Sunbed Facts

Sunbed, also called tanning bed or artificial tanning booth, refers to equipment that produces UVA radiation. Exposure to UVA radiation causes a person's skin to tan. UVA rays from sunbeds are less likely to cause sunburns than the radiation in sunlight, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, UVA radiation is not safe.

Health Dangers

• Exposure to the UVA radiation in sunbeds increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Women who visit sunbeds more than once a month have a 55 percent higher risk of malignant melanoma, according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition, ultraviolet light causes skin to become thinner, damaging its ability to heal itself.

Risk Factors

• Sunbeds are dangerous for everyone. However, they are especially risky for people with blonde or red hair, fair skin, or blue, gray or green eyes. In addition, people with a family history of skin cancer or a previous skin cancer have a higher risk of contracting skin cancer from artificial tanning.

Safety

• If you visit a sunbed, always wear eye protection that has 100 percent UV ray protection. In addition, check your skin once a month for unusual bumps or sores, or moles that have changed size.

Alternatives

• Sunless tanning creams, sprays and gels provide a safe alternative to sunbeds and tanning, according to the Mayo Clinic. These products give your skin a tanned appearance without increasing your risk of skin cancer and other conditions.