Skin Safety

Skin Smart Campus

The New York Institute of Technology’s Long Island campus has been named an Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus by the National Council for Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP). The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative is sponsored by the NCSCP in response to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer.

New York Tech is committed to skin cancer prevention policies and education on campus. This means no tanning beds on campus or in any affiliated off-campus housing.

Skin Cancer

According to the New York State Department of Health, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in the state for adults ages 20-34. Skin cancer is also the most common type of cancer in the U.S., with the rise in melanoma diagnoses indicating a strong need for education and intervention.

ABCDEs of Melanoma

  • Asymmetrical Shape
  • Border irregularity
  • Color Variation (mix of brown, tan, black, and red)
  • Diameter >= 6mm
  • Evolving (lesion changes in size, shape, color, or new lesion)

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Sunlight and tanning beds are the main sources of UV exposure. UVA rays, which make up the majority of UV rays, penetrate the deepest into our skin and cause long-term damage, like wrinkles. They can also indirectly damage skin cell DNA, causing skin cancer. UVB only accounts for 5 percent of UV rays, but directly damages skin cell DNA, making it a main cause of skin cancer. UVC however, is not commonly found. All three categories of UV rays are categorized as carcinogenic.

Tanning Beds

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed tanning beds can cause skin cancer due to their UV radiation. The more you use indoor tanning devices, the more likely you are to develop melanoma. For this reason, New York State has prohibited minors from using any UV radiation devices, including tanning beds, since 2018.

  • Using a tanning bed before 35 years of age doubles your risk of melanoma.
  • The UV rays from a tanning bed do not stimulate enough Vitamin D production in our body to be useful.
  • Tanned skin is a result of skin damage and can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and premature aging.
  • Tanning beds are not safer than the sun. Both increase your risk for all types of skin cancer.
  • Getting a “base tan” from a running bed will not prevent sunburn.

Prevention

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a broad spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen every day to all skin not covered by clothing. They additionally recommended staying in the shade during midday, wearing a wide-brim hat, and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses. These measures will help prevent UV ray damage.

Practice Sun Safety and Prevent UV Ray Damage

  • Seek shade: especially between peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and bring an umbrella to create your own shade.
  • Wear sunscreen: SPF 30+, broad spectrum, and water resistant. Apply 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing: wide-brimmed hats, UV-protection sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts, and pants.

If you are concerned about any lesions on your body, make an appointment with your local board-certified dermatologist.

This information was put together by NYITCOM’s Dermatology Interest Group Chapter.