Tanning Beds: A Big NO! Why a Healthy Tan Doesn't Exist!

Are tanning beds a safer alternative to basking under the sun? You must know that NO Tan is a healthy tan! Tanning beds can wreak as much havoc on your skin as the sun itself.

Tanning may look cool, thanks to beauty standards and social ideas, but it's actually a sign your skin has been under a sun "attack.

But here's the kicker: tanning beds aka sunbeds, often thought of as a shortcut to a sun-kissed look, may pose a more significant threat and even studies have proved so!

What lies ahead in this blog:

• What is tanning bed?
• 5 Shocking facts about tanning beds
• How to protect yourself from the sun tan?
• Take away
• FAQs

What is tanning bed?

Tanning beds are known to pump out an intense dose of ultraviolet rays (UV) UVA rays to artificially tan the skin. They target deep skin layers, setting the stage for sun ageing or photo aging and even the dreaded skin cancer.

“In 2009, tanning beds got a bad rap. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared the UV light they emit is cancer-causing, putting them in the same danger zone as tobacco and asbestos. Bottom line: tanning beds are a risky business!”

5 Shocking facts about tanning beds or indoor tanning you should know:

1. Tanning beds are NOT safer than the sun:

You may be surprised to know that- Tanning, whether from the sun or tanning beds, is inherently unsafe. They elevate your risk of cancer and cause potential damage to your DNA.

In fact- Indoor tanning devices can blast out UV rays that are 10 to 15 times higher than the sun’s rays during peak exposures.

“The startling findings of a 2019 study revealed that using a tanning bed, even just once, can spike your risk of melanoma by 20%. That's not all – each extra tanning session per year nudges that risk up by 1.8%.”

In another research about indoor tanning and skin cancer, a whopping 67% increase in keratinocyte cancers and increased melanoma risk to 59% if you start indoor tanning before age 35.

2. Use of Indoor tanning devices too speed up skin aging:

Accelerated skin ageing, - age spots, wrinkled skin and skin darkening are not-so-sunny sides of frequent indoor tanning.

Harmful UV rays break down collagen and elastin in healthy skin which causes wrinkles, erythema (skin redness), loose folds and sun-damaged skin conditions.

3. There’s no such thing as getting Vitamin D from tanning beds:

Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. Even so, sunrise to 10 am has been identified as the best time to get vitamin D.

Tanning beds typically emit UVA light, your body needs UVB light to produce vitamin D. Dermatologists suggest including foods naturally rich in vitamin D or opting for fortified options, such as orange juice, milk, yoghurt and cereals, etc. instead of relying on tanning beds.

4. Tanning addiction is a real thing:

Studies suggest that indoor tanning might be connected to both psychological and addictive tendencies, and some find it hard to quit. For some, kicking the tanning habit is easier said than done – they feel restless or down when deprived of their regular UV fix.

5. Tanning beds can lead to serious injuries:

Cases of burns, loss of consciousness, and eye injuries have been frequently linked to indoor tanning. It is associated with sunburn and leaves long-lasting damage and discomfort to the skin.

How to protect yourself from the sun tan?

1. Always wear sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more at least 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. It can be one of the best ways to protect yourself from free radical damage due to sun exposure- sun tanning and sunburn.

2. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: Both can cause serious long-term skin damage, elevate skin ageing signs (dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles) and contribute to skin cancer.

3. Cover up: When you are out in the sun, Cover your skin properly with clothing. Wear a hat, and sunglasses to protect the skin from sun rays.

4. Limit your direct exposure to the sun: especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

5. Hydrate and eat right: Drink lots of water and choose whole, unprocessed foods. Eat sun-shielding antioxidants which include tomato juice, almonds, sweet potatoes and grapes in your diet. Your skin will appreciate it!

Don't miss this exciting video where we spill the tea on effective sun tan removal remedies from the face and hands:

Take away:

So, there you have it – the hard-hitting truth about tanning beds and why a "healthy tan" is nothing but a myth. The allure of that sun-kissed look might seem tempting and the desire to look attractive/ self‐confident, but the risks associated with tanning beds are undeniable. Tanning beds pose serious risks, from increasing the likelihood of skin cancer to accelerating the skin aging process.

Say no to tanning beds and yes to glowing skin and a healthy complexion that stands the test of time.

FAQs