By Michelle Bery 

It’s no secret that all living things need the sun to survive. But for sun worshippers, it goes beyond mere survival and into the realm of the perfect tan. Tanning becomes an outdoor ritual in the summer and in an indoor alternative year round. Tanning beds have continued to increase in popularity even as research continues to expose the side effects of tanning beds.

Tanning beds offer users an alternative to natural outdoor sun exposure. We tan in the sun because the sun itself emits a combination of ultraviolet rays that affect the pigmentation of our skin. UVA rays are longer ultraviolet rays that reach deep into the layers of our skin. UVB rays – the more dangerous of ultraviolet rays – are shorter in length and affect the top layer of our skin. Overexposure to both UVA and UVB rays can significantly speed the aging of our skin – as seen by wrinkles, age spots, and a myriad of other complications. And, of course, such overexposure can also lead to skin cancer such as melanoma. Tanning beds may offer an alternative to tanning outdoors, but the truth is, the side effects of tanning beds are just the same as exposure to natural sunlight.

Just like the sun, tanning beds emit a combination of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are actually increased to speed the tanning process, and UVB rays are minimized by approximately 40%. While the reduction of UVB rays does decrease our exposure to danger, it does not eradicate it. Thus – exposure to dangerous ultraviolet light is still considered one of the side effects of tanning beds.

Additionally, the targeted exposure to UV rays that you find in tanning beds actually increases the possibility of burning. Burned skin – one of the side effects of tanning beds – is damaged skin; and damaged skin increases your chances of skin cancer down the road. Therefore, if you have the tendency to burn in the sun – such as those with very fair skin – you should avoid tanning beds at all costs. However, if you absolutely must tan, do so with an eye to the side effects of tanning beds. Keep your time and frequency to a minimum and use protective lotion designed for your specific skin type. If you tan responsibly you will minimize the side effects of tanning beds and reduce the danger as much as possible.