I used to use tanning beds regularly because I loved having that year-round tan. Honestly, at first, it was great; I felt more confident and liked how I looked. But over a couple of years, I started noticing my skin texture changing, it felt more leathery and I got wrinkles way earlier than my peers who didn’t tan. Not to mention, I had a huge scare when my doctor thought I might have a spot of skin cancer. Thankfully, it wasn’t, but that was my wake-up call. Now, I really discourage anyone from using it. It’s just not worth the risks, even though the tan might look good.

Health Risks of Tanning Beds

Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: The most serious risk linked with the use of tanning beds is an increased likelihood of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Several studies, including those endorsed by the World Health Organization, have classified ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds as a carcinogen. This classification means that there is significant evidence that tanning beds can cause cancer in humans.

Premature Aging: Regular use of tanning beds also accelerates the skin’s aging process. UV radiation from the beds increases the production of wrinkles and causes the skin to lose its elasticity, leading to premature aging, known clinically as photoaging.

Eye Damage: Exposure to UV radiation can harm the eyes, leading to conditions such as photokeratitis and cataracts, particularly if protective goggles are not used during exposure.

Immune Suppression: UV radiation can affect the body’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight off certain infections. This immune suppression can increase the user’s susceptibility to illnesses, including skin infections.

Vitamin D Overproduction: While tanning beds can increase vitamin D levels, excessive use can lead to vitamin D toxicity, which can be harmful to bone health and cause other metabolic issues.