Skin Smart A Proud Skin Smart Campus
Jacksonville University has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Ensuring the well-being of our students, we are providing a safe and healthy learning and living environment on and off campus, pledging to keep indoor tanning devices off our campus and our affiliated buildings. We also promote skin cancer prevention policies and education.
The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative is sponsored by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention in response to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer which concluded that there is a strong association between increased risk of skin cancer and indoor tanning use. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from indoor tanning is completely avoidable which allows for interventions to help reduce skin-cancer related illness and deaths. Numerous studies have found that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with melanoma as one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young adults. The use of indoor tanning facilities before the age of 35 increases the risk for melanoma by 75 percent.
Sun safety is something that has had a huge impact on my life. I have been suffering from rosacea for the past 11 years and one of the main triggers is sun exposure. It was very hard for me because even just 5 minutes in the sun without sunscreen will turn me into a tomato. Ever since I was diagnosed, I had to learn about the dangers of UVA and UVB rays and skin cancer. I became very interested in sun safety and informing/educating others that I even started my own instagram page dedicated to skin care tips as well as product recommendations for sunscreens. I also talk about learning to be okay with the skin and shade I am in. There is no need to damage your skin cells just to be a little tan. I think the Skin Smart Campus initiative at JU will help get the message across to students who may not be aware of the harmful effects not wearing sunscreen and tanning everyday has in the long run.
Did you know?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
The two most common skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) are highly curable but can be disfiguring and costly.
Melanoma (the third most common skin cancer) may be deadly.
Risk Factors
- Light skin, or skin that burns, freckles, or reddens easily; but skin of all colors can get skin cancer
- Large number of moles
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- History of sun exposure
- History of sunburns, especially in early life
- History of indoor tanning
- the average tanning bed gives of 2 to 10 times more UVA radiation than the sun
- using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person's risk for developing melanoma by 75%
Prevention
The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can be prevented with sun safety practices:
- Seeking shade
- Wearing sunscreen
- Broad spectrum UVA and UVB, SPF 30 or higher
- Reapplication is necessary every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Wearing protective clothing
- Long sleeves and pants with a dense weave or built-in SPF
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Closed-toe shoes and socks that cover the ankle
- Wearing sunglasses
Additional Resources
- Skin Cancer Foundation: Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
- American Academy of Dermatology:
- Centers for Disease Control: Skin Cancer -- Sun Safety
- David Cornfield Melanoma Fund: Dear 16-Year-Old Me
- IMPACT Melanoma: Your Skin Is In
- US Food and Drug Administration: Indoor Tanning: The risks of ultraviolet radiation
- Melanoma Research Fund: Why is Tanning Dangerous?
- National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
- Skin Smart Campus