The Danger and Effects of Tanning Beds and UV Rays

The dangers and effects of sun tanning and tanning beds have long been known and debated. UV rays consist of two types of rays, UVA and UVB (ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B). UVA rays are longer and deep penetrating. UVB rays are shorter rays and are responsible for sun burns and pre mature aging. The problem with suntanning and tanning beds are the delayed effects of UV rays that don’t show up for many years after exposure. As a result, there is often a sense of denial that exists for many sun worshippers.

With the declining ozone layer and the many loyal sun bathers and tanning bed users, physicians are especially concerned about an increasing number of skin cancer cases. People who continue to tan year after year are especially at risk for developing skin cancer because skin damage accumulates. Premature aging is of course another consequence. There are six skin types, and type one and two are at the greatest risk for skin disease from UV exposure. They are characterized to ‘always burn and never tan' or 'burn easily and tan minimally'. Skin types three or more tan more easily.

Many tanning bed salon owners believe that because tanning beds utilize UVA rays, dangerous effects of harmful rays are minimized as UVB rays which cause suburn are eliminated. Medical experts on the other hand believe that UVA rays still have a link to malignant melanoma and advise against the use of sun beds altogether.

It is obvious that the tanning bed business is still strong and growing, however other options for sun tanning are available to those who choose to reduce or eliminate this tanning ritual. Sunless tanning lotions and airbrush tanning are also effective ways to produce a golden sun kissed look and considered a safe method of aquiring a tan. The dangers of tanning should be taken seriously and if you have a sensitive skin type you may want to pay extra attention to the warnings of sun tanning, tanning beds and over exposure to the sun.

Here are a few basic tips for staying safe in the sun

Plan your day to avoid the sun’s strongest rays between 11 am and 3 pm
Wear light colored clothing (with long sleaves) and hats to reduce exposure
Wear sun glasses with 100% UV protection
Always wear a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15, preferably higher for sensitive skin types
Re-apply tanning lotion every two hours and after swimming or any activity where your tanning lotion may come off.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience any skin or eye damage, or allergic reaction to the sun
See a doctor if you find any unusual mole, scaly spot or sore throat that doesn’t seem to heel

For more information on skin cancer visit the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) at http://www.aad.org.

For additional information on tanning bed dangers, or to choose from a variety of related products, please select the link above.

About The Author:

Kay Johnson is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.tanning-beds-and-lotions.com.


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