Dangers of Tanning Beds

Using a tanning bed is known to cause major health problems, including cancer, cataracts and premature aging. Yet despite these alarming facts, one out of every three women spends time at the tanning salon, believing a ‘base tan’ will protect them from further skin damage or that its superficial light is safer than direct sunlight. Regardless of whether you’re indoors or outdoors, exposure to UVA and UVB tanning rays is harmful to your skin.

Because tanning bed rays are more concentrated, users are at greater risk for developing skin cancers and other skin problems. In fact, if you visit a tanning bed before the age of 35, you increase your chance for developing melanoma by 75 percent. That risk only becomes greater with each following visit.

Tanning salons tout benefits that can be misleading, such as the idea that tanning beds are an effective way to get your daily dose of vitamin D. If you are looking to add more vitamin D into your diet, invest in dietary supplements or vitamin D rich foods rather than a visit to a tanning bed.

Tanning beds have also been placed into the highest risk category for cancer by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. They are so dangerous that 12 states in the U.S. have banned minors from using them.

In order to maintain healthy, beautiful skin, it is important to consider the risks associated with tanning beds. Protect yourself every day using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and perform routine mole checks for any unusual freckles or spots. To learn more about caring for your skin and protecting yourself from skin cancer, please call our office at (865) 690-9467 to schedule an appointment.