The Danger of Tanning Beds – Should You Be Concerned

When it comes to tanning beds there is conflicting information as to whether they are dangerous. While most sources agree tanning beds can put your health at risk if used excessively many people believe there are also benefits to using them, other than for achieving a beautiful tan. Although there is some disagreement among dermatologists, many tanning bed users believe the beds are beneficial for skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis. Tanning beds can also be effective in treating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), where patients suffer from depression as a result of a lack of sunlight during the winter.

There are however, worrying downsides to tanning bed that have been well publicized by the media. The danger that receives the most publicity is that using tanning beds has been linked to a significant increase in the risk of developing skin cancer. UVB rays ? used predominantly in older models of tanning beds ? can increase your chances of developing basal cell cancer by 2.5 times. Modern tanning beds rely on UVA, although they still emit low levels of UVB, but this does not necessarily mean they are considerably safer. UVA penetrates much deeper into the skin, and although your risk of developing skin cancer is reduced to 1.5 times the likelihood of someone who does not use tanning beds, there is a greater chance of developing malignant melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer. If you start using sun beds at a young age you are at greater risk. It is recommended that no one under the age of 18 should be allowed to use a tanning bed, even if it is for medical reasons (such as the aforementioned psoriasis) rather than for vanity.

The eyes can also be harmed greatly by the use of sun beds. The eyes are a delicate organ and especially susceptible to damage from UV rays. Risks include cataracts and cancer of the retina. If not caught and treated early on both these conditions can lead to blindness. Luckily, the risk of developing eye problems can be significantly dropped by wearing protective goggles whenever you use a tanning bed or tanning booth.

The third most publicized danger related to tanning beds is that it damages the skin. Excessive UV exposure without using the proper protective lotions can cause the skin to lose its elasticity and become saggy. It also causes wrinkles and fine lines to appear on the more delicate areas of skin, such as around the eyes. In short, using a tanning bed can make you more attractive in the short term but in the long run can cause substantial premature aging. While many young bed users ? especially amongst the growing numbers of teens using sun beds ? write this danger off as being something they will not have to worry about for a long time, this is not always the case. If you start frequenting tanning beds at a young age the damage may already show by your mid-twenties.

While there is a lack of consensus over whether the benefits of tanning beds justify putting yourself at risk from the dangers by using them at all, there are many people who believe that they are something that can still be enjoyed in moderation. Always follow the guidelines given to you by the salon about how long and how many sessions are suitable for your skin type. As with many things in life, excessiveness can cause health problems but sensible usage can reduce these dangers.