UV exposure carries some inherent risks. We've all heard the warnings about the long-term risks: Skin cancer, premature aging, eye damage... We also need to know how to handle short term problems such as minor sunburn and sun spots, how to protect tattoos, piercings and injuries, and which medications increase your sensitivity to the sun. This is precisely why we feel that responsible tanning is best handled in a professional salon where your exposure is monitored and burning can be avoided.

cancer
Malignant melanoma, the rarest form of skin cancer, and the one that everyone worries about, has NOT been linked to UV exposure, and the primary risk factor for this type of cancer is heredity. Melanoma often occurs on parts of the body that are not exposed to the sun, and studies show that people who's occupations expose them to large amounts of UV light are at lower risk for developing melanoma. It first appears as a mole that has changed in shape, color, sensitivity or size, usually asymmetrical or irregularly shaped, with uneven borders.

Studies show that severe UV damage, i.e. repeated and severe overexposure, is related only to non-fatal forms of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These carcinomas usually affect sun-exposed areas of the body such as ears, face, hands and forearms, and are much more common in light skinned people who have had significant exposure to sunlight. They are directly linked to UV overexposure, and are both easily treated when caught early. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a red patch of skin, an open sore, or a shiny or smooth bump or scar. Squamous cell carcinoma is identified by areas of crusted skin near patches of freckles.

How to avoid it:
• Do not overexpose! See below to find tips on avoiding overexposure.

premature aging
Overexposure to UV dries the skin and produces free radicals - the major culprits in premature aging. Steps must be taken to avoid overexposure and to provide the body with plenty of antioxidants to fight free radicals. We recommend taking a tanning supplement to provide these nutrients.

Doctor Zane R. Kime in his revolutionary book Sunlight has this to say about premature aging: