The Dangers of Tanning Beds

There are things many people do not like giving up as summer ends and colder weather sets in. Things like flip flops, late sunsets, and a relaxed schedule are hard to give up, but many people also hate giving up their sun-kissed skin. They enjoy having tanned skin, and they often think about getting a tanning bed membership to help keep their tanned glow throughout fall and winter. Yet, it is vital that you understand the dangers of tanning beds, and it is up to you to make the responsible decision to protect your skin.

Tanning beds are dangerous. They are capsule-like beds that radiate ultraviolet (UV) rays in a concentrated setting to darken a person’s skin quickly. While the sun’s UV rays damage unprotected skin, indoor tanning is much more dangerous because tanning beds emit ultraviolet radiation 10 – 15 times more than the sun. The stronger the radiation levels, the deeper and more severe damage is done to the skin cells.

The National Library of Medicine released an article stating that indoor tanning is estimated to cause more than 450,000 new skin cancers, including 10,000 melanomas, each year.

Youth Increases the Danger

Many young girls feel extreme pressure to look a certain way. Even in the dead of winter, magazine covers are full of scantly clad models with tanned skin. With this image set as the “standard,” many girls and young adults feel the need to find a “solution” to their pale skin.

The increase in tanning bed appointments before homecoming dances, proms, and cheer competitions is notable at almost every tanning salon. Yet, parents and teens need to be aware that they are setting themselves up for an unwanted future. Numerous studies reveal that people who use tanning beds at a young age increase their risk of developing melanoma by almost 75 percent. This risk is not worth it!

At Kayal Dermatology, we want our patients to know that there is no “standard” worth the risk of causing skin cancer. You need to do your part to prevent skin cancer, not promote it. You can start today by making the decision to avoid damaging UV rays and tanning beds.