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Addicted to tanning

There are quite a few cases of people addicted to tanning who either abuse sun exposure or ultraviolet radiation in tanning salons. In tanning salons, specific type A ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is used, while solar radiation emits UVR and UVR type B (UVB) among others. Both types of radiation are the main agents responsible for skin aging in all its senses. They act directly as DNA mutagenic agents, especially UVRB. In addition, both UVR produce changes in skin pigmentation, vascular alterations (telangiectasias or capillary dilatations), local and systemic immunosuppression (decrease in defenses), effects on the extracellular matrix (collagen destructuring, elastin deposits) and photocarcinogenesis. The risks of both types of exposure depend on the intensity and frequency with which they are applied as well as the individual’s skin’s ability to defend itself against DNA mutations. This natural defense varies according to the phototype and genetics of the individual. UVR will be more harmful for a person with a family history of skin cancer and with a low phototype than for an individual with no history and dark skin (high phototype). Moreover, sun exposure is not the same at 9:00 am as at 1:00 pm, nor in winter as in summer. In the same way the RUVA intensity of tanning booths can be modulated to increase or decrease the health risks. Caution is recommended with regard to the hours at which we expose ourselves to the sun, the time we expose ourselves to the sun and the means we use to protect ourselves. Enjoy the sun with caution!