Tanning beds are a very popular way to maintain a nice tan through out the entire year, even the cold months when the option to naturally tan isn’t there. They work by using concentrated UV rays, in an enclosed bed, to bronze the skin. There are many dangers that have been associated with the use of tanning beds, especially prolonged use. They do not provide too many benefits, besides the cosmetic ones, but they sure do have a lot of risks. Let’s take a closer look at the reality of the pros and cons of using tanning beds.
Pros of Tanning Beds
Tanned Skin
One of the only benefits of using a tanning bed is the tan skin that it gives you. The majority of people believe that tan skin is attractive. Having tan skin can help to hide any imperfections that you may have on your body, such as cellulite or freckles. A nice tan also helps you to blend in tan lines that you gained naturally from the sun.
Relaxing
There is something oddly soothing about stripping down and getting into a tanning bed. You can often put on your own music and the only other noise is that of the fans in the bed. It is a very serene and calm experience. This is many people’s outlet of relaxing, as well as improving their appearance.
Cons of Tanning Beds
Increased Risk Of Cancer
It has been proven that people who tan in tanning beds are 75% more likely to develop skin cancer over someone who has never tanned indoors. That is a startling number if you really take the time to think about it. Any form of UV radiation exposure is deemed unsafe and damages skin cells.
Sunburn
Just because tanning beds do not use the sun to deliver the rays, doesn’t mean that the skin cannot burn in the same way. If a person uses a tanning bed that is too high or for too long, they may develop a sun burn. Sunburns are no fun and very painful.
Dry Skin
Tanning dries out the skin, which makes it much more prone to wrinkles and other cosmetic problems. It also causes the skin to itch and feel uncomfortable.
Premature Aging
Tanning causes damage to the skin cells. It causes the elasticity that naturally depletes over time, to diminish even faster. This is responsible for wrinkles on the skin, which age you much faster than you would normally age.
Is the Use of a Tanning Bed Right For You?
When deciding on whether or not to use a tanning bed to achieve a tan complexion, it is absolutely vital to take the risks into consideration. There are many alternatives to a tanning bed, or even sun tanning. Self tanners can provide you with the same level of tan, with much less risk!
