The American Academy of Dermatology recently released a report with some pretty surprising numbers. It turns out that while most of us know that having tan skinned isn’t a good thing, it’s still something we want and are willing to risk our health for.
The study found that:
- 71% of women aged 18 to 34 understand that there is no such thing as a healthy tan
- 66% of these same women know that getting a base tan is not a healthy way to achieve protection from the sun’s rays
- 98% know that skin cancer can be deadly
Elizabeth S. Martin, MD, FAAD, is the chair of the AAD Council on Communications. Her thoughts on the results of this study are very clear:
“Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the second most common cancer in young women, and we believe this may be due in part to their tanning habits. It is alarming that young women are continuing to tan even though they’re aware of the danger.”
The numbers found in this study prove there is a major disconnect between knowledge and action. The fashion industry and media are often to blame, for having created this perception and desire to look tanned in the first place. Young women especially have the desire to achieve that “sun-kissed” look, believing it makes them more attractive and even slimmer. While having a tan is often associated with looking and being young, the reality is that tanning actually speeds up the aging process of your skin. It’s definitely not a long-term solution to maintaining your youthful look!
As dermatologists, we are working hard to change that perception and help shape the culture and beliefs around tanning. While things like smoking are now considered gross and dangerous, we still have a long way to go with changing how the public perceives tanning. The fact that melanoma is the second most common cancer in women ages 15 to 29 speaks for itself — the danger is real, and it’s critical that people begin to understand this.
You’ve heard all the basic safety precautions before:
- avoid tanning
- wear sunscreen and apply it often
- wear hats and sunglasses
- avoid peak exposure times
Another crucial step everyone should be taking is paying attention to their skin — because skin cancer is treated most effectively and successfully when caught early. All dermatologists will recommend you vigilantly perform monthly self-examinations, along with regular skin checks from your doctor.
The use of a dermatoscope by your dermatologist drastically improves the success of early detection practices, because of the way the device magnifies the skin. Mole mapping is another tool your dermatologist may use, in order to obtain a starting point for monitoring your skin moving forward.
If you have any concerns about your skin or see any new growths, don’t wait — visit your dermatologist or medical practitioner immediately, and don’t forget to start performing your own monthly skin examinations.
