According to the World Health Organization, artificial tanning is a $1 billion per year industry in the United States. In a study published in the "European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology" in 2009, Drs. S. Schneider and H. Kramer report that the typical tanning bed user is a female of reproductive age. There is a consensus among public health experts that tanning beds are unsafe for the general population, but tanning beds do not cause any special risks to breastfeeding women or their babies.
Supplements
Women who are breastfeeding are cautioned against using a number of products because of potential dangers passed on to their baby through breast milk. Breastfeeding women are advised not to take any medications, vitamins or other supplements that the tanning bed facility offers without first consulting with their health care provider. Carotene in particular should not be taken by breastfeeding women.
Burning
Any skin burn resulting from overuse of tanning beds is uncomfortable, but a burn on the breasts or nipples is extremely painful for the breastfeeding mother. Nipples should always be covered by the breastfeeding mother who uses tanning beds.
Sagging
Excessive tanning has been proven to damage skin and cause premature aging, including sagging and wrinkling. A breastfeeding mother is particularly vulnerable to sagging and wrinkling skin on the breasts because breastfeeding can exacerbate skin stretching and sagging.
Cleanliness
Bacteria and viruses can be spread if tanning beds are not properly cleaned between uses. These germs can be passed to a breastfeeding baby. It is important that breastfeeding tanning bed users inspect the policies of the tanning bed facility before use.
Cancer
Some facilities may claim that tanning beds are safer than tanning under the sun, but tanning beds can cause skin cancer. The UV rays in tanning beds penetrate more deeply into the skin than the sun's UV rays. This can cause melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Eye damage
Tanning beds can cause eye damage, including retinal injuries and cataracts. Tanning salons are required by the Food and Drug Administration to advise clients to wear protective eyewear.
References
- European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology; Who uses sunbeds? A systematic literature review of risk groups in developed countries; Schneider S, Krämer H.; December 2009
- Ivillage.com: Is visiting a tanning salon okay?
- Kellymom.com: Lifestyle Choices
