Many people move to tanning beds to get away from the sun because of the belief that tanning salons are safer than the sun’s damaging rays. While generally speaking tanning beds are somewhat less dangerous than soaking up the rays on the beach for hours on end, it is a myth to believe that there are no harmful effects whatever when one stretches out on a tanning bed.
Many people move to tanning beds to get away from the sun because of the belief that tanning salons are safer than the sun’s damaging rays. While generally speaking tanning beds are somewhat less dangerous than soaking up the rays on the beach for hours on end, it is a myth to believe that there are no harmful effects whatever when one stretches out on a tanning bed.
Overexposure
One of the most dangerous effects of tanning beds is that people may think they are safer than the sun and therefore expose their skin longer than they would on the beach. Overexposure to UV radiations on a tanning bed damages the skin and can even potentially alter one’s DNA, which can in turn lead to developing cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology reports an increased risk of developing melanoma from overexposure to the skin on a tanning bed.
Eye Damage
Ultraviolet radiation has a cumulative effect on the eyes, therefore the more often one uses a tanning bed, the greater the likelihood of developing eye problems. Most people use eye protection while tanning on a bed, but there may always be the temptation to try to tan the eyelids. Some people also just forget to pick up the eye protectors when climbing in. Simply closing one’s lids or even wearing glasses will not provide adequate protection. Long term exposure could result in problems from cataracts to snow blindness to skin cancer around the perimeter of the eye.
Vitamin D
Not all effects of tanning beds are negative. One of the foremost positive aspects of tanning beds is related to those with a deficiency in Vitamin D. Although it is possible to get RDA for Vitamin D from food, diet choices may preclude getting enough of the vitamin. Since Vitamin D is highest in seafood and dairy product, those who don’t like seafood or are lactose intolerant may not being getting anywhere near the daily dose of Vitamin D they need. The rays inside a tanning bed are a good way to make up for this deficiency.
Phototherapy
Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is the name given to the disorder of who suffer depression usually during the winter months and most often in locales where sunlight is severely reduced during that period. One method of treating those who suffer from SAD is called phototherapy which involves exposure to lights. In most cases this medical exposure is accomplished through light boxes. Some patients prefer to treat their condition with a tanning bed. Doing so provides them with the UV light sources key to treatment. Tanning beds also help psychologically by providing a tan during the winter months that can provide a sense of healthy well-being.
Resources
- American Academy of Dermatology Report on Indoor Tanning
- Phototherapy Information
