Are tanning beds and self tanning products safe? Do they protect you from damaging UV rays that can lead to skin cancer or are they just one more cause of skin cancer? The latest research is stunning – many people are changing their minds about visiting their local tanning beds.
What You Need to Know About UV Rays
It would be difficult to live in today’s media savvy world and not recognize that the sun is damaging to your skin. Skin cancer organizations place advertisements and warnings online and in print media. Your local weatherman may give updated ‘UV’ warnings during the summer months. The sun is dangerous!
UVA and UVB rays come from the sun. Both types of rays can penetrate into the dermal layer of your skin.1 Even a short amount of time in the sun can allow UVA rays to penetrate and give you a tan. The exposure to these rays can also result in skin problems that will affect you in the long run. UVB rays are more dangerous but do not penetrate as deep. They are called ‘burning rays’.2 
What you need to know: Tanning beds contain lamps that give of high amounts of UVA radiation. The typical tanning bed emits up to 99 percent UVA radiation, up to three times the amount of radiation you would get from the sun.3
The tanning bed industry claims that tanning beds emit fewer UVB rays – the very harmful ‘burning rays’. On average a tanning bed emits forty percent less UVB rays than the sun. Therefore, according to the tanning industry, they are a safe alternative to tanning in the sun. They go so far as to claim to have the ability to balance the perfect ratio of UVB and UVA exposure.4
The tanning industry goes further in claiming that while it lessens your exposure to damaging UVB rays you need the UVA rays you get from a tanning bed. UVA rays are a source of vitamin D and claimed by several tanning bed boutiques and companies as one of the best ways to get the vitamin. However, you can get vitamin D through your diet.
The Truth
In contrast to what the tanning industry promotes, both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous. They both increase the risk that you will develop skin cancer. Exposure to UV light will thin your skin and affect its ability to heal.5 Women frequenting tanning beds more than one time per month are 55 percent more likely to develop skin cancer – a malignant melanoma.6
Are You at Risk
Do you visit artificial tanning beds? Anyone who visits artificial tanning beds is putting themselves in the line of fire. Experts claim that the risk is significantly higher for people with fair skin and blonde, red, or light hair. You are also considered to be at a high risk of developing skin cancer if you have previously had skin cancer, you have a family member who has had skin cancer, or you burn easily.7
Avoiding Artificial Light Sources
Now that you know long term exposure to artificial UVA and UVB lights can lead to skin cancer you can make changes in your lifestyle. First, stay away from tanning beds. Tanning beds are not an option for anyone. According to the National Cancer Institute the rays emitted from tanning beds can lead to skin cancer.8
Secondly, check often to see if you have any abnormalities on your body. Bumps, lesions, moles, and other anomalies can be an early warning sign. Plus, visit your doctor or dermatologist for a yearly check up.
Finally, when it comes to tanning beds and self tanning products opt for the self tanning products. Many of these products now offer UV protection.
Self Tanning Products
Self tanning products are very popular with all age groups. Many people use them in the cooler moths to get an artificial tan and more people than ever are using them in warmer months in place of spending hours in the sun.
Self tanners dye the epidermis, or the top layer, of your skin. It is not permanent and will slowly fade as you shower and the skin cells fall off. The tan normally lasts one week without a touch up.
While getting a suntan breaks down the DNA in your skin cells, sunless tanners do not cause any damage.9 Today’s self tanning products are miles ahead of the paste that turned you orange a decade ago. You can get the tone you desire – light, medium, or dark – plus many carry SPF protection. You can also find self tanners with anti-oxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, and even more beneficial additives for your skin.
As a general warning it is important to know that there is a very small chance you may have a reaction to self tanners. This is one of the few drawbacks to this tanning method. It is recommended that you test a small patch of skin before using the product on your entire body.
So to answer the question – should you avoid tanning beds and self tanning products? As you can see, tanning beds are unsafe – even for the most casual user. However, self tanners are a great alternative if you desire a tan. You can get the gorgeous bronze tone you desire safely with a sunless tanning product.
References
1 Carruth, E. (n.d.). Do Tanning Beds Cause Skin Cancer and Other Harmful Effects. Vanderbilt University. Retrieved from: www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/Tanning.html
2 Ibid
3 Ibid
4 Are Tanning Beds Safe? A Positive Article. (2006). Tan Talk. Retrieved from: www.tantalk.com/think-positive-about-uv/2364995-tanning-beds-safe-positive-article.html
5 NCI Media. (n.d.). Artificial Tanning Booths and Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from: www.cancer.gov/newscenter/entertainment/tipsheet/tanning-booths
6 Ibid
7 Ibid
8 Ibid
9 Sunless tanning:A safe alternative to sunbathing. (2011). Mayo Clinic: Retrieved from: www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunless-tanning/SN00037
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