Having a tanned fair skin is considered to be beautiful in some cultures. In fact having a fair tanned skin is considered to be healthy. Contrary to some people beliefs, too much of tanning whether it be under the sun or under the tanning bed can cause much damage.

However there are claims that the UVA rays that are emitted from tanning beds are 2 to 3 times stronger making it more dangerous. There are even some people who will go to the extent of painful changes just to achieve their golden glow health skin. They will accept the severe burns, blisters and pinkish or reddish skin just to bring them closer to their goals.

Over a longer period of time the effects of too much exposure under UVA rays can be hazardous to ones health. In fact this is why more and more critics hate the concept of tanning beds because they promote health risk to teenagers. The following long term health damage includes the following: eye damage, cataracts, immune system changes, premature aging of the skin, wrinkles and skin cancers.

If you have been under the exposure of UVA rays for quite some time try to observe these things. Compare the areas of your skin that have been exposed under the rays and those that have not been exposed. I.e. the front and back part of your hands. You will observe that there could be difference in the skin’s texture, tone, wrinkles, etc.

The worst thing that can happen to you from overexposure under these rays is skin cancer. Currently skin cancer is the most common cancer and the worst part is that 90% of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure. There are three kinds of skin cancers; they are melanoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and basal-cell carcinoma. These skin cancers always occur at the person’s face and least likely to occur on the inner thighs, buttocks or under arms. The deadliest form of any skin cancer is malignant melanoma and women under the age of 40 who have these are increasing.

People who are at a great risk from UV rays are people:
•    Who have fair skin
•    Blonde, light brown or red hair
•    Green, gray, or blue eyes
•    Who always burn before tanning and those who burn easily
•    People who spend a lot of time outdoors
•    Have family history of skin cancer especially melanoma

Here are some signs to see if you think you may have skin cancer:
•    Your skin looks abnormal because it looks to have increased its size. Try to see if your skin also has become multi-colored, black, pink, brown, red, pearly, tan, or translucent.
•    When you have a developed what seems to be a mole that changes color, grows, becomes irregular in shape and has weird textures. Try to observe if it also becomes bigger than a pencil eraser.
•    If you have spots that bleed, scabs, becomes crusty and is itchy all the time.
•    If your wound or sore does not heal after a long period of time ( 4 weeks) or it does heal but eventually reopens.