Sunbed Facts
Sunbed, also called tanning bed or artificial tanning booth, refers to equipment that produces UVA radiation. Exposure to UVA radiation causes a person's skin to tan. UVA rays from sunbeds are less likely to cause sunburns than the radiation in sunlight, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, UVA radiation is not safe.
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Health Dangers
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Exposure to the UVA radiation in sunbeds increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Women who visit sunbeds more than once a month have a 55 percent higher risk of malignant melanoma, according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition, ultraviolet light causes skin to become thinner, damaging its ability to heal itself.
Risk Factors
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Sunbeds are dangerous for everyone. However, they are especially risky for people with blonde or red hair, fair skin, or blue, gray or green eyes. In addition, people with a family history of skin cancer or a previous skin cancer have a higher risk of contracting skin cancer from artificial tanning.
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Safety
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If you visit a sunbed, always wear eye protection that has 100 percent UV ray protection. In addition, check your skin once a month for unusual bumps or sores, or moles that have changed size.
Alternatives
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Sunless tanning creams, sprays and gels provide a safe alternative to sunbeds and tanning, according to the Mayo Clinic. These products give your skin a tanned appearance without increasing your risk of skin cancer and other conditions.
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References
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- Photo Credit sexy tanning image by Alfonso d'Agostino from Fotolia.com
