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The Dangers of Indoor Tanning

Indoor tanning beds are extremely popular, especially in locations with long, cold, snowy winters. Sure, people living along a coastline in California or Florida have easy access to glorious sun and sand, but what about the folks living in Colorado, Kansas and Minnesota, just to name a few. The search for that perfect golden tan keeps people, women mostly, in such locations and throughout the U.S., returning to national chains and privately owned tanning salons for that supposedly healthy glow. However, the dangers of indoor tanning have never been so apparent.

  1. Increased Risk of Melanoma

    • Melanoma is a type of skin cancer often caused by long-term sun exposure or UV radiation caused by tanning beds. Excessive UV radiation damages DNA in skin cells, leaving them vulnerable to abnormal, malignant growth. Melanoma cells can travel through the body, though the cancerous cells are most commonly noted on the surface of the skin first, as moles or brownish blotches that look like freckles. The blemishes often appear on the face, the back, legs and neck.

    Premature Aging

    • Individuals exposed to excess UV exposure also risk premature aging of the skin. Individuals who regularly tan in tanning beds often have that coveted tan, but their skin is leathery, tough and commonly shows more wrinkles than those who don't. The cause of those wrinkles and leathery skin is believed to be caused by a breakdown of collagen and fibers in the skin that promote elasticity. In most cases, signs of premature aging may not show up for years, but once it starts, those dark blotches and spots, tough skin and worst of all, small, fine and deep wrinkles are nearly impossible to get rid of without multiple visits to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

    Eye Damage

    • While in pursuit of that perfect tan, many men and women forget about protecting their eyes. Yes, you're supposed to wear the special glasses, but these may not prove entirely effective for prolonged exposure to tanning beds. Repeated use (months or years) of tanning beds may eventually cause eye damage such as photokeratitis or cataracts. Photokeratitis is more commonly known as snow blindness and is caused by exposure to artificial UVB and UVC light sources. The risk of development of other eye or vision problems includes macular degeneration, caused by damage to the retina. Tearing, decreased or hazy vision and a sensation of particles or sand in the eye are common signs that the eye has been injured.

    Damage to the Immune System

    • A study recently completed by the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that prolonged or repetitive exposure to UV radiation may decrease the effectiveness of the immune system. It is believed that repeated exposure inhibits normal functions of the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to infection from bacterial or viral sources.

    Pre-Malignant Skin Conditions

    • One of the most common pre-cancerous skin conditions is Actinic Keratoses. This condition defines a common sun-related area that has been damaged by exposure to tanning beds and intense episodes of prolonged exposure to the sun. Skin in exposed areas displays a raised, rough and scaly or crusted patch of skin that may be reddish, brown or skin-colored, most often found on the face, ears, arms or hands. This condition displays long-term skin damage and increased risk of developing skin cancer if left untreated.

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