Tanning beds pose numerous risks, including skin cancer, sunburn, sun poisoning, cold sore aggravation, eye damage, and premature aging. UVA radiation emitted by tanning booths is significantly higher than outdoor exposure, causing skin damage and flu-like symptoms. Alternatives to tanning beds include spray tans, tanning makeup, and lotions.
Tanning bed risks are numerous and include the possibility of making users more susceptible to skin cancer, causing sunburn, and triggering sun poisoning. Other risks include aggravation of cold sores, UV damage to the user’s eyes and premature aging of their skin. Of particular concern is the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, with some studies showing that tanning beds can triple a user’s risk of contracting this disease. Many medical experts advise people to become aware of the tanning bed risks before using these devices.
When a person uses tanning beds, their skin is exposed to high concentrations of UVA radiation, which triggers melanin production and darkens their skin. This may seem like an effective way to get the impression of having been out in the sun, but the amount of UVA radiation emitted by tanning booths is significantly higher than what a person may experience while outdoors for the same amount of time. This exposure to intense UVA radiation triggers many tanning bed hazards, the most significant of which is skin damage. While a person’s skin may actually get darker, it is also damaged in the process.
Some people have severely burned eyes while using a tanning bed without eye protection. Similarly, other burns and rashes can develop in response to high level exposure to UVA rays. If an individual has a predisposition to cold sores, the tanning bed can also trigger an outbreak. Photosensitivity is also a problem and some individuals will develop what is known as sun poisoning or sun sickness after spending time in a tanning bed. This condition, which causes flu-like symptoms, can be very unpleasant.
While the most significant of the various tanning bed risks is the increased chance of developing skin cancer, other risks can present serious health problems and can negatively affect a person’s appearance. Many people believe they look healthier or younger when they tan. Over time, however, the damage caused by UVA rays damages the skin. This can cause the skin to develop an even tone, dry out, and eventually develop wrinkles. Individuals who tan for cosmetic purposes might consider alternatives to tanning beds, which include spray tans that don’t expose the skin to UVA rays, tanning makeup on the face, or lotions that can encourage tanning without causing damage.
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