Tanning beds have been a thing since the 1950s, but their popularity has been declining due to numerous health concerns.
Tanning beds employ ultraviolet (UV) light radiation to stimulate the skin's melanin, resulting in a darker skin tone. These beds are equipped with UV tanning bulbs that emit UV light, with some using either UVA or both UVA and UVB light.
While tanning beds offer the advantages of customizable tans that are even and long-lasting (lasting up to 2 weeks), the drawbacks are considerable.
Increased Skin Cancer Risk: Even a single tanning session in a tanning bed can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (by 29%), melanoma (by 20%), and squamous cell carcinoma (by 67%), as per the American Academy of Dermatology.
Premature Aging: Tanning beds can expedite the aging process, leading to premature development of wrinkles and fine lines.
Risk of Sunburn: Individuals with fair skin are at a greater risk of sunburn when using tanning beds.
Skin Peeling: Tanning bed usage may result in skin peeling and redness.
Costly: Achieving the desired tan often necessitates multiple tanning sessions, which can become costly over time.
Fortunately, there's a safer and more cost-effective alternative to achieve a tan without compromising your skin or health – spray tanning.