Educate Yourself
The Experts answer your questions
TANNING BEDS
Q. Are tanning beds a safe alternative to being in the sun?
A. No, tanning beds are just as damaging as the sun because they emit similar ultraviolet radiation that can cause the same type of sunburn and mutations in the skin. Some states even regulate access to tanning parlors by minors because of the health problems they pose.
Sources:
Skin Cancer Foundation: International Study Links Tanning Beds to Melanoma
Skin Cancer Foundation: Tanning Beds are not the Answer to Winter Depression
Q. I’m going on vacation and don’t want to get sunburn. Shouldn’t I use a tanning bed to get a “base tan” to protect my skin?
A. Many people think that a “base tan” protects their skin from a damaging burn. The truth is that a tan is really a sign of skin damage. Using a tanning bed just exposes your skin to a greater amount of UVA radiation and increases your risk of developing skin cancer. The best way to protect your skin while out in the sun is the use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid the sun during peak hours.
Source:
Tanning Beds May Increase Skin Cancer Risk, American Cancer Society
Q. I used to tan quite a bit as a teenager but never had sunburn, should I be worried? Do I now have an increased risk for melanoma?
A. Most people associate sunburn with skin damage but even developing a moderate tan can increase your risk for skin cancer. A tan develops when the skin tries to protect itself from exposure to UVA rays. This UV radiation from a tanning bed or the sun causes damage to your skin even if no immediate signs of damage are seen. Skin aging and cancer are often delayed effects that show up many years after exposure. You may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, but you can significantly address the risk by getting regular exams by a dermatologist and limiting any future exposure to UV radiation.