Tanning Booths & Skin Cancer

Not only does our exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which we are closer to in Colorado, lead to skin cancers but artificial sources of ultraviolet can lead to it as well.  Tanning bed exposure can even increase damagae caused by the sun because all exposure to ultraviolet light thins the skin.  A recent report by the National Cancer Institute stated that women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55% more likely to develop malignant melinoma!  Artificial tanning can be more dangerous to people who burn easily or have a history of skin cancer in their family but everyone whom uses tanning booths or has long-term exposure to natural sunlight is at risk of developing skin cancer. 

What should you do to help prevent getting skin cancer?  1. Avoid tanning booths 2. Use a suncreen with spf 30 that contains either zinc oxide or titanuim dioxide (the only ingredients which actually block the suns uv rays).  We sell several sunscreens and moisturizers at Murphy Plastic Surgery that fit this bill  3. Do monthly self exams and look for skin abnormalities that change in size, change in color or itch or become scabby  4. You should also see a physician annually for an exam.  If caught early skin cancer can be almost 100% curable!