NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2018 - 13

SUMMER/ FALL 2018

that temporarily stain skin), and moisturizers. DHA does appear
to be safe long-term when used on the skin surface, with low
incidence of allergic reactions. Keep in mind that most products
containing DHA offer no-or, at best, inadequate-sun protection,
and that stained skin remains vulnerable to ultraviolet damage.

booths is ultraviolet A, linked to skin cancers in animals and to
cataracts in humans. Further, sunbed UV emission may be five
to ten times more potent than natural sunlight. Because of these
risks, a majority of states have enacted age restrictions regarding
light box tanning. In Pennsylvania individuals aged 16 or younger
are banned from indoor tanning.

Tan accelerators are said to lessen the exposure time needed
to bronze skin. Many contain the amino acid tyrosine, and all
require ultraviolet light for activation. The FDA is "not aware of
any data demonstrating that tyrosine or its derivatives are effective in stimulating the production of melanin." (Stimulation of
melanin is what produces a suntan.) Oral "tanning pills" typically
contain the substance canthaxanthin, which is FDA approved
as a food-coloring agent. In high quantities the compound is
deposited in the skin. But it is also deposited in the liver and
eyes and can lead to hepatitis and cataracts. Canthaxanthin as a
tanning agent is now banned in the United States but is available
via the Internet.

Melanoma is the second most common cancer among American
women in their twenties, and the rate of new melanoma cases in
younger women has soared, increasing by 50 percent since 1980,
although it has not increased for younger men. Younger women are
much more likely to frequent tanning salons than younger men.
In 2009, Cancer Research United Kingdom, the UK's leading
cancer organization, reported that melanoma is now the most
common cancer in young British women. Given the infamous
dreary weather, this increased incidence is in large part attributed
to tanning salons. Data indicates that women under thirty-five
who use sunbeds increase their risk of developing melanoma by
an astounding 75 percent. Note that high-pressure sunlamps can
emit over ten times the UVA dose as the amount received from
the sun. The US Department of Health and Human Services and
the World Health Organization have deemed ultraviolet light a
known carcinogen.

SAD

No doubt, when the sun doesn't shine, many of us become
depressed. This phenomenon is termed SAD (seasonal affective
disorder), and the features are depression, lack of energy, and an
increased need for sleep. The mildest form is known by most as
"winter blues." About 75 percent of those affected are women,
and the most common age of onset is in the mid-thirties. SAD is
believed to affect fifteen million Americans, and perhaps another
thirty million display some symptoms. The treatment of choice
is bright light-the visible kind-not ultraviolet. And the light
does no good striking the skin; it must be visualized by the eye.

Tanorexia

The concept that UV tanning is addictive has gained ground
over the past several years, and the condition has been given
the name tanorexia. A 2006 study demonstrated that frequent
tanners experience withdrawal symptoms when UV tanning is
abruptly discontinued. A 2007 study of college students noted
that 12 percent of those interviewed showed evidence of a UV
light-substance-related disorder. And a study published in 2018
demonstrated that tanning addiction in adolescents is associated
with substance use and behavioral health conditions.

Vitamin D, sun and skin

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain
adequate levels of this mineral in the blood stream; both tasks
are necessary for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D is the
most commonly supplemented vitamin, added to milk, bread,
and orange juice. Sun or exposure to ultraviolet light of the B
range induces skin cells to manufacture vitamin D. The amount

Self-Tanners

Scores of self-tanning formulations are available on the market
for those seeking to look tan. The first self-tanning product was
introduced way back in 1960, Coppertone QT (Quick Tanning)
lotion. The problem? Rather than look golden brown, users tended
to resemble aged pumpkins. Fortunately, shades are now quite
realistic and pleasing. This fact, coupled with increased public
awareness of the dangers of ultraviolet light, has contributed to
the soaring popularity of these products.
The most effective sunless tanning gels, lotions, and sprays
contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless
sugar that stains the cells in the top layer of the epidermis. DHA
is the only agent currently approved by the FDA for this purpose.
Stained cells are already dead and slough off in about five to
seven days, hence the need for reapplication. Most commercial
products contain a mixture of DHA, bronzers (water-soluble dyes
N E PA

VITAL SIGNS

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2018