Does tanning in a tanning bed have more dangers than getting a natural tan?

Question

Is it more dangerous to tan in a tanning bed? If so, why? Thanks.

So let me get this straight. From what I read, the only good way to get Vitamin D for your body is from the sun. Yet sun also gives you skin cancer. Alot of people are outside all day and have nice tans as well. Personally, I don't get a chance to get in the sun for extended periods of time to even get a tan, so I don't think it would hurt to go in a tanning bed 2 or 3 times to get a base tan? Seriously, what are the chances of getting skin cancer in a tanning bed going 5 times at most with already very light skin?

Answer 1

My understanding is yes. The UV exposure is greater.

Answer 2

I would say tanning beds are far worse. A lot of beds nowadays only emit UVA rays and not UVB. UVA triggers tanning and UVB causes burning however, UVA penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, in comparison to UVB, and alters cells (..skin cancer) and damages collagen and elastin (..wrinkles, fine lines, sagging!). Sure, you could go into a bed for 15-20 minutes but imagine how high the levels of UVA will be emitted so that you could get a nice tan. Loads of damage that is!

That aside, the sun is a source of Vitamin D but if you're light-skinned, it's not like you need a whole day out in the sun to get a good amount. It only takes sooooo little of daily exposure to get enough Vitamin D. An hour, at most, is all you'll need and that's pretty much achieved with little things like driving in your car, getting mail, walking out of your car to a store, etc.

Sun exposure is cumulative. Thus, its benefits are cumulative and the damage it does is cumulative.

But of course, it is all your decision. I'm just saying, I think getting a tan from a tanning bed is worse than getting a "natural tan" from the sun. It's like ... imagine a grape -- nice and plump -- and you put it in this tanning bed ... soon enough, it'll become a raisin ... a wrinkled, dehydrated raisin. This is the same with the sun but it just takes longer.

Answer 3

I don't think it is more dangerous as the sun, but just about. I heard on TV that you still can get skin cancer from the tanning bed and now they also say you should spend at least 20 minutes a day in the sun for your bones. So I figure if your session is only 20-30 minutes in the bed it should be ok.

Answer 4

nless Tanning Information

Long days and warm weather are an invitation to stay in the sun. But nowadays sunlight is fraught with many hidden dangers. It is primarily responsible for skin cancer, deteriorating skin and ugly blemishes. Bad skin contributes a lot towards the body taking on an aged appearance. If you want an express tan, check out sunless tanning, which is the means of attaining a tan by using the appropriate creams and powders and equipment like tanning beds. The main advantage is not having to sit and bake in the sun, for hours on end. The products are as diverse as lotions, sprays.

Ultraviolet radiation given out by the sun is of 3 kinds, each having a different value in the light spectrum. UVC rays emit at 320-400nm and UVB emit at 290-320nmUVA and UVB rays are the most destructive, UVB being even more dangerous.

Melanin, which is produced by the skin, protects us from harmful rays by absorbing them and keeping our DNA safe. Melanin production and the subsequent darkening of the skin is known as a tan. Not to say that sunless tanning methods are free from any ill effects. Most are not even recognized by the medical governing bodies. However, sunless tanning is a better bet for those who cannot tolerate too much sun. The creams are cheap and the procedure at a salon is moderately priced.

Answer 5

In some situations, tanning beds can be much safer than tanning directly in the sun. A tanning bed can help regulate how much time you spend under UV rays and tanning salons employ a tanning salon attendant available to tell you about safe regulations. He or she will check your skin type and will create a safe regime to help you tan. Tanning beds and salons follow the guidelines provided by the United States Food and Drug Administration. An attendant will guide anyone walking into a tanning salon with tips and suggestions on how to get the best possible tan safely.

Answer 6

I personally feel tanning beds are far worse than the sun and far more damaging to your skin. They have a much high omission of UVA, which is responsible for malignant melanoma and basal cell carinoma as well as photodamage and premature ageing. I would stay well away from sunbeds. I know from both personal and professional experience that they are bad news and you should not be using them 2-3 times a week ever.

Also to obtain your daily Vitmain D dose, all that is needed is a matter of minutes in sunlight. You do not require a tan to get your daily Vitmain D requirements. You can also eat foods rich in vitamin D or take a multivitamin. HTH : )

Answer 7

I got tanning all the time, if you do put something on. like heat wave, before you get in the tanning bed, once you get the color you want go once a week or twice a month. Max time in a tanning bed in Cali is 20 mins... also in Florida but must wait 24 hours before going the next day.

Yes tanning is bad, indoors and out doors, it will both make you look older in time, both can cause cancer. I would say do it, but DON'T over do it. Like girls who do it none stop for years. It can cause spots on your chest and other places.

Answer 8

well for me... I prefer getting a natural tan cause it gives you a natural look , but be careful to put sunblock each half an hour to protect your skin from burning..


I thought of trying tanning bed, but my cousin had tried it before,, she looked like as if someone painted her ,, it was really bad,, she promised herself not to use it anymore

I do not know which are the more dangerous,,but I think that natural ways are always better...

good luck :)

Answer 9

Indoor tanning emits ultraviolet radiation... which is a carcinogen (cancer causing). It is just as dangerous as "natural" tanning outdoors.

Answer 10

I don't know..... have you ever seen FINAL DESTINATION 3?!?!?! That's one wierd movie but I love it!!! If I were you I would just get a regular natural tan! Cuz you don't need money for that now do yuh!