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How Safe are Tanning Beds?

Exposing the Fake Bake

Sep 14, 2009 Diane Hartman

Tanning beds lure million of Americans by promoting a glamorous image of the "fake bake". The risks that come with this image is often ignored or taunted by sun seeker.

Fair skin and freckled individuals tend to suffer the consequences of the sun's harmful rays at a faster rate than those with dark toned skin. Medications, topical lotions (both over the counter and prescription) and certain medical conditions, such as lupus, can also make individuals more prone to sun sensitivity. It is important to recognize risk factors and take necessary safety precautions if an individual elects to tan, either in a tanning bed or naturally.

Develop a Plan Before You Tan

Educate yourself about tanning beds before the first exposure. Reputable tanning salons will provide you with information on the equipment safety and the healthiest way to tan. This will include wearing protective goggles to shield eyes and recommended time exposure. Sun burn may not appear for hours, therefore, limit exposures to recommended amounts.

The Food and Drug Administration provides literature and education about “Sun Safety”. This information can help you understand the risks.

If bulbs were recently replaced they may cause you to tan at more rapid rate than older bulbs. The tanning bed operator can provide information on the age of the bulb.

Using common sense goes along way to playing it safe. Once you develop a tan limit exposures to once a week. This will allow you to maintain your tan without excessive exposure.

Tan in a Can

The FDA has approved a multitude of self tanning products. These lotions, creams and sprays create a tan by causing a chemical reaction. Current products no longer produce that streaky disease look that everyone could recognize as the “tan in a can”. It is possible to achieve a realistic golden glow with newer formulations of these products. The fragrance has also improved.

Professionally airbrushed tans are also an option in most cities. They implement virtually the same product but are applied by trained professionals. The downside, of course, is the cost. This is a great alternative for special occasions or if the cost is not an obstacle.

Exposing the Risks

There are immediate consequences of both artificial and natural sun exposure. Initially the sun exposed skin may experience sunburn, dryness and discomfort. Later, the more serious effects will surface. Those later effects may include wrinkles, sun spots and more seriously skin cancer. Individuals with a family history of skin cancer are at an even greater risk than the general population.

Ultimately, the decision is yours whether or not tanning beds are worth the risk. If you chose to tan, remember the damage is irreversible.

The copyright of the article How Safe are Tanning Beds? in General Medicine is owned by Diane Hartman. Permission to republish How Safe are Tanning Beds? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.