Whether going to Florida or Siberia, it doesn’t hurt to have a darker-than-usual complexion. And while many of the sun’s rays are bound to be caught over the break, those who prepare in advance will likely end up with the bronzest medal. Potential bronzers have a couple options in this regard: typical tanning beds and rooms, or spray-on machines. Each method has a unique affect on the skin.
Carina Biggs, owner of One Minute Tan, said she benefits the most from the spray-on mist. With only one application the customer can get a deep, dark, UV-free tan that lasts for about one week. But, for best results on the beach, getting a regular UV tan is the way to go.
Biggs said since after the holiday vacation sales have gone up, and for good reason.
“People are going to be much tanner when they’ve been doing this for two months,” she said.
Biggs also wanted to clarify that the pricier tanning sessions do not burn as often, contrary to popular belief. She said that the reflector-bulbs the more expensive beds use are better for the skin. But what do medical experts have to say about this practice?
Mary Lou Clendenning, the team leader of urgent care at the Purdue Student Health Center, explained some problems with tanning, both on and off the beach.
“Just because your skin’s darker when you’re tan doesn’t mean you’re not going to get those damaging rays,” she said. “It’s just as bad to go out into the sun everyday without protection as going out for only one or two days and getting severely burned.”
And since skin cancer doesn’t show up until later in life, some students do not take the problem seriously enough. Lisa Barkas, a junior in the School of Management, goes tanning throughout the year and plans on vacationing in the Bahamas over spring break.
“I plan on getting fried there,” Barkas said. She said she uses baby oil gel as an amplifier when she lies out on the beach.
Katie Danskin, a junior in the School of Management, explained her understanding of the potential hazards of ultraviolet light.
“I want to get a little bit of a tan before spring break so I don’t burn,” said Danskin, who is going to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and plans to use sunscreen while down there.
Kiley Duke, a freshman in the School of Managment, is prepared for any ailment tanning might cause, and has a positive outlook on the situation.
Duke said, “I’m going to get skin cancer and die when I’m 92, and I’m going to love every minute of it.”
While it may be easier, being prepared for disaster is not as beneficial as preventing disaster all together. Those that protect their skin now will probably run in to fewer skin-related issues in the future. Clendenning further advises possible beach-goers.
“Sunscreen really seems to make the difference,” the PUSH leader said. “If you do need a tan, the self-tanning lotion is safer as far as studies have proved.”
By Brian Heath, Staff Writer – www.purdueexponent.com
