Tans look good, but they aren't worth your health

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Tans look good, but they aren't worth your health

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By Christy Reynolds
Contributing Writer

Saturday, April 14, 2007


Before the suntan was chic, a dark tan was associated with those who worked predominately outdoors. Pale skin was desirable because it indicated a life lived inside — something only the rich could afford.

But when Coco Chanel returned from a sun-drenched vacation with a deep tan, bronze skin became a symbol of an aristocratic lifestyle. A suntan in the winter meant that its wearer had the coin to vacation in exotic locales.

Now a suntan tells the world that you have a tanning package. But while a tan may no longer be a status symbol, sun worshipping (or, more often in our climate, bulb worshipping) has remained popular. So why do people continue to tan despite the well-documented adverse side effects of fake baking? Because tan skin looks better.

When I go tanning, my usual winter sallow skin gives way to an even, more-toned looking complexion. I don't have to wear as much makeup and my stomach doesn't look as gross.

But this season, I've vowed to avoid the tanning salon, even as warmer temperatures invite styles that don't complement my ashen skin.

The reason I got religion? The nearly dime-sized age spot that has sprouted on my left cheek. At 26, I'm not pleased that my face is starting to look like the back of Grandma's hands. It's made me think of tanning as something other than a way to feel better about my upper arms.

Turns out that sunburn is actually the immune system's reaction to the way ultraviolet light fries skin cells. The red color and warm skin sunburn brings are from increased blood flow by which white blood cells rush to the scene to remove damaged cells.

Overexposure to the sun is linked with cataracts and other eye problems, premature aging and skin cancer.

Today's endless summer is tomorrow's standing appointment with the dermatologist.

Caucasians aren't the only ones who need to worry about harmful rays. Although skin cancer rates are lower in those with dark skin, when cancer does occur it is usually discovered at a later, more dangerous stage.

My love affair with tanning began during prom season, which swarms every spring like a locust infestation. My dress was ivory, so I just had to have a deep tan as the backdrop for my light-colored gown. A photograph from that time appropriately captures my foolishness: teeth, eyes and rhinestones are visible in the picture. Only on close inspection is a shadowy figure discernible. Without a dusting of reflective body glitter (yes, I wore body glitter), I might have disappeared from the frame.

The pressure to be pretty is intense, and I understand the temptation to trade the dangers of tanning for looking decent in a pair of shorts.

So ladies, let's make a deal.

Stay out of tanning beds this season, and I will, too.


Contact Christy Reynolds at

christy reynoldsddn@yahoo.com.

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