There is a certain amount of arrogance that comes with a letter like I received this morning. Some folks think that you and I are idiots. I have no intention of debating these issues, but since there are a few who share the same opinion, I though it would be a good time to drag out the soapbox. Again.

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Dear TanningBeds.org,

What do you have to say about the proven facts that tanning beds cause premature aging and even skin cancer?

C. H.
(name was changed to initials after publishing, at the request of the author)

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Dear Ms. C. H.,

If you bother to actually read my articles on both tanningbeds.org, en.wikipedia.org (user: Pharmboy), and even on the commercial sites I author, you would know I don’t hide the fact that tanning has certain risks, although you overstate your case. Recent research out of the UK clearly indicates that people who get NO UV have higher instances of all cancers, particularly colon cancer. There is also new evidence that the ingredients in many SPF formulas have links to cancer. Grilling food on a gas grill also “causes cancer” as do many other common, everyday activities. As always, life is about moderation and those who don’t abuse or overdue an activity tend to do just fine.

As to my own risks, I go fishing very frequently and get more UV than the average person. Both my parents have had basil cell skin cancer and have never even seen a tanning bed. Of course, they are both outdoor types who fish, hunt, garden and stay outside a great deal every day. This may be why they are extremely healthy and active while well into their 70s. This puts me at a higher theoretical risk so I use a little caution. I don’t let myself burn, I use SPF on my face when I’m outside for long periods and I wear protective clothing when warranted. I am outspoken advocate of tanning moderation. I have always said it should be illegal for minors to tan in salons, and it is in many states now. This is because MOST skin cancer is linked to OVEREXPOSURE as a CHILD, and has nothing to do with tanning beds. IE: You burn a lot as a child and your risk is high, regardless of what you do as an adult. I still believe that moderate UV exposure is better for you than none, and recent studies back me up on this. Humans evolved to get moderate exposure: we are engineered for it and even require this for vitamin D production.

Thanks for your letter but debating UV risks isn’t what the website is for. The website is for people who enjoy tanning, and the goal is to provide technical information and bust a few myths. In spite of your “good intentions”, please understand that the average tanner is not stupid; they know there are some risks, and the risks for those who use moderation are not nearly as high as you think. Only a tiny percentage of people take tanning to an extreme, and yes, they know it is not healthy to do so.

To compare, glamour magazines (Cosmo being the worst) and TV shows about modeling have done more damage than any tanning bed ever could. By spreading misinformation, creating false expectations, virtually endorsing drug abuse and anorexia, and creating a negative self-image for millions of young ladies across the country. Paris Hilton alone has done more damage to Americans and our culture than the entire tanning industry combined. Of course, I support the networks right to fill our airwaves with utter trash and nonsense, I just choose to not watch it. You can choose to avoid UV in the same way.

I could offer you a whole page of links that show actual published research, not just opinions but I have already done this over the years in many other articles. I don’t think you came here to get information anyway. You don’t tan yet you found this website, which clearly demonstrates you have an agenda to push and you have no interest in facts that may counter your “proven facts”. We dumb tanners already know that we should not overdo tanning, we should avoid sunburns, and that too much UV is bad for you. What you DON’T understand is that moderate UV is likely quite beneficial and seems to have lower risks than avoiding UV completely.

Sincerely,
Dennis Brown