Tanning Safe?

Question

Can someone give me the pros and cons of getting on a tanning bed?

Is tanning really all that safer than the sun?

Answer 1

This answer is a bit big cos ur question demanded it :

Disadvantages of Tanning

Lots of teenagers have a problem with acne and are using medication to treat the condition. Ingredients in these medications can react negatively with the ultraviolet light resulting in blisters and burns. Other medications can result in photosensitivity as well.

There is no doubt that excessive exposure to the sun (ultraviolet radiation) causes skin cancer

Too much sun exposure (tanning) results in age spots, premature aging and wrinkles as we age.

Advantages of Tanning

Apart from the cosmetic benefit of a healthy-looking skin, tanning also provides other benefits as well.

Tanning provides the body with Vitamin D, which is needed for calcium absorption and therefore maintaining bone health, and endocrine health among other benefits.

Persons who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder are treated with light therapy, that is, the person is exposed to light.

How to Get a Tan

Tanning can be made a little safer if you follow certain conditions. Some of these are:

Substitute a bronzing cream or self-tanning spray, used properly you can still get that perfect tan

If using a tanning salon, do not spend more than the recommended amount of time under the lamps. I suggest you avoid them altogether.

If tanning naturally outdoors, remember sun protection…apply frequently and do not skim, use lots.

Remember that it is best to avoid the sun during the hours when its rays are strongest, that is, between noon and 3:00 PM.

Protect your eyes. If outdoors wear sunshades with UV light protection, if in a salon use goggles

Wear a hat when outdoors

Use an after tan lotion to moisturize your skin

Practicing ‘sun sense’ is the most important part of tanning, whether you are a teen or adult.

Answer 2

Anything in excess is dangerous. However...

The sun shines both UVA and UVB rays which over the long term, UVB can cause skin cancer and speed up aging. UVA from a tanning bed and the sun and speed up aging but in small amounts can provide health benefits such as converting skin surface cells to Vitamin D3 (Cholecalceferol) which also promotes the 'happy-mood' from being out in the sun. During the winter months this can off-set SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

On untouched skin, your skin will also glow and look radiant in 'small doses'. I would never recommend over-doing it at the beginning - this can lead to permanent damage that will not only look less attractive, but can cause health risks. It can be safer than the sun because you can do it in small doses, you are not forced for long periods outside.

Answer 3

Well a tanning bed is a controlled setting. You know exactly how long you will spend under the radiation but it is still exposing your skin to UV rays. Consistant tanning will age and harm your skin. It can still lead to skin cancer!

The only time I would recomend using a tanning bed is if its the middle of winter and you are planning to go someplace tropical. It gives your skin a chance to build up a melanin defense against the sun so you won't burn as easily when your suddenly exposed to it.

Answer 4

Pros: You look tan and healthy.
Cons: The worst kind of cancer possible: skin cancer.
Cons: premature aging, wrinkles
Cons: Compromised immune system.

According to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanning_beds
"UV radiation from sun beds, particularly UVB, may cause cancer by altering the structure of the DNA. Excessive UV radiation will cause premature aging, including wrinkles, and may have a detrimental effect on the immune system."

Over exposure to Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or a tanning bed creates skin damage. The cells work to repair that damage, but a simple error in that repair can lead to skin cancer. Once you have skin cancer it can spread quickly. Once the skin is compromised then infections can easily enter the body. The body’s immune system is over taxed and the final result is death.

Yes, tanning is safer than the sun because it is easier to control the exposure and the UVB exposure is slightly less, but it is still dangerous.

According to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_cancer
"Skin cancer is an increasingly common condition, in part attributed to increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The increased exposure is mainly due to the recent popularity of sun tanning (sun bathing). Lighter-skinned individuals are more vulnerable. In the United States, about one out of every three new cancers arises from skin. Skin cancers are often curable. Barriers which reduce UV exposure are effective in preventing skin cancers (clothes, hats, creams, lotions)....Minor surface skin cancers are readily treatable by simple surgery, but if the cancer is allowed to grow then it will penetrate through the layers of skin and affect the lymphatic system. It may also metastasize and spread to other parts of the body.

Skin cancers which are aggressive, recurrent, or located upon 'high risk sites' of the body (central face, scalp, ears, genitalia) may require more advanced surgical approaches such as Mohs' micrographic surgery to achieve high cure rates."

Answer 5

Safe tanning is an oxymoron. There is no such thing. Tanning beds may have less dangerous light that the sun, but notice I said less dangerous not safe. If you want the tanned look you are much better going with one of the spray on tans.

Answer 6

Tanning in a tanning bed is equal to 30 minutes in the regular sun depending on the rays. You might think a tan looks good while your young but God forbid when you get older you don't want to haev wrinkly skin or cancer. Please be aware of all the cons. Use a sunless tanning spray. They have ome really good ones out now.

Answer 7

Go to http://www.tanningtruth.com/

I get told almost everyday by random people that im the palest person theyve ever seen. I burn very easily in the sun and its hard to keep a nice complexion because pale skin shows inperfections the most. But regardless of your skin color, if you start off slowly and build a base tan, while doing so AVOIDING the natural sun, it is safe. That means if you do decide to tan, dont sun bathe.

Answer 8

I don't care what anyone says,tanning betters are not as bad as the sun.I am allergic to the sun If I get to much I break out in bumps.I can tan at a tanning bed as much as I want.So tan away.But don't over do it.Because to much of anything is bad.

Answer 9

i believe tanning in moderation is safe. i was smart tan certifed for 2 years. uvb which is the burning ray is in most tanning beds. but there are tanning beds with uva it is 99% not goin to burn you no matter what type of skin you have. those are the ones i use. skin cancer generally comes from burning.

Answer 10

Spend a week's vacation in The Bahamas, and Tan naturally.