How UV Light Affects The Immune System

Salon owners have reported that some prospective tanners are concerned about if UV light suppresses the immune system. The effects of UV on the immune system have been the subject of controversial debate. There have been some physical therapists that have reported a distinct activation of the immune system, while some dermatologists have noted somewhat of a depression of the system when subjected to UV energy.

It’s somewhat of a paradoxical situation. Ultraviolet radiation has both a suppressive effect and an activating effect. For example, UV light can be utilized in aiding successful organ transplants by suppressing the immune system so the organ will not be rejected. UV light fixtures also can be installed in closed environments like submarines, or schools and hospitals in northern latitudes. Here it is considered a benefit in warding off some infectious diseases.

Some studies indicate that after initially suppressing the immune system, that same exposure to UV light will subsequently enhance the immune system. One such study [Larcom, L.L., (1991) Tanning salon exposure suppression of DNA repair capacity and mitogen-induced DNA synthesis. Photochemistry and Photobiology, Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 511-516.] was completed more than 10 years ago. A test group of young, white adults were used to collect lymphocytes immediately before UV exposure in a commercial tanning salon and 24 hours later.

The results basically indicate that initial immunosuppression had occurred, DNA repair capacity returned, on subjects within one week of exposure. However, keep in mind the following:

No spectral emission data was used from the sunlamp manufacturer;

• Aging of the lamp was not taken into consideration;

• No lamp testing device was employed;

• Different tanning times for different skin types; and,

• Only eight subjects were tested.

Therefore, UV light can have both positive and negative responses. Remind your customers to take a sensible, moderate and responsible approach to tanning indoors and outdoors.