The Dangers of UVA Tanning Beds

Many people use tanning beds to darken their skin quickly, especially before summer or a special occasion. However, artificial tanning exposes the skin to concentrated ultraviolet radiation and is not a healthy alternative to sun exposure.

How tanning beds work

Tanning beds use lamps that emit ultraviolet radiation, particularly long-wave UVA radiation. Depending on the equipment, this exposure may be substantially more intense than natural sunlight.

Common equipment includes:

• High-pressure lamps: Often used in smaller facial-tanning devices and capable of producing highly concentrated radiation.
• Low-pressure fluorescent lamps: Used in many full-body tanning beds and able to emit several times the ultraviolet radiation experienced in sunlight.

Health risks of artificial tanning

1. Skin cancer: Ultraviolet radiation damages skin cells. Repeated exposure increases cumulative damage and the risk of developing skin cancer.
2. Premature skin aging: UVA radiation penetrates deeply into the skin and can contribute to wrinkles, loss of elasticity and uneven pigmentation.
3. Photosensitive reactions: Certain medicines and cosmetic products can make the skin unusually sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, potentially causing rashes, burns or discoloration.
4. Eye damage: Unprotected exposure can injure the eyes and may contribute to conditions such as cataracts.
5. Burns: Excessive exposure or an unsuitable session length can cause immediate skin burns.

Ultraviolet damage accumulates over time. Its consequences may not become visible until many years after the exposure occurred.

Precautions to consider

Avoiding artificial tanning is the safest option. Anyone who nevertheless chooses to use a tanning bed should:

• Avoid prepaid packages that encourage unnecessary repeat sessions.
• Keep sessions as short and infrequent as possible.
• Allow at least 48 hours between sessions.
• Always wear suitable protective goggles.
• Check whether any medicines or skincare products increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.
• Moisturize the skin after exposure, while recognizing that moisturizer cannot reverse ultraviolet damage.
• Avoid combining a tanning session with additional sun exposure.

Artificial tanning should be avoided by minors and by people with numerous moles or freckles, a history of serious sunburn, unusually sensitive skin or other factors that may increase their risk. Anyone who is pregnant, taking medication or concerned about a skin lesion should seek appropriate medical advice before considering ultraviolet exposure.

A safer cosmetic alternative

For a tanned appearance without ultraviolet exposure, consider a topical self-tanning product or a professionally applied spray tan. These products color the surface of the skin but do not provide sun protection, so sunscreen and other protective measures are still necessary outdoors.