Are tanning beds really that bad???

Question

I use them every year and I love it....so why is it so bad?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, tanning beds are bad for your skin!
Any tan is a sign that a damage has occured, since it is a mechanism that skin uses to protect itself! Your best option is a self tanner, which technically isn´t a tan.
If you want to know more: self "tanning" is a chemical reaction that turns the outer layers of the epidermis brown. Whereas the tan involves cells called melanocytes in the deeper layers of skin that produce the pigment in order to protect the other skin cells.
Please care for your skin, and don´t tan. You risk wrinkles, leathery look - or even melanoma (skin cancer).

Answer 2

I know someone that uses tanning beds regularly. Her skin looks like leather! It's not attractive at all, she looks like a rawhide chew toy for dogs. She also looks 10 years older than she really is because of the condition of her skin.

I am the same age as her, (30's). I never do tanning beds and always wear sun screen. I am constantly mistaken for being a teenager.

You choose. Have a tan and look old, or be pale and look young. I chose the latter and love it.

Answer 3

Everyone else pretty much answered this question already, but yes it is extremely bad for your skin. When you think about it, all tanned skin really is is burnt skin. Not that sexy when you think about it. I only tan when i know I'm going on vacation (so rarely never), but you should not go all the time, every year.

If it wasn't so bad, then why do other countries have them banned?!?

Wrinkled skin, skin cancer, it dries out your skin...the cons majorly outweigh the pros. Yet we still continue to slowly kill ourselves for how we look.

Answer 4

Some are.
But it's pure ignorance to say that all tanning beds cause skin cancer.
Newer "high pressure" beds emit virtually no sunburn causing UVB's. That's a benefit you can't get from tanning outdoors.
Some beds have facial panels that have near-infared LEDs or red-wavelength lamps that are shown to repair damaged skin, minimize wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores and stimulate collagen production.
But if you are still worried, you can always get a spray tan.

Answer 5

I read once that one tanning session on a bed is equal to about 3 or 4 sunburns!!

Yes, they're harmful. If you're looking for a summer glow, go with spray on tans!

Answer 6

They've done a study that when you use a tanning bed for one week, you've increased your chances of skin cancer by 300%. Also, they've said if you go into a tanning bed just twice, than you're at a 99% chance that you'll develope some form of skin disease or cancer, whether you're aware of it or not.

Answer 7

Because in 20 years you're going to get skin cancer. If you're going to use a tanning bed, then you should be forced to sign a waiver saying, "I understand that by using this bed I'm choosing temporary looks over my long-term health. I understand that my tan today is going to turn into damaged, wrinkled skin tomorrow. I agree that when I get skin cancer I won't go to a public hospital for treatment, since the public shouldn't be forced to bear the burden for my vanity."

Answer 8

I will use them for 2 weeks every now and then so that I will have a base tan and will not sunburn in the summer. You must be careful with everything you do, moderation is the key.

Answer 9

I have never used one, so I can't tell you from personal experience.

But, a friend I had back in middle school, her dad uses (or used) them, and got melanoma from one.

So, with that info, I think they are bad, but maybe if you don't use them often, like, no more than twice a month maybe, then you might be okay.

Answer 10

i love tanning and i dont think its that bad and it does increase risks of all this stuff but i dont think it is as bad as everyone says