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What Do I Need to Know About Tanning Beds?

Tanning beds are a popular way to tan for cosmetic reasons. Concerns about their safety, however, have prompted the government to caution against them and regulate their use.

  1. How They Work

    • Tanning beds emit Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that causes melanin in the skin to react and create a darker pigment. This is the same radiation emitted by the sun. Users lie or stand in between two bright electric ultraviolet lamps, depending on the design of the tanning booth.

    Warnings

    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that tanning booths not be used. UV radiation in increased levels can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Tanning is no more harmful than sunbathing, but the increased exposure to UV rays puts the user's total UV levels above normal.

    Additional Hazards

    • The law requires parental consent for tanning bed users under the age of 16. Increased UV radiation can react with prescription medicines and harm the eyes if users don't wear eye protection.

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