Tanning beds are popular around the world, especially in areas where long, cold winters prompt many women to seek out alternative sources of sunlight and warmth for that golden tan they work so hard for. Unfortunately, tanning beds, especially older models, may cause a variety of side effects that may be considered detrimental to long term health and wellness.
Appearance
Tanning in a tanning bed offers an accelerated tan and bronzed skin appearance for many. Faster than tanning the old-fashioned way, tanning beds can offer brown skin in minutes or hours rather than baking in the sun for hours over the days and weeks of summer.
Ultraviolet Radiation
According to the TanningInfoCenter, even newer tanning beds give off harmful rays, especially ultraviolet radiation (UVA) rays, which penetrated deep into the inner skin layers, causing permanent damage to skin cells beneath the skin, leading to accelerated wrinkles and aging, according to an article written by Dr. Melissa Stoppler for Medicine Net.
Melanoma
The National Institutes of Health published a Report on Carcinogens and found that ultraviolet radiation, commonly used in tanning beds, increased the risk of developing malignant melanoma, with risks increasing in pace with the time spent under such lights. A "USA Today" news article described that tanning beds come with risks, according to cancer researchers and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Tough Skin
Tough, leathery "alligator" skin is commonly found in women who spend long periods under tanning bed lights. Skin cell damage and slowed growth and creation of collagen caused by overexposure to UV light leads to tough skin that thickens and loses elasticity, leaving women with deep wrinkles and rough, loose, leathery skin. SkinCarePhysicians.com suggests that women avoid indoor tanning devices for healthier skin.
