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Newsletter

Most people in the United States are aware that excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of getting skin cancer as well as prematurely age the skin. So you might ask, why some of us still go out in the sun to get tan, or use a tanning parlor. What is it about the sun that makes us feel good? The recent article in the New York Times about tanning possibly being an addiction was provocative to be sure. But what is going on here?

The issues are complex. Western culture for many decades has embraced the perspective that tan equate with health. We all know what happens when we come back from vacation with a glow- we get compliments (with the exception of everyone at Presidio Dermatology who should be embarrassed!). It is probable that under the “everything in moderation” philosophy of life that getting some color periodically for many of us is safe. Personal and family history of skin cancer is important and anyone who is very fair may not be able to even get small amounts of sun without doing real harm.

But that is not the same as the person who literally seeks out the sun at every opportunity. They plan vacation after vacation just to sit on the beach. They have a special place in the backyard where they can lounge in the sun. They keep their tan even when they return from a vacation by going to a tanning parlor. They are the ones who most reasonable people would say are TOO dark. Why do they continue to abuse their skin this way?

The article in the Times begins to address this. Sun exposure does make us feel better physiologically. We know thus intuitively. Many of us on a nice sunny day do pause on our way back from lunch to enjoy the sun. Many of us do really enjoy a beach vacation- just as long as we haven’t over done it of course. Why? Well, it turns out that good old endorphins are the reason. And this endorphin release with sun exposure is what is addictive. Just the way endorphin release makes exercise addictive, sun exposure can do the same. The trouble of course is that too much sun exposure reeks havoc on the skin and really does pose a significant risk to your health over time.

So what to do? Take a good hard look at your habits. Could you be an addict? Are you really too tan? Have you had more than one sunburn in the last several years? Do you seek out beach vacations? Are you the first person at the pool in the AM? Do you run midday because you like the feel of the sun? Do you flirt with maybe not applying the high SPF products that are recommended? Do you love the way your skin looks with a tan?

So what to do? 1. Protect your face using an SPF 30 or higher every day 2. Protect your hands 3. Try getting direct sun for just 10-15 minutes and then getting under an umbrella. 4. Try SPF 15 instead of no sunscreen. As least then you won’t get a burn. 5. Experiment with bronzers and self tanners 6. Don’t let your kids see you sunbathe 7. See us regularly and report and new or changing spots ASAP!