovelySkin.com carries a wide variety
of self-tanners to help you stay
bronzed the safe way all year long.
I feel better about myself when I have a tan! Is there any way I
can get a tan safely?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
13. jane iredale Tantasia Self Tanner
& Bronzer allows you to achieve
subtle color whenever you’d like.
The moisturizing lotion delivers a
natural tint to the skin without
streaking or staining. You can
apply it either daily or weekly to
gradually build color and
customize a complementary glow.
jane iredale Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
14. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow
Pads are the only exfoliating and
anti-aging self-tanning towelettes
that contain active vitamin D to
firm and smooth the skin and
slow hair growth. Turn dull
texture and tone into radiant,
glowing skin with a natural-
looking, streak-free tan.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body
with Active Vitamin D
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
15. Use Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute
Luxe to help even out your skin
tone and get smooth, beautifully-
bronzed skin. The paraben-free
and oil-free lotion contains green
tea for its antioxidant benefits.
Unlike other self-tanners, there
are no unpleasant odors, just a
natural vanilla scent.
Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
16. TanTowel Classic Half Body allows
for a quick, mess-free application,
even on the go—they’re great for
travel! The towelettes gently
exfoliate, allowing for more even
application and smooth, healthy
skin.
TanTowel Classic Half Body
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
17. Yes, always wear sunscreen! Self-
tanners typically do not include
sun protection, so you’ll still need
to wear a sunscreen every day.
The following sunscreens
available at LovelySkin.com are
favorites of Dr. Schlessinger and
his patients.
Do I still need to wear a sunscreen if I use a self-tanner?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
18. Don’t let present breakouts and
the fear of clogged pores keep
you from applying sunscreen to
your face! EltaMD UV Clear SPF
46 is oil-free and non-
comedogenic. Fragrance-free and
paraben-free, this sheer, non-
greasy formula is perfect for even
very sensitive skin types.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
19. If you lead an active lifestyle or need
to spend long periods of time
outdoors, you need EltaMD UV
Sport. This sunscreen remains water-
resistant for up to 80 minutes and
uses 9% zinc oxide to physically block
harmful UVA and UVB rays. The
elegant formula will not run into
your eyes, even during swimming or
excessive sweating.
EltaMD UV Sport Water Resistant Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
20. Add Obagi Sunshield Matte to your
oily skin care routine today. The
lightweight formula provides
unbeatable physical protection with
10.5% zinc oxide and 7.5%
octinoxate. This PABA-free,
fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
sunscreen won’t exacerbate or
irritate breakouts and it leaves an
elegant matte finish to help control
shine.
Obagi Sunshield Matte Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
21. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra
Light is ideal for combination skin.
The chemical, water-resistant facial
sunscreen blends beautifully into the
skin, creating a soft, smooth
complexion. A powerful antioxidant
complex helps to protect skin from
damage and lend anti-aging benefits.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.
22. Here’s how you can find out
more about Dr. Joel Schlessinger:
- Facebook http://www.facebook.com/drjoelschlessinger
- Twitter http://www.twitter.com/drschlessinger
- Blogs http://drjoelschlessinger.com/
http://drjoelschlessinger.wordpress.com/
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/Sunscreen to browse our full selection of products.