Does tanning or blue light therapy help with acne???

Tanning is a natural process, whereby the skin creates the brown-colored pigment called melanin, to protect it against the harmful UV rays in sunlight, but operates equally with artificial UV radiation.

For starters, tanning causes skin irritation, especially if you stay out a bit too long and burn yourself. This adds to redness and leads to peeling, both of which may later aggravate the appearance of acne. Tanning also breaks down collagen. Collagen is one of your prime defenses against wrinkles because it keeps your skin elastic. When skin loses collagen, not only are you more likely to see wrinkles, but your pores may appear larger as well.

In addition, sun damage causes skin to thicken over time. Combined with peeling, it becomes more difficult to clear your pores of acne-causing bacteria and sebum. The effects of sunlight aren’t really helping your skin because no matter what tanning salons claim, there is no substantial research demonstrating that tanning stops your skin’s natural oil production for long or that it prevents bacteria growth.

On top of these misconceptions, you may be at risk for increased sun sensitivity if you’re already on an acne treatment. Products such as Accutane  and even over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide ointments recommend avoiding sun exposure. Why? Because these acne medications increase the rate of cell turnover and exfoliation. It’s a positive effect when you’re trying to clear out clogged pores, but it also leaves skin more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays.

As for light therapy, there’s a big difference between old-fashioned UV light therapy and modern blue light therapy. Both utilize wavelengths of light to kill acne bacteria in the pores, but UV light therapy has fallen out of favor due to the risks associated with skin cancer. Nowadays, blue light therapy contains no UV rays and should not be confused with tanning booths or tanning lights.

Blue light therapy does show some positive effects in eliminating acne bacteria, according to the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. However, acne bacteria is only one of several factors that contribute to the cause of acne. It’s possible to use blue light therapy and still not reach a permanent solution for breakouts. Additionally, most insurance plans don’t cover light therapy and there are no broad research studies that outline consistent positive results or the existence of long-term side effects.

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Interesting MUST READ facts about tanning beds

Washington State is one of the highest states for skin cancer. There are two specific reasons for this:

1. We as Washingtonians have a facade that because the sun doesn’t bless us regularly that we don’t need to protect our faces with SPF (SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor). The rays from the sun are more harmful to your skin when the sun is not shinning then when it is. SPF should be apart of your daily home care regimen. Please note: If your relying on the SPF in your make-up this doesn’t count as proper USB protection for your face because the deemed number by the FDA is not as potent once the chemicals to camouflage blemishes are added.

2.Unfortunately since we don’t see the sun very often there is a tanning salon on almost every major street. Increasing the skin cancer number IMMENSELY.

Did you know that nearly 30 million people in the U.S. tan in tanning salons every year; on average, that’s more than 1 million people a day who are baking themselves under tanning lamps. More than 70% of them are Caucasian females aged 16 to 49 years. The indoor tanning industry’s revenues have increased fivefold since 1992, to about $5 billion.

Many studies show that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a definite risk factor for melanoma. Using a tanning bed more than 10 times a year made people seven times more likely to develop malignant melanoma than those who did not use tanning beds as often. The risk of melanoma was increased by 300% for those using tanning beds occasionally and by 800% for those using tanning beds more than 10 times a year. The FDA estimates that about 38,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year in the U.S. and 7,300 people will die from this condition. The United States Department of Health & Human Services names UV radiation from the sun, and from artificial sources such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a proven carcinogen – a cancer causing substance.

An IMPORTANT Fact you need to know:

There’s no such thing as a “safe tan”

Sunlight contains different wavelengths of UV light. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin and cause tanning. UVB rays damage the more superficial skin layers and cause sunburn. Many tanning salons claim that indoor tanning is safe because you are exposed to more tanning UVA rays than burning UVB rays. Medical research disproves this claim. Skin cancer is certainly associated with sunburn from UVB rays, but scientists at the FDA and other respected institutions now have evidence that even moderate tanning due to UVA rays produces the same long-term skin damage as a sunburn, increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, and damaging your immune system. UVA rays penetrate deep into your skin, causing significant destruction and loss of skin elasticity. UVA exposure is associated with an increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Here are some safe ways to add some color to your skin that aren’t dangerous:

• Self Tanner lotions are a great way to add color to your skin. There is one that I would recommend that will not leave your skin orange in color is Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer, this comes in different shades based upon your natural skin tone. It can be found at any department store.
• Bronzers are another wonderful way to add color to your face and declote. These come in several different shades and brands. It is impostant to find the right on that accents your natural undertones and is for your specific skin type.
• Spray tanning is good as well, although there is some controversy about the chemicals that are in the bottles that dispense on your body. Studies have shown that this can cause damage to your lungs and respiratory system. If you have any questions wither it is safe for you or your health contact your physician who will have specific medical history on you.

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