Who is at greatest risk
in the sun?
Beu Health Center
Office of Health
Education
The Truth About
Indoor Tanning
Tanning
101
• People with skin types I and II are
at greatest risk? Which skin type
are you?
Never Use a tanning Device if:
Skin Sunburn and Tanning
History
• You sunburn easily—if you don’t tan
from the sun, you probably won’t
tan from a tanning device.
• You get frequent cold sores—UV rays
make them appear more often.
• You have certain diseases—some
skin diseases surface or worsen
with UV exposure.
Type
According to Skin Type
1
Always, burns; never tans;
sensitive (“Celtic”)
2
Burns easily; tans minimally
3
Burns moderately; tans
gradually to light brown
(average Caucasian)
• You are taking photosensitive
medication—examples: birth
control, high blood pressure
medication, antihistamines,
tranquilizers, asthma medications,
diabetes medications.
4
tans well to moderately
brown (olive skin)
5
298.1888
Rarely burns; tans
profusely to dark (brown
skin)
• You are taking some over the
counter drugs or suing cosmetics
or toiletries.
Burns minimally; always
6
Never burns; deeply
pigmented, non sensitive
(black skin)
Test your Knowledge
It’s Best Not to Tan, But if
You Do….
ALWAYS use protective eyewear.
(answers on next page)
Circle T or F
Know your skin type and follow the
exposure schedule.
1. Indoor tanning is safer
than the sun.
T
F
Do not tan more than once in a 24 hour
period.
2. There is no such thing
as a “safe” Uv light.
T
F
Make sure a trained operator is present
at all times.
3.Indoor tanning devices
give off the same UV rays
as the sun.
T
F
Always inform the operator of medication
and cosmetic changes.
4. Using a tanning device
increases your chance of
developing skin cancer.
T
F
Report injuries to the tanning salon, your
local Health Department, and
medical provider.
5. Tanning in moderation
T
and following safety precautions
makes indoor tanning safe.
F
6. Tanning in moderation
F
T
Perform self-examinations of the skin.
Report any unusual sore, lump,
blemish, or chance in appearance to
your medical provider.
Answers to Test your Knowledge
1. false
4. true
2. true
5. false
3. true
6. true
Sun’s Harmful Effects
Your Skin...
Did you know that the skin is the largest
organ of the body? The skin is the
largest most visible part of the human
body and it is vital for protecting and
regulating the body.
Premature aging effects and other skin
damage
Cataracts and other eye problems
Immune suppression
Skin Cancer
The skin has many functions:
*It controls and regulates body
temperature
*It protects against injury
*It prevents infection as the first line of
defense against possible invasion of
bacteria and other germs
The skin is a good reflection of your
health. The skin is a window to the
body’s internal world and can help
doctors and dermatologists diagnose
and treat medical problems related to it.
Western Illinois University
Beu Health Center
Office of Health Education
Office Hours : 8.00 am—4.30 pm
Monday– Friday
Phone: 309-298-1888
Fax: 309-298-2188
2/2009
2/2009