Tanning beds have no benefits and a whole lot of risks, particularly in the context of skin cancer. The data shows the reality of the harmful effects they have on your skin, linking their usage to an increased risk of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
In fact, in 2009 the World Health Organization determined tanning beds as a Class 1 Carcinogen, and in 2014 the FDA moved them to a higher risk level. This mandates manufacturers to provide safety measures, including warning labeling. Some states, including Massachusetts, have passed legislature prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from using tanning facilities. These laws aim to safeguard adolescents from the allure of tanning beds, given that early exposure to ultraviolet radiation significantly increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is actually a from of skin damage. The skin produces melanin in an effort to protect itself from further damage and this causes the skin to darken.
The facts
Sources of data include (1) American Academy of Dermatology Association, (2) Skin Cancer Foundation and (3)Impact Melanoma
- Tanning beds emit UVA radiation, which damages skin and DNA, increasing skin cancer risk.
- Women aged 16-29 are more likely to use tanning beds than men of the same age range.
- Women younger than 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors. (1)
- Indoor tanning can increase users’ risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%. (1)
- Indoor tanning speeds up aging of skin (1)
- Tanning beds emit UVA 10-15 times stronger than midday sun. (2)
- Health care costs associated with indoor tanning is estimated to be over $343 million in the U.S.(2)
- Indoor tanning for 20 minutes equals 1-3 hours in the sun without protection.(3)