Rates of melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, increased 800 percent among young women in the last 40 years. Widespread use of indoor tanning greatly contributes to this alarming change. Indoor tanning includes tanning beds, booths and sunlamps. On May 6, the FDA proposed strict regulations on indoor tanning. Indoor tanning should be illegal to minors because it is a large factor in the development of skin cancer in this susceptible population.

Indoor tanning is legally restricted in over 30 states, especially for minors. In California, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas and Vermont, indoor tanning is illegal for minors. The United States Department of Health and Human Services classifies Ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a known carcinogen (cancer causing substance). Although both types cause skin cancers, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing abnormal cell changes and aging skin changes, while shorter UVB rays cause sunburn.

Indoor tanning is dangerous and linked with skin cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and ocular melanoma. Anyone who has ever used a tanning bed has a 15 percent higher risk of melanoma than non-tanning bed users, while habitual indoor UV tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma.

Many young females view being tan as attractive. Every day in the US, more than 1 million people tan in salons; 70 percent of these are Caucasian females, ages 16 to 29 years old.

“Young adults should be discouraged from using indoor tanning equipment, and restricted access to sunbeds by minors should be strongly considered,” said Dr. Beatrice Secretan of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has released public service announcements targeted at teens to deter young people from tanning. Even if skin cancer is eluded, tanning greatly increases wrinkles, eye damage and skin texture changes. Although a tan may seem attractive, wrinkled, blotchy and leathery skin does not.

Tanning salon proponents claim tanning offers health benefits by preventing sunburn and increasing the essential nutrient vitamin D.  However, tanning beds have a lower percent of UVB rays and higher UVA rays; this results in less sunburn, but more cancer and aging changes. Getting a preventative “base tan” protects the skin from sunburn only by about six minutes. A tan is a response to UV injury. Using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, covering up and avoiding peak sun between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. are the best ways to avoid sunburn. Since vitamin D synthesis decreases with aging, vitamin D supplementation is best. Spray-on or lotion tans are a safe option for tan-looking skin.

Outlawing indoor tanning for minors will decrease the risks of skin cancer and protect their skin for the future.