A recent edition of “The Chronicle of SKIN & ALLERGY” contains an article regarding the possible introduction in Parliament of a Skin Cancer Prevention Act that will prevent youth less than 19 years of age from using indoor tanning equipment. “Tanning bed use has been, according to the World Health Organization, shown to increase substantially the risk of developing melanoma of the skin and eyes” according to Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a Toronto Dermatologist.
We know that the risk of melanoma goes up by 75% if one is exposed to indoor tanning equipment before the age of 35. Acording to the article, “the WHO has elevated tanning devices to their highest risk category, which includes other carcinogenic agents such as mustard gas and cigarettes.”
On another topic, just a reminder – now that winter has begun with snow and sleet, don’t forget to continue using a good sun screen. The sun’s UVA rays pass through clouds and damages your skin, causing pigment spots and increased aging. As I found out at Harvard, the best sun screens contain titanium and/or zinc.