In order to make a safe choice whether tanning beds can be beneficial , you must first understand what is, and what isn't healthy for your body in regards to the UVA and UVB radiation produced by tanning booths.
UVB is ultraviolet radiation given off by the sun that affects the outer layer of the skin. UVB exposure is important for our body in order to make vitamin D to be healthy. However, overexposure can cause sunburns, premature skin aging and increase your risk of skin cancer.
So why do people use tanning booths when they knowingly are aging their skin and putting themselves at risk by being exposed to this UVA and UVB radiation?
The dilemma, not everyone has the time and opportunity to go outside every day to get enough UVB exposure to keep their vitamin D levels at adequate levels.
What about those individuals that have trouble absorbing vitamin D through their diets (like people with Crohn’s, inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis?) How about those who work midnight shift and do not get enough healthy sun exposure to keep their vitamin D levels at sufficient levels?
Can these individuals get the beneficial UVB exposure from a tanning booth?
Originally UVB was invented to address and treat certain types of medical conditions in the 1930’s and tanning facilities used only high intensity UVB radiation. However, last year the World Health Organization listed those tanning beds as carcinogens.
In response, the tanning industry switched to strictly UVA-only high pressure lamps which were considered safe because they didn't cause burning. However, problems arose when people misused the tanning booths because they didn't know how to use them correctly. Also, studies found the overuse of UVA lamps could contribute to wrinkles as well as in increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
The industry then changed to low pressure and medium pressure lamps that emit a balance of UVA (94 to 97 percent) and UVB (2.5 to 6%) which replicates natural sunshine. Also, personnel of tanning facilities are offered education and certification through the Indoor Tanning Association. The "ITA" was founded in 1999 to help promote a responsible message about moderate tanning.
Now that the industry has changeed, who will benefit from the use of indoor tanning facilities?
A suggestion from expert Michael Holick PH.D., M.D., author of “The Vitamin D Solution” is to use tanning booths to build a base tan in anticipation of a winter visit to a tropical destination. He also uses tanning beds therapeutically, especially for those who are extremely deficient in vitamin D.
According to Holick, whether you use tanning facilities to look and feel better or you have health issues with absorbing vitamin D, talk to your doctor and find out if indoor tanning sessions could help. Look for a facility where the staff has been certified and remember … the key is always moderation.
At A Glance
Guidelines for indoor tanning according to Dr. Holick:
- Educate yourself , know the pro's and cons of UV exposure and how to use it.
- Make sure the facility uses low or medium pressure florescent lamps (those that emit a balance of UVA and UVB) Avoid round high pressure lamps that emit only UVA.
- Staff member should discuss your skin type, recommend an exposure schedule that will tan you moderately, and inform you about adverse reactions to UV exposure when taking certain medicines, birth control pills, cosmetics, etc...
- Restrict yourself to 50 percent of the manufacturers recommended time of exposure, protect your face and wear lip sunscreen.
- If using rubbing oil, reduce exposure time by at least 30 percent because it acts like a field of little mirrors and increases the penetration of the UVA and UVB.
- Make sure to wear protective eyewear always.
- Always consider your medical history. Certain conditions like lupus, herpes virus or having the tendency to get cold sores could be activated by exposure to UV radiation. A well run facility will keep a file about your medical history, medications, and treatments.
