The Dutch Health Council Backs Moderate Sunbed Use
In the midst of all these scare mongering stories conveyed by the media, the Dutch
Health Council has backed moderate sunbed use. They are adamant that there is
nothing wrong with tanning, be that indoors our outdoors, as long as it is in
moderation. Their Scientific Advisory Board found that on no account can it be
guaranteed that the use of sunbeds is accompanied by a higher risk of skin
cancer.
THE MYTH -
Sunbed use causes skin cancer
Wrong!
There is no scientific research to suggest that the use of sunbeds is
accompanied with a higher risk of skin cancer.
AND THE FACTS.
- It is overexposure and abuse of sunbeds, just like overexposure to sunlight, that is associated with health risks.
- There is no difference between natural sunlight and sunbeds; sunbeds produce the same UV light as the sun. Research has shown that in countries with the most annual
sunshine, there are the fewest cases of Colon, Prostate and Breast Cancer thus
refuting the link between UV light and Cancer conveyed by the media.
- The media say that sunbeds produce stronger UV rays than the sun but you are only on a sunbed for around 8 minutes
- not 8 hours!
- Scientific studies suggest that drinking red wine or other alcoholic beverages carries a greater cancer risk than tanning.
- Sunbeds have been categorised as Group 1, other things included in this category include red wine, salted fish and regular sunlight as well as
mustard gas and arsenic. To say that a glass of red wine is as deadly as mustard
gas is ridiculous, as is the comparison of sunbeds to such toxins.
- Sunbed use in itself has a number of health benefits. It is overexposure to UV light (from both sunbeds and natural sunlight)
that causes health risks.
BENEFITS OF SUNBEDS
- Sunbed use can improve psychological wellbeing it can increase confidence and self-esteem whilst also offering a source of
relaxation.
- It can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or Winter Blues. Many people experience depressive symptoms during Winter and these symptoms can be reduced through moderate sunbed
use.
- UV light can help to improve various skin conditions like Psoriasis, Eczema and Acne.
- The pleasant warming effect of sunbed treatments can soothe muscular aches and pains and help
alleviate the discomfort associate with Rheumatism and Arthritis.
- Tanned skin protects you against sunburn, thought to be the main cause of melanoma. By using sunbeds, where the level of UV can be controlled, the risk of sunburn can be minimised.
- Using sunbeds before a holiday can help the skin to develop a tan before going away and thereby minimise the risk of sunburn while on holiday.
- Perhaps the greatest benefit of sunbed use however, is its link to Vitamin D
VITAMIN D
- Indoor tanning helps your body to produce Vitamin D.
- Vitamin D is essential for good health.
- It lowers the risk of everyday infections like cold and flu as well as more fatal diseases, high blood pressure, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and depression.
-
Sunlight is the most effective way for the body to manufacture Vitamin D - indoor or outdoor.
- 6 out of 10 adults in the UK are Vitamin D deficient. - Studies suggest that regular, moderate use of sunbeds will raise the levels of Vitamin D in healthy adults by an average of 40%
Tanning in a sensible manner creates a whole host of health benefits.
It is OVEREXPOSURE that causes the health risks. In moderation sunbed use is good for you.
It is also wise to remember that there are sunbeds in most hospitals for the use of patients suffering with various skin conditions, if they were as dangerous as some media
stories suggested I would think the NHS would stop using them!!
Follow this link to the Tanning Guru for all your questions answered!