Here’s the truth about tanning bed dangers you should avoid. Using a tanning bed is known to cause major health problems, including skin cancer, cataracts, and premature aging. Beware of the tanning bed dangers. Despite these alarming facts, one out of every three women spends time at the tanning salon. Most people tan because they want a healthy glow, but tanning beds are anything but healthy. Because tanning bed rays are more concentrated, users are at greater risk for developing skin cancers and other skin problems.
Tanning salons tout benefits that can be misleading, such as the idea that tanning beds are an effective way to get your daily dose of vitamin D. Here are a few of the known tanning bed dangers. In a study on indoor tanning, it was estimated that tanning beds account for as many as 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States each year, including 6,000 cases of melanoma, the deadliest form. It was also found that indoor tanning before age 24 increases one’s risk of developing basal skin carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. And those that use tanning beds before the age of 30 increase their lifetime risk of melanoma by 75%. That risk only becomes greater with each following visit. The exposure from tanning beds is 10-15 times more intense than that of the midday sun.
In order to maintain healthy, beautiful skin, it is important to consider tanning bed dangers and the risk associated with it. Protect yourself every day using a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or greater and perform routine mole checks for any unusual freckles or spots. Sunscreen is the first defense against the sun and its harmful rays. Also, use protective coverings like sunglasses and hats when expecting to be outdoors for an extended period of time. To learn more about caring for your skin and protecting yourself from skin cancer, please call our office at (443) 351-3376 to schedule an appointment.