Most people prefer having a healthy, sun kissed color rather than looking pale for big occasions such as vacations, proms, and other important events. During the summer many people lay outside to get tan, whether it be next to the beach or in their backyard, but this method isn’t always available. Some people don’t live in areas where it’s sunny all year round and many people don’t have the time to waste hours laying out, so they turn to tanning beds. However, in recent years a lot of attention has been drawn to the fact that too much sun exposure and tanning bed’s UV rays can be a cause of health problems. According to the American Cancer Society, “Over 3.5 million people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in the United States each year. This doesn’t include the 70,000 diagnosed cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer” (Stoddard). Skin cancer is a serious issue that is most often a result of excessive exposure to UV Rays from either natural or artificial light. Although most people are aware of this problem, they still choose to expose themselves on a regular basis; but is one method of tanning better than the other?
The first method of getting a tan is by outdoor tanning where an individual is exposed to natural sun light. UVA and UVB are two forms of rays produced by the sun. UVB rays are produced year round, while UVA rays are typically present only during the summer. According to some researchers “UVA rays are regarded as “safer” and they cause the skin to age, while UVB rays cause the skin to burn.” (Brown) However, when exposed to them in large quantities, both UVA and UVB rays can be harmful. The more relevant problem with outdoor tanning is that the sun is stronger at certain hours of the day. If an individual goes out during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4p.m. or decides to not wear sunscreen, the effects of natural sunlight can be very dangerous, because they are at high risk for sunburn.
The other method of getting a tan is indoor tanning beds where an individual is exposed to artificial light. The bulbs in the tanning beds still emit both UVA and UVB rays, however there is much less UVB radiation compared tanning outside. However, according to Harvard Health Publications ”The UVA radiation is up to three times more intense than the UVA in natural sunlight” (Robb-Nicholson). It depends on the model and brand of the tanning bed, but in most cases the lamps expose people to stronger, very concentrated, and therefore more harmful amounts of UV radiation. In fact, a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute “Found that use of an indoor tanning device was associated with a 50% increase in the risk of basal cell carcinoma and a more than 100% increase in the risk of squamous cell carcinoma” (Robb-Nicholson). While another study by the International Journal of Cancer “reviewed 19 published studies on the association of tanning beds and skin cancers. They found use of the tanning beds before age 35 boosted the risk of melanoma by 75%” (Doheny). Proving that indoor tanning can be very dangerous.
The truth of the matter is that neither is safer than the other, because the most recent scientific evidence shows there is no healthy method of tanning since both have harmful consequences. UV rays, which are produced from both methods of tanning, cause an individual’s skin to darken, which is the body’s way of protecting itself. However, the darkening of the skin also means the DNA in a person’s skin cells is being damaged, which causes the skin to grow abnormally and can eventually lead to skin cancer. Also, exposing skin to UV rays for too long causes elastic fibers and collagen in an individual’s skin to break down as well, which leads to premature aging of the skin or wrinkles.
Overall, countless studies have shown that tanning, whether it be indoor or outdoor, often results in health issues such as skin cancer, wrinkles, and eye damage. So, neither method is better than the other, because they ultimately have the same consequences. The best thing a person can do is limit the amount of UV Rays they expose themselves to by taking preventative measures, because it will reduces the risk of getting skin damage.
I just read someone else’s blog about the effect of bed tanning on eyesight.
http://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/12/03/how-harmful-is-tanning-to-your-eyesight/
Apparently laying in a tanning bed exposes your eyes to 100x the amount of UV rays. If you decide to use a tanning bed, definitely wear eye protection.
This is such an important post. I always assumed that natural tanning would be the better option because the rays are not as concentrated and close to your skin as they are in a tanning bed. It is interesting – and somewhat startling – to know that they are essentially both equally as harmful to your body especially if not properly protected. Great post!