SunSpot Doncaster - Tanning Myths

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Vitamin D - The Sunshine Vitamin

MYTH: UNPROTECTED SUN EXPOSURE IS UNHEALTHY

TRUTH: Although precautions do need to be taken, regular, moderate amounts of unprotected UV exposure are absolutely necessary for good health. Independent scientific research has shown that whether you live in a sunny or not-so-sunny climate, but expose yourself to sun, then your subsequent increased production of vitamin D will help lower the risk of a host of debilitating and fatal diseases including colon, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and depression.

MYTH: YOU CAN GET THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF VITAMIN D THAT YOU NEED FROM DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ALONE

TRUTH: Since most multivitamins only contain 400 IU of vitamin D, you need to take two and a half a day to get the recommended daily dose of 1000 IU, thereby exposing your body to an overload of vitamin A, which in excessive amounts, has been associated with birth defects and osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplements provide the same benefits as sunshine but if taken in too large a dose, can cause vitamin D toxicity, whereas sun exposure does not.

MYTH: YOU PRODUCE VITAMIN D IN THE WINTER TIME

TRUTH: You cannot make vitamin D in the UK or any location above 40 degrees north in the winter months. However, if you get moderate exposure to the sun between May and October, the excess vitamin D is stored in the body's fat, which can be released during the winter.

MYTH: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A 'SAFE' TAN

TRUTH: Tanned skin protects you against sunburn, thought to be the main cause of melanoma. If you avoid getting sunburned, the benefits of moderate sun exposure will far outweigh the possible dangers

MYTH: MELANOMA IS DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH UV EXPOSURE

TRUTH: There is no credible scientific evidence that regular, moderate sun exposure causes melanoma. Melanoma is seen more often in people who do not receive this type of exposure than in those who spend time in the sun. Melanomas also usually occur on parts of the body that receive little or no UV exposure. This suggests that genetics plays a much more important role in the development of melanoma than does regular, moderate UV exposure.

MYTH: SUNBEDS ARE FOR TANNING ONLY

TRUTH: If you don't have the opportunity to go out in the sun or prefer a more private and controlled environment, indoor tanning facilities represent a viable alternative to natural sunshine for stimulating your production of vitamin D. However, it is important to remember that the radiation that you are exposed to in an indoor tanning facility is the same as what you get from the sun. That means you need to take the same precautions that you would if you were in natural sunlight.

MYTH: THE ELDERLY DON'T NEED AS MUCH UV EXPOSURE AS THE YOUNG

TRUTH: Your ability to manufacture vitamin D diminishes fourfold from age twenty to age seventy. Older people are especially receptive to the alarmist warnings about excessive sun exposure and often decrease their exposure at a time when they need it most. Since vitamin D is directly linked to bone health, this age group should be more concerned about fracturing a hip because they are vitamin D deficient, than the risk of getting wrinkles or skin cancer.

Sunspot Tanning Salons

Station Road

Epworth

Doncaster

DN9 1JU

Tel: 01427 875380