Safe Tanning?

Theres more than a million skin cancer cases in the United States each year, so its no wonder researchers are looking for a "safe" tan, a way to give people the protective benefits of a tan, without the hazards of getting one, but were not quite there yet. Doctors warn tanning can be hazardous to your health, a message that has stuck for many people, whether theyre outside or in a tanning bed. But recently, Harvard researchers reported that a suntan may be the bodys best effort to fend off the known cancerous effects of ultraviolet light. "Its almost like getting a callous on your hand when you do a lot of hard work," says Dermatologist Stephen D. Maberry, M.D. At tanning salons, employees say they tell clients about the benefits.. "They say it can be better for your skin. Some doctors recommend that you tan depending on your skin conditions you may have, like rosacea," says salon employee Tawny Kettler. But doctors say before you toss your sunscreen, theres no such thing as a "safe" tan yet. "One of the things that we see is just an increase in the aging appearance of the skin, and we call it photo-aging. It actually breaks down elastic tissue in the skin, so it makes you look older," explains Dr. Maberry. Thats enough to keep many people slathering on the SPF. "I dont think its something you should do for years, cause Ive seen leather-skinned women and it grosses me out," says tanning customer Dawn Bowers. So the bottom line is that a tan is protective, but its not sufficient protection. Researchers are looking for a way to offer "safe" tans, but for now, use that sunscreen!