Whether it is to avoid a burn while in Hawaii for a week or just to feel attractive and ready for the warm weather, many students have chosen to get their tan on.
What many people don't consider when tanning are the effects it has on their skin.
"Ultraviolet light is the cause of both skin tanning and sunburn from natural sunlight and artificial light in tanning salons," said Dr. Jeff Thomas of the Student Health Center.
Of the two different types of UV light, "UVB has been traditionally associated with causing sunburns while UVA is more responsible for tanning," he said.
Most tanning salons use UVA wavelength light to promote tanning and avoid sunburns, he said.
Part of the appeal of indoor tanning is that it takes about 15 to 20 minutes, while it takes hours in the sun.
Tanning indoors also gives the option of controlling the length of exposure to ultraviolet waves, said Jaymi Robinson, owner of AJ's Tanning on West Sacramento Avenue.
Robinson thinks indoor tanning is much safer than being out in the sunlight, she said.
When out in the sun, people are usually walking around or they fall asleep by the pool, she said. When tanning in a salon, it is easy to know the length of exposure and have a lesser chance of burning.
The risk of skin cancer increases when skin burns, she said.
With about 60,000 new cases of skin cancer in 2007, the best way to avoid skin damage is to consider the consequences of excessive sun exposure, and use skin protection, Thomas said.
While spending less time exposed can lessen the chances of developing skin problems, there are no guarantees, he said.
"An individual's susceptibility to sun damage from ultraviolet light depends on several factors including skin type," Thomas said. "This includes fair or dark, genetic predisposition and the amount and duration of UV exposure over time."
Robinson understands it is important to inform people about the various hazards of tanning, she said. She makes an effort to discuss tanning times and safety precautions with each of her customers.
Robinson suggests how long and how often someone should tan, she said. The salon also provides goggles and towels and has different lotions available for customers to purchase.
"I want everybody to be safe and come in here and enjoy their experience," Robinson said.
Many people are aware of the risks that come with tanning, but still buy tanning packages at salons this time of year.
Freshman Kristine Magdefrau chooses to indoor tan because it is quicker and more appealing, she said. When spring hits, she finds a tanning salon.
"I'll go like every other day before spring break and summer," she said.
Like many people that tan indoors, she likes that it only takes between 15 and 20 minutes, she said.
She has considered the risks of tanning, she said. But she does it anyway.
"I would be exposed to sunlight outside anyway," she said. "Tanning indoors just feels safer."
Courtney Mahoney can be reached at cmahoney@theorion.com
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