TRUE
Artificial UV radiation has been classified as certain carcinogens for humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) since 2009. Many expert reports have demonstrated the significant increase in the risk of cancer, in particular skin melanoma, caused by tanning. in the cabin.
FAUX
No irradiance or dose limit values can be set to protect users. In other words, one tanning session can be enough to cause cancer.
TRUE
In France, it is estimated that 43% of melanoma cases in young people are attributed to the use of tanning booths before the age of 30. People who have used tanning booths at least once before the age of 35 increase the risk of developing cutaneous melanoma by 59%. Cutaneous melanoma is one of the leading causes of death in people under 35 years old.
FAUX
The user may mistakenly feel a sense of security because this technique is less frequently associated with the onset of sunburn and does not lead to a feeling of heat. So much so that during prolonged exposure to artificial UV rays, skin burn accidents that can extend to 90% of the body surface have been reported.
FAUX
The pigmentation acquired after exposure to UV cabins is not associated with thickening of the epidermis and follows a different mechanism from that of natural tanning. It therefore does not constitute effective protection against subsequent exposure to the sun and may even wrongly give a feeling of security, encouraging users to no longer respect the principles of adequate sun prevention.
FAUX
The benefits of the sun on morale and its positive role in the management of seasonal depression are exclusively related to visible light (light therapy). The allegation that artificial tanning could be used against seasonal depression has no scientific basis.
FAUX
Given the proven carcinogenic risk and the many very short-term side effects associated with exposure to artificial UV rays, the use of tanning booths to cover physiological vitamin D needs cannot be justified. There are two ways to meet daily vitamin D requirements:
- sun exposure: 15 to 20 minutes at the end of the morning or in the afternoon;
- the consumption of foods rich in vitamin D such as oily fish, certain mushrooms, egg yolks, etc.
FAUX
To date, the epidemiological studies available do not demonstrate a protective effect of sun exposure on certain non-cutaneous cancers (breast, colon, prostate).
TRUE
Exposure to artificial UV rays accelerates the aging of the skin. It is four times faster with tanning lamps than with the sun!