Women Say They’ll Choose Looks over Their Health When It Comes to Tanning

Tanning without the benefit of the sun, either with lotions, bronzers, or tanning pills – have all been touted as a viable substitute to avoid the risk of ultraviolet rays, but if the products aren’t good enough to provide what young women consider  a perfect tan then they won’t use them according to a Baylor University researcher. “The feeling is ‘I tan, I feel good, I’ll look good tomorrow . . . What’s health?'” said Jay Yoo, Ph.D., an assistant professor of family and consumer sciences in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences. He was responsible for a study of 182 Caucasian female college students who were an average of 19.7 years old. In the study which was published in the current issue of Household and Personal Care Today, the participants indicated that their appearance was the main motivation for maintaining a tanned appearance. “The study confirms that targeting appearance-conscious consumers, in particular young women, will be successful, as long as the quality of the tan is promising,” he said. United States consumers make up about 50% of sales for over-the-counter self-tanning products globally. Young women, who are the most likely to use the products, are not particularly focused on the possibility of getting skin cancer unless they have seen it in either themselves ,or a family member, or at the very least someone that they know on a personal level. According to the study young women between the ages of 19 and 22 are also not worried about the effects of wrinkles and premature aging that are related to tanning. Unfortunately many of these women view tanning lotions, creams, gels, and other sunless tanning products as an adjunct to ultraviolet tanning. The reality is it should be promoted by manufacturers as a replacement for tanning not a complement to tanning researchers stated. Dr. Seify cautions all patients against excessive exposure to the sun. Numerous studies have proven that tanning whether from the sun or the use of tanning beds increases the likelihood of skin cancer as well as the premature aging. Skin cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer. For patients who have been diagnosed with skin cancer Dr. Seify is experienced as a reconstructive surgeon and is able to help patients with the goal of preserving as much of a healthy skin as possible. Patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Seify when they have been diagnosed with skin cancer so that they may carefully weigh all of the options available to them. Dr. Seify encourages patients who have abused their skin with tanning whether by the sun or using a tanning bed to stop tanning and begin a skincare regimen with his experienced medical aestheticians. Once an appropriate skin care program is in place, patients may want to consider procedures including mini facelift or upper and lower blepharoplasty which can make a dramatic difference in the overall aesthetic appeal and youthful appearance of a patient. Patients who are considering facial rejuvenation are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.