The True Cost of a Tan!

Most everyone wants that sun kissed look year round, but if you look at the risks of sunbathing or the use of tanning beds, it just is not worth your life.  Home Airbrush Spray Tanning provides a healthy and inexpensive alternative.

The Risks of Tanning

A study in the Archives of Dermatology revealed that more than two million people in the United States are developing nonmelanoma skin cancers every year. This constitutes a more than 300 percent increase in skin cancer incidence since 1994, when rates were last estimated. If you are “lucky” enough to get this type of skin cancer instead of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer can be highly disfiguring.

In the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society, nearly 69,000 cases of malignant melanoma were diagnosed last year and, worldwide, nearly 48,000 melanoma patients died from the disease. More than 20 Americans die each day from skin cancer, primarily melanoma. One person dies of melanoma almost every hour.

Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer arises from melanocytes - the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma may begin in association with a mole or spot and can quickly spread to surrounding skin and other organs. When it spreads from skin to other parts of the body, it is deadly 97% of the time.

Melanoma cases worldwide are expected to double before the end of the decade from an anticipated 138,000 new cases this year to 227,000 new cases in 2019 according to a report from Datamonitor, an international consultancy that focuses on health-care issues.

In addition to these alarming statistics, new analysis of about 20 studies concludes that the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75% when people start using tanning beds before age 30.  The World Health Organization’s cancer division has now listed tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation, such as sunbathing, as definitive cancer causers, classifying them in the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. What makes these facts even more disturbing is the fact that teenagers and young adults are using tanning beds in record numbers. 

An even newer study published by the University of Minnesota researchers in May of 2010, found that people who use tanning beds frequently have up to three times the risk of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma – no matter how old they are when they start.  This study is the most definitive link to date between exposure to artificial ultraviolet light and melanoma. Experts say that this study could influence the Food and Drug Administration in an upcoming decision on whether to tighten regulation on tanning salons.  A ban on indoor tanning for teenagers is even possible.

Airbrush Spray Tanning

With today’s technology, one does not have to risk their life to achieve that bronzed look. There is a safe alternative to sunbathing or using tanning beds and it is very economical.  The alternative is the use of a Home Airbrush Spray Tanning System.  Airbrush Tanning is performed using an air compressor and airbrush to apply tanning solution that contains Dihyroxyacetone (DHA), which has been FDA approved for personal care use for over 20 years.  DHA is derived from a natural vegetable source such as sugar cane or sugar beets.  It is a colorless sugar that causes the proteins and amino acids in the outer layer of one’s skin to react with the oxygen in the air to produce a brownish color, creating the illusion of a tan. Spray Tanning is not applying a dye to one’s skin; it is causing one’s skin to develop a natural bronze color on its own through a chemical reaction. 

A variety of Airbrush Spray Tanning Systems exist on the market.  A Home Airbrush Tanning System allows for a smooth, flawless application of the tanning solution with a precision instrument that is a little larger than the size of a pen, resulting in the appearance of a tan that can last up to a week.

A full body airbrush tan using a Home Spray Tanning System takes 15 to 20 minutes. Quick Application Tanning Systems also exist, and can cut application time to less than 5 minutes. Once applied, full color develops within four to eight hours. 

So, now that you are knowledgeable about the tremendous risks associated with tanning, the next time you have the urge to use a tanning bed to achieve that bronzed look, remember what the True Cost of a Tan can be and consider the Home Airbrush Spray Tanning alternative. It may even save your life!



Sources:
Marcotty, Josephine. "U Study Links Indoor Tanning to Melanoma." Star Tribune [Minneapolis] 27 May 2010. Print.
"CBC News - Health - Melanoma FAQs." CBC News. 3 July 2009. Web. 19 Sept. 2010. <http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/07/03/f-melanoma-skin-cancer.html>.
"Skin Cancer Rates Rise among Younger Canadians." CBC News. 3 July 2009. Web. 19 Sept. 2010. <http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/07/03/skin-cancer.html>.
McCulloch, John. "Kingston Researchers Provide New Clues for Melanoma." MaRS Discovery District. 4 June 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2010. <http://www.marsdd.com/blog/2010/06/04/kingston-researchers-provide-new-clues-for-melanoma/>.
Lakhman, Kirell. "Melanoma Cases, Expected to Double in 10 Years, Could Pose Legal Risks to Path Labs." GenomeWeb. 22 June 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2010. <http://www.genomeweb.com/blog/melanoma-cases-expected-double-10-years-could-pose-legal-risks-path-labs>.
"Melanoma Definition." Skin Cancer Guide. Skin Care Guide, 20 Nov. 2009. Web. 19 Sept. 2010. <http://www.skincancerguide.com/scus_melanoma/what_is_melanoma.html>.