Tanning Bed Legislation

 

New Jersey joined California and Vermont in passing legislation that bans indoor tanning for minors. A growing number of states are enacting laws to regulate tanning in minors. This legislation passed following the prosecution of a New Jersey mom who allowed her daughter to stand in a tanning booth, resulting in burns to the girl’s legs. At FSC, we strongly discourage our patients of all ages from using tanning beds. Indoor tanning beds contain both UVA and UVB rays which cause skin cancer and skin damage, resulting in premature aging, wrinkles, eye damage, and changes in skin texture. Research has shown that people who begin tanning before age 35 have a 75% increased risk of melanoma. In addition, across all age groups, males and females who have ever used a tanning bed increase their risk of melanoma by 15%. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Tanning bed use has also been shown to increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. If you are still hoping to achieve that tan look for summer, FSC recommends spray tans or self tanning products. These provide a self alternative to the unhealthy rays of the sun and the tanning bed. We recommend all patients, especially those with a history of tanning bed use, receive routine skin checks to allow for the early detection and treatment of skin cancer