Indoor Tanning Damage Can Result in Aging Skin

Recently, the AMA Wire published the synopsis (shown below) of media coverage on the CDC study about injuries from indoor tanning published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Unfortunately, consumers are under the general impression that indoor tanning is safe and many are under the false impression that indoor tanning does not have the same effect on aging. World-renowned Houston facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Russell Kridel comments on indoor tanning damage, “Not only can there be direct injury from indoor tanning like burns, but indoor tanning ages the skin prematurely and can lead to the development of skin cancers; children are especially vulnerable because the damage is cumulative over the years of one’s life.”

At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, we see the results of women (and to a lesser extent of men) who have spent a great deal of time using indoor tanning facilities. Since the majority of people start using tanning beds between the ages of 18 and 34, we are seeing patients in their 40s who have skin laxity and pigmentation issues that could have been avoided for many years. Fortunately, there are a number of facial rejuvenation procedures and laser resurfacing treatments that Dr. Kridel can perform to help address these issues.

For the most significant skin laxity, facelift surgery provides the best results and can turn back the hands of time. At FPSA, we also have three different laser modalities that can help address skin texture and pigmentation issues. Dr. Kridel has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals on facial rejuvenation topics and is recognized internationally as an expert in these procedures. Prevention is still the best defense against aging skin. And one of the important recommendations is to stay away from indoor tanning.

AMA WIRE: Study: About 3,200 people suffered an indoor tanning injury every year in the US between 2003 and 2012.

USA Today (12/16, Painter) reports that a study by CDC researchers published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that “an estimated 1,957 indoor tanners landed in U.S.” emergency departments (EDs) “in 2012 after burning their skin or eyes, fainting or suffering other injuries.” CDC researcher Gery Guy “says the actual number of injuries is certainly higher because the study did not include injured people who did not go to” EDs. The Today Show Online (12/16) reports that for the study, the investigators “looked at 405 actual reports of indoor tanning related injuries from 66 hospitals, extrapolated them to the whole population, and estimated that on average, 3,200 people suffered an indoor tanning injury every year in the U.S. between 2003 and 2012.” The Washington Post (12/16, Bernstein) “To Your Health” blog reports that “skin burns are the most common injury and women are more than four times as likely as men to get hurt, probably because they are, by far, the more common practitioners of ‘indoor tanning,’ according to the” study. The blog adds that “younger adults, aged 18-34, sustain well more than half the injuries, again because they are the most frequent users of tanning beds.” The AP (12/16, Tanner) reports, “The CDC says burns severe enough to require” ED “treatment indicate overexposure to UV radiation.” Although “manufacturers are required to install timers to limit exposure...the CDC study found some patients had fallen asleep while tanning.” melanoma.” The researchers “also noted other sources for eye injuries, like when tanning bulbs broke and shattered into people’s eyes, Guy adds.” Reuters (12/16, Doyle) and HealthDay (12/16, Reinberg) also cover the story.

--- Kirin, Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Houston

To make an appointment with Dr. Kridel for an MVP Facelift, facial rejuvenation or laser resurfacing consultation, please call 713/526-5665.