Sun safety has been a rising concern with the increase in U.S. rates of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation says the dangers of regular use of tanning beds, which can damage skin, are numerous and that a person should take the risks into account before using them.
Statistics
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 28 million Americans regularly use tanning beds and that the tanning industry averages $2 billion annually in sales. It adds that people who use tanning beds 10 times in one year are seven times more likely to develop melanoma than people who don't tan at all. In addition, tanning beds have been linked to increased rates of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma too.
Misconceptions
People have many misconceptions when it comes to tanning beds. One is that a tan from a salon is safe because it isn't produced by the sun and doesn't usually cause sunburn. Others believe a tanning bed is a good way to get adequate levels of Vitamin D, but the American Academy of Dermatology says getting Vitamin D through a healthy and balanced diet is better for a person and doesn't put their skin in peril. Finally, some people believe using a tanning bed to get a base tan protects them from future skin damage, but this isn't the case. Any exposure to UVA and UVB rays will result in skin damage, says the American Cancer Society.
Risks
The biggest risk of tanning bed usage is skin cancer. In addition, regular use of tanning beds can result in skin that ages more rapidly than normal, causing a person to look older than she is, mainly through skin wrinkles.
Regulations
To protect people's skin from tanning bed damage, regulations have been placed on the industry. Salons are required to post warnings on their tanning beds that will tell consumers the risks they are taking by using the bed, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. Salons are also supposed to provide protective eyewear for tanners. Finally, salons have guidelines they are required to follow in terms of safe levels of exposure during each session, but consumers are warned that many salons don't follow those guidelines, reports the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Alternatives
The best way to prevent skin damage through tanning is to avoid tanning beds altogether, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Several alternatives to tanning beds can be used without risk of damaging the skin. Bronzer can be used to mimic a tan on the face, and many products are available that can create a golden color on the skin. Lotions and creams are available that gradually build color on the skin. Finally, many salons market spray-on tan products that are safer for the skin and don't cause the damage that tanning beds do.
