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Tanning Beds Vs. Tanning Outside

Both artificial tanning devices and natural sunlight emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While sunlight is necessary for human life, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Overexposure to UV radiation increases an individual's risk of skin damage (including cancer) and eye damage. Excess exposure to UV radiation also has a negative affect on the body's immune system. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended against the use of artificial tanning devices since 2003, and encourages the public to take precautions to protect against sun exposure.

  1. Sunlight

    • Sunlight serves a very useful purpose. It provides us with light by which to see and warms our planet. Sunlight is also necessary for the body to synthesize vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. However, most people get enough sun exposure performing daily functions to synthesize vitamin D without intentionally exposing themselves to natural or artificial sunlight.

    Skin Damage

    • There are many types of skin damage that are linked to overexposure to UV radiation. The body reacts in the same manner to UV waves whether they come from natural or artificial sources. Short-term effects of being exposed to too much UV radiation includes sunburns, development of moles and scarring. An increase in precancerous cells and skin cancer are among the long-term effects of excess sunlight. Wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity are also the result of spending too much time in the sun or a tanning bed.

    Eye Damage

    • Short term effects of UV overexposure on the eyes are photokeratitis, which is UV-induced inflammation of the iris and cornea, sensitivity to light, and conjunctivitis, which is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelid. Long term effects are the development of eye cancer, cataracts, and corneal growths. The damages are likely to occur in both a tanning bed and in natural sunlight.

    Immune System

    • According to WHO, overexposure to UV radiation is also damaging to the body's immune system. UV waves change cellular responses by redistributing cells and changing their cellular function, which negatively alter the body's ability to fight infection. WHO suggests this may cause vaccinations to be less effective, due to changing cellular structure, but admits more research is needed on the subject.

    Precautions

    • Fortunately, there are precautions that can be taken to avoid the ill effects of harmful UV radiation. First and foremost, avoid using artificial tanning devices. When in natural sunlight, apply sunblock and wear sunglasses along a with a brimmed hat to protect skin and eyes from harmful UV radiation.

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