Risks of Tanning

The dangers of sun and sun tanning booths are real

With the summer season comes the urge for that glorious dark sun tan, even though we know the risks of tanning with mother nature. After all nicely bronzed skin makes you feel and look good. For those that worry about the dangers of the sun, they are likely to decide to get that beautiful tan from a sun tanning booth. But what about the dangers that lurk there?

Years ago it was believed using a tanning booth was much safer than tanning the natural way. However years of research have determined that sun tanning booths come with the same risks as tanning outdoors.

Just as the sun can damage your skin, tanning beds also release dangerously high levels of ultraviolet [UV] rays, which can lead to premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. So you say “Oh that’s only if you use a tanning bed long term.”

Not true, short term use has been shown to cause adverse skin reactions such as red splotches, and dry itchy burning skin. Damage to the immune system and eye damage have also occurred from the use of tanning beds.

Health officials now warn people not only about the dangers of UV radiation from the sun, but also about the UV damage from the use of tanning beds and sun lamps. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation. UVB is associated with sunburn, while UVA is associated with a deeper penetrating radiation.

We’ve all known for some time that UVB radiation is harmful but more recent research indicates that there may be an association between UVA radiation and malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

The bulbs used in sun tanning beds and sun lamps emit 40% less UVB rays than the sun does. Since tanning beds filter out most of the burning UVB rays and control exposure time, the chances of getting burned are minimal so the chances of damaging the skin are minimal right? Wrong. New research shows it’s the UVA rays are what could lead to the most serious type of skin cancer malignant melanoma.

Studies conducted in Sweden indicated that people who used tanning beds more than 10 times a year were seven times likelier to develop malignant melanoma. Dermatologists also believe that sun tanning beds and sun lamps are the number one cause of skin cancer. Those are pretty scary statistics.

Studies have also shown that a person does not need to get a sunburn to expose themselves to the risk of skin cancer. Small amounts of UV radiation can still cause cancer, as well as damaging the immune system, causing premature aging, and wrinkled skin.

The number of skin cancer cases due to exposure to the sun, sun tanning beds, and sun lamps increases every year. This year the USA is expected to diagnose 1 million new skin cancer cases.

If you plan to use a tanning bed do a little leg work. Find out how often the salon services their tanning beds, how often their tanning bed light bulbs are replaced or checked for acceptable levels, do they supply protective eye goggles.

Most importantly, use common sense. Just as you would not overexpose yourself to the sun, don’t overexpose yourself to a tanning bed. Just as you would use sunscreen in the sun, apply sunscreen or proper tanning bed lotions, when visiting a tanning salon. Always be sure to protect your eyes with goggles.

Use sun tanning beds in moderation. Take good care of your skin!

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