Judging from the tint of almost all the celebrity skin that goes on display during award shows and concerts, golden tans are the ultimate accessory. But there is a hefty price to be paid for that "healthy glow," and research shows some young people are still willing to make the sacrifice.
Despite conclusive evidence that indoor tanning is hazardous to one's health, a study conducted by Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed a surprising amount of white teenagers continue to seek that bronzed image.
"The study found a higher percentage of indoor tanners among teens from the Midwest and South, from rural areas and among dieters, as well as among teens reporting use of alcohol and tobacco," according to an article written for Case Western Reserve University that is available online at http://www.case.edu/pubs/cnews/2003/9-18/tanning.htm.
Case Western Reserve University researchers analyzed data from more than 6,900 white teenagers, in which they answered questions regarding adolescent health. According to the study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, almost 37 percent of white female adolescents have gone tanning at least once in their life and approximately 30 percent of white adolescents have tanned three or more times, as opposed to an approximate 11 percent of adolescent males having tanned once and 6.9 percent having tanned three or more times.
Though the dangers associated with tanning have been proven, some students say it is understandable why people would still choose to participate in the act.
"UB students tan because there is a gigantic lack of sun and daylight here; people want to look good," said Michael Gersten, a junior management information systems major.
Lindsay Brown, a senior health and human services major, said though she recognizes the danger, certain circumstances make tanning an attractive prospect.
"I think if tanning is so bad for you, and if it is proven to be that bad, I do not understand why it is not illegal, similar to cigarettes," she said. "I try not to go tanning that often, but sometimes Buffalo makes me look too white to look in the mirror."
Some venues for indoor tanning are taking the risks of excess UV-rays exposure seriously and taking measures to curb excessive tanning. Patrons of Sun Capsule, at 1551 Niagara Falls Blvd., are required to fill out a questionnaire that will be analyzed by an attendant, according to Dara Duhou, the manager of Sun Capsule. The questionnaire asks clients about their skin texture, complexion and health conditions.
"When a person first walks in, they fill out a new membership form, they sign it, and it gives us consent that they are tanning for the appropriate amount of time," said Duhou.
Paula Zlatev, a registered nurse at the center for student health, said people should be aware that indoor tanning is no less dangerous than being in the direct sunlight.
"Indoor tanning increases malignant melanoma," said Zlatev. "I have heard that people think it is safer to go indoor tanning. It is proven that it is not safer indoors."
Jennifer Gilbert, a senior communication major, said that though she is aware of the dangers, skin cancer is not a major preoccupation.
"When I go tanning, I hope I am not risking too much because I try not to go more than once every couple of weeks," said Gilbert. "Bronzed skin looks better than chalky white pale skin, the winter is really cold and tanning reminds me of summertime, but mostly I go because it makes you look better."
Duhou said there are alternatives to exposing one's body to UV-rays to get a desired look.
"There is the mystic tan," said Duhou. "It contains aloe vera (and) DHA, which is dye that is found in food and cosmetics and topical bronzers."
Duhou added that the mystic tan is not a health risk.
According to a September 8th article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ted Daly, the director of pediatric dermatology at Nassau University Medical Center in New York City, said tanning to increase attractiveness now, will only result in a host of unattractive side-effects later.
"Teenagers may think they look good now, but the sad part is that by the time they reach 60, their skin will look like a leather bag and they'll be paying a dermatologist to try to reverse the damage," he said.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
