Many individuals love to hit the tanning beds year round for that golden tan coveted by everyone from teens to the elderly, encouraging a sense of well-being, beauty and an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, tanning beds and tanning may have detrimental effects on the skin and body. Consumers need to carefully research claims regarding tanning beds, 'safe' UVA (ultraviolet) rays and what may happen to the skin and body through prolonged exposure.
UVA Tanning Beds
UVA tanning beds developed in the 1980s claimed they were safer than exposing yourself to actual sunlight for tanning purposes. However, according to 911skin.com, these rays can actually pose a great amount of destruction and damage to the skin's middle layer, called the dermis. Long-term exposure to tanning bed UVA light causes destruction of collagen and elastin, leaving the skin dry, saggy and leathery.
Cancer
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tanning beds are dangerous. The National Cancer Institute says that melanoma is a very deadly type of skin cancer that may appear years, or even decades, after a severe sunburn, though risks increase with regular exposure to tanning bed UV devices.
Carcinoma is another type of skin cancer, defined by the Mayo Clinic as a non-melanoma type of skin cancer that can be treated with positive results unless it is left untreated and spreads, eventually spreading and causing damage to other parts of the body.
Eye Damage
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has also determined that UV rays used in tanning beds may also lead to eye damage and eye cancer, called ocular melanoma.
Other Health Effects
According to the Food and Drug Administration, indoor tanning and tanning beds have also been linked to premature aging, wrinkles and leathery, dry looking skin as well as suppression of the immune system, caused by UV-B rays that suppress the ability of the skin to defend itself from germs and infections. Some people eventually develop skin rashes or allergies due to this damage.
