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What Are the Dangers of Suntanning & Tanning Beds?

A golden tan can make you feel on top of the world, however dangers associated with suntanning and tanning beds are problematic, as any tan endangers the skin. When you are exposed to ultraviolet rays, emitted either from the sun or tanning beds, long-term damage to skin and body can occur.

  1. Skin Cancer

    • The UV rays emitted from the sun and from tanning bed lights can lead to melanoma and, ultimately, skin cancer. This happens when there is irreparable damage to the DNA in the epidermis, leading to cancerous mutations. Tanning beds can emit more dangerous UV rays as they often exceed limits considered safe.

    Aged Skin

    • Exposure to the UV rays can lead to premature aging, sun spots and wrinkles. While some aging is normal for the skin, this exposure will accelerate it and sun spots are difficult to reverse.

    Immune System

    • Exposure to the sunlight and UV light is damaging to the body's immune system. The skin is a natural defense from infections and cancers and when it's compromised you are susceptible to illness and disease. The danger of weakening the immune system increase with each sunburn.

    Eyes

    • UV rays can damage the eyes, especially during tanning bed use. Some of the common issues are damage to blood vessels, corneal infections and conjunctivitis. More serious reactions include damage to the retina and cornea, cataracts, skin cancer around the eyes and tissue growths that can block the vision.

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