For many years there existed an all too popular misconception that the use of tanning beds were not only safer than using the sun but that they were completely safe for your skin – allowing tanning bed users to believe that they were finally free of the risks of developing skin cancer.
Tanned Skin Increases Skin Cancer Risk
The truth is that any tanning of the skin can increase the risk of developing one or more types of skin cancer. Tanning of the skin is a response to exposure to ultraviolet rays – the skin produces an increased amount of melanin – which is the pigment responsible for the darkening of the skin. To better understand tanning beds and skin cancer, realize that the UV radiation from tanning beds includes both UVB and the UVA rays that are known to penetrate deep layers of skin – causing excessive damage to skin cells and ultimately leading to the various types of skin cancer.
Natural Sunlight versus Tanning Beds And Skin Cancer
The FDA has released research from findings that the UVA radiation that has been found in the bulbs used in tanning beds is up to three times more harsh than the UVA radiation from natural sunlight. These findings not only raise the risk of developing skin cancer, but also raise the risks of developing more than one type of skin cancer at a much more rapid rate than with natural sunlight alone.
Minimizing The Damage
The truth is that there is no safe way to tan your skin using a tanning bed; if you are looking to avoid developing skin cancer then consider using an artificial spray-on tan that will give you the skin color that you are seeking. Remember that you will still need to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to your skin in order to protect yourself from a painful burn and the potential of skin cancer.
If you have been a steady tanning bed user for some time, it is important to understand skin cancer symptoms and recognize anomalies on your skin by viewing skin cancer pictures. If you have any concerns or questions about your exposure to both the sun and a tanning bed, then consider a visit to a skin cancer clinic that will be able to help you determine your risks of skin cancer.
The Future Of Your Skin
It is very important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to your face, ears, hands, shoulders, arms, and even your feet on a daily basis. There are many over the counter options that can help you not only protect your skin from the potential risk of skin cancer but can also help to reduce wrinkles and improve your skin’s moisture.
With the research linking tanning beds and skin cancer, tanning bed users should definitely give pause before using tanning beds. Be an informed consumer in order to protect yourself from skin cancer!
