Copyright (c) 2010 Janet Webb

A 10% tax on tanning bed services, known as the Tanning Tax, has done little to deter tanning bed users so far."We still have hope the tax will cause people to give more consideration before exposing their skin to the sometimes deadly rays," says owner and medical director of Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics, Dr. Raval who is a Denver facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist.

Research shows that 1 million people visit a tanning salon on an average day, which is 3 to 5 times the number of people tanning just a few short years ago. "Most of the skin damage we see on patients occurred before age 18," adds Dr. Raval, "It can be 20 years before melanoma appear. And not all melanomas show up in areas that are exposed to the sun. We've had patients display melanomas inside their ears or between their toes, underscoring the importance of regular self-exams and annual physical exams at minimum."

Coloradans are already at high risk for skin cancer, among the highest in the country.

Melanoma skin cancer results in nearly 10,000 deaths per year. The average age of patients diagnosed with skin cancer melanoma is younger each year and is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in young adults, with the increase showing up most notably in young women. In fact, the new health care legislation pushed by the Obama Administration contains a 10% tax on tanning bed services, a levy which goes into effect in July 2010.

University of Michigan Cancer research in Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, indicates that tanning bed users have an increased risk of three times the chance of developing one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer, melanoma.

Dr. Skin care specialist, Dr. Raval, recommends avoiding excessive exposure to sun and tanning beds all together. "Tanning beds are really not a good idea," he says. "They may even be addictive in that using them has been shown to release endorphins in the body. Everybody, but especially young people, should avoid tanning beds, and they should use skin-care products that include sun blocks and provide skin moisturizing. With proper skin care, people will maintain a youthful appearance and they will be healthier than their friends using tanning beds."

Dr. Wearing SPF at a minimum of 30 is stressed by Dr. Raval and his medical assistants. Dr. Raval and his aestheticians use Visia® Complexion Analysis to map a patient's face and the resulting sun damage, perhaps the biggest contributor to aging skin, wrinkles and brown spots as well as melanomas. Then, this topographic map is interpreted. Raval and his medical techs to determine specific recommended treatments for each individual patient.

Using a variety of skin-smoothing treatments from Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) FotoFacial Laser Therapy to Sciton Laser Ultimate Laser Peel, Sciton MicroLaserPeel, Sciton Profractional Peel, Sciton ClearScan, and Sciton BBL Photofacial, medical aestheticians and the doctor restore a youthful glow to patients' complexions, erasing wrinkles and fine lines. These laser treatments also promote the development of collagen, the connective protein contained in skin cells that keeps the skin taut, firm and young looking.