Tanning beds are designed to replicate the sun by using lightbulbs to produce ultraviolet rays. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, skin cells produce pigment that darkens skin, resulting in a tan.
Using A Tanning Bed
A tanning bed and booth operate on the same principle, a person lies down in one and stands in the other. When entering a tanning bed, a person will lie down inside an oblong-shaped tube, closing the cover on the bed to pull the lamps over himself. The bulbs inside the tanning bed are usually 100-watt fluorescent light bulbs arranged in clusters of 10 or 20.
Before entering the bed, it’s important to apply sunscreen and wear goggles to protect against arc eye. Make sure that the bed has been properly cleaned.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million people visit one of the approximately 25,000 tanning salons in the United States every day. People prefer tanning beds because thy're convenient, quick, and can be used at any time. Also, the positioning of the lamps allows people to achieve a more even tan than natural sunlight.
Tanning Beds Today
The U.S. government moved to regulate tanning bed usage in 1988. The regulations were updated in 1999 to reflect concerns over connections between UV exposure and skin cancer, limiting tanning bed usage to 20 minutes and citing the need for protective goggles and lotions. Today, people are investing in their own tanning beds, purchasing them from retailers or online. An average home tanning bed system costs between $2,000 and $5,000; and utilizes between 16 and 24 bulbs.
Weighing The Potential Risks
One of the biggest debates over tanning beds is whether the technology used in them is safe. Critics argue that the Ultraviolet A rays produced by sun lamps in tanning beds can damage skin and possibly cause skin cancer. UV radiation has been declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to be a known carcinogen, a cancer-causing substance.
There are a number of potential risks associated with frequent tanning bed use. Researchers have recently examined the phenomenon of people becoming addicted to tanning and developing a condition known as tanorexia, where they constantly seek out the “high” they get from being in a tanning bed. The risks have even inspired an urban legend about a woman who cooked inside a tanning bed.
How To Spot Skin Cancer
Tanning beds have raised concerns over skin cancer, but what exactly should someone be looking for in terms of symptoms? Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer because it can spread very quickly. Therefore, it’s important to conduct regular skin self-exams to search for possible signs of skin cancer as early as possible. Some people are more at risk for skin cancer because of their complexion or genetic makeup.
Who Should Consider Avoiding Tanning Beds?
Tanning beds present greater risks to certain people and those risks need to be weighed against the importance of having a tan.
- Teenagers are at risk for skin cancer and can show signs of premature aging. Doctors in the United Kingdom have conducted research, which suggests that prolonged tanning bed use in teens can raise the risk of skin cancer later in life.
- Certain acne medications, including benzoyl peroxide and accutane, can cause increased photosensitivity.
- Someone taking medication regularly, including antibiotics and antidepressants, should consult a doctor to find out how exposure to ultraviolet light will affect them.
- People afflicted with lupus can be photosensitive.
- Tattoo ink will fade after extended exposure to ultraviolet light.
- People with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer are more susceptible to the damaging effects of ultraviolent light.
Common Misconceptions About Tanning
Proponents of tanning often suggest that tanning has certain therapeutic benefits; however, beyond the speed and convenience of tanning beds, the medical benefits haven’t been established. Contrary to popular myth, tanning doesn’t cure acne. Tanning isn’t necessarily a good source of Vitamin D because it relies primarily on Ultra Violet A, not Ultra Violet B rays.
Alternatives To a Tanning Bed
A number of products have been developed to help people get the tan they want without lying in a tanning bed or in the sun. Coppertone introduced Quick Tanning Lotion in 1960. None of these products serve to block out harmful UV rays, and shouldn’t be considered a substitute for sunscreen. Self-tanning products are gels or creams that can be applied directly to the skin. Bronzers are often designed specifically for the face or body. Some, such as Jergens Natural Glow Express, are applied over the course of several days to slowly change skin tone. Salons like Mystic Tan, offer a UV-Free mist process, where a spray that lasts four to seven days is applied inside a booth. The key to an even, streak-free spray tan is to exfoliate and take time with the application.
Related Tanning Bed Resources
About.com Acne: The Truth About Tanning and Acne [1] About.com Acne: Which Acne Medications Cause Sun Sensitivity? [2] About.com Beauty: Are Tanning Salons Safe? [3] About.com Beauty: Which Self Tanners Work Best? [4] About.com Cancer: Melanoma [5] About.com Cancer: Tanorexia [6] About.com Cancer: Who is Most at Risk for Skin Cancer? [7] About.com Chemistry: How Do Sunless Tanning Products Work? [8] About.com Honeymoons/Romantic Travel: Top 8 Self Tanning Products for a Safe Suntan [9] About.com Lupus: Lupus and Photo Sensitivity [10] About.com Pediatrics: Seven Steps to Safer Sunning - Avoiding Artificial Tanning [11] About.com Pediatrics: Seven Steps to Safer Sunning [12] About.com Skin Cancer: Prevent Skin Cancer by Avoiding Tanning Salons [13] About.com Skin Cancer: Skin Cancer Symptoms [14] About.com Skin Care: Jergens: Natural Glow Express [15] About.com Skin Care: Mystic Tan Review [16] About.com Skin Care: Self Tanning Lotion Tips [17] About.com Skin Care: Tanning Booth Dangers [18] About.com Tattoos/Body Piercings: Tattoos and Tanning [19] About.com Teen Advice: Information Sheet on Tanning Booths [20] About.com Teens: Tans and Teens [21] About.com Urban Legends: The Fatal Tan [22] American Academy of Dermatology: Vitamin D Fact Sheet [23] American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: Skin Cancer Self Exam Kit [24] EasyTanning.com: A Guide to Buying Residential Tanning Beds [25] Ezine Articles: Are Home Tanning Beds Worth the Cost? [26] Ezine Articles: Tips To Check How Clean Is A Tanning Bed [27] Helium.com: How Do Tanning Beds Work? [28] Medication Increasing Photo Sensitivity [29] MedicineNet.com: Definition of Arc Eye [30] The Guardian: Doctors Call for Ban on Sunbed Use By Under-18s [31]