‘Fake bakes’ not ideal for beating winter blahs

About this time of year, spring fever hits, and people start thinking of ways to make summer come sooner. For some, this means hitting the beach. For others, the tanning salon. It makes sense that a dose of sunshine can cure spring fever, but fake bakes can cause something worse.

Some kids tan when they get tired of looking like the snowy landscape. Some hit the beds to get a base tan before going on vacation. Others want to look great for prom, and look to tanning beds to provide their special glow. Whatever the reason, kids and parents must understand the dangers.

Research shows that using tanning beds before the age of 30 increasing the risk of Melanoma by 75 percent. UV radiation of the eye can be up to 100 times greater in tanning beds, resulting in increased chances of cataracts, corneal burn, and retinal damage.

Tanning before vacations doesn’t spare the sunburn. It increases chances for developing melanoma. The best way to avoid a sunburn is to use an SPF15, or greater, sunscreen. Don’t forget protective eye wear with UV protection.

When Sunshine swears she will look like a snowman if you don’t let her tan, remind her that this is a natural look during the dead of winter. Then, encourage alternatives to tanning. Self-tanning lotions have improved over time, and not all leave orange lines streaking down the calf. These products are generally considered safe, and last up to a week. Most self-tanning sprays, lotions, or creams do not contain sunscreen, so you must still apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15.

Airbrush tans can be achieved in minutes, producing a natural, even tan. The main ingredient, DHA, is FDA approved. This product does not contain sunscreen either, however.

Sunshine may ask about sunless tanning pills. These pills, which can turn the skin orange to brownish also can induce nausea, diarrhea, and cramping and are considered unsafe and are not FDA approved.

When spring fever hits, try safer alternatives to satisfy Sunshine’s burning desire.

Ann-Marie Berg is a Cedar Rapids mom and a pediatric nurse practitioner. Write to her at features@gazcomm.com