When I had to research for my project, I was shocked to find out that tanning, whether from lying in the sun or using a tanning bed, could be severely harmful to the skin.
Both the sun and tanning beds emit ultraviolet rays and have the chance of developing skin problems.
I will compare the risks of using tanning beds and sun exposure to help you understand which is worse for your skin.
Which One Is Safer?
After seeing the consequences of tanning in natural light, i.e., sunburn, skin damage, and sun damage, people are now more inclined towards indoor tanning. Little do they know, tanning beds are also no safe.
According to dermatologists, tanning beds emit 10-15 times more UVA rays than the sun, so they’re definitely worse than the sun.
This means that while both are harmful, tanning salons can deliver a more concentrated dose in less time.
Why Tanning Beds Are Bad For You
Tanning beds can pose these threats to your skin:
Skin Cancer
As per my research, tanning bed usage increases the likelihood and risks of skin cancer of all sorts.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that tanning beds raise the chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%.
It also increases the risk of developing melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Premature Skin Aging
The bulbs in tanning beds use mostly UVA light and UVB rays, which damage the superficial skin cell layers and cause sunburn.
These rays penetrate the skin deeply and damage collagen, which keeps the skin together and keeps it looking younger.
Exposure to these high-intensity rays causes you to develop wrinkles, leathery skin, and sun spots, taking away your youthful glow.
Smart Ways To Prevent Skin Cancer
Limiting UV ray exposure is the only way to get your skin safe. You can do so by:
Avoiding the sun midday when the rays are strongest.
Not going in the direct sunlight for tanning.
Using SPF sunscreen if the sun’s rays are unbearable.
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Myth: Many people believe that using a tanning bed to get a base tan will prevent sunburn, which is not true. |
My Final Thoughts!
Both tanning beds and sun exposure harm your skin and can increase the risk for skin cancer. Tanning beds are for sure worse than natural sunlight, but keep in mind that prolonged exposure to sunlight isn’t healthy either.
I hope you found my insights useful. Given the above-mentioned risks of UV exposure, I recommend using tanning lotions or sprays year-round!