All-year-round tan, better mood, zit-free skin – sunbed fans mention such benefits of the artificial sunbathing. What is the truth about the good sides of tanning beds? Do they balance the downsides? Learn the consequences of using sunbeds.

Tanning beds – the idea

Sunbeds were supposed to be a better sister of the sunrays. Contrary to the sunlight, tanning beds were supposed to emit only UVA rays (which were regarded to be less harmful to the skin than UVB and UVC). Too bad, it turned out that UVB radiation can’t be eliminated whereas UVA rays are dangerous and may burn the skin, too.

Sunbed – downsides:

• an increased risk of skin cancer
• a faster skin aging

UVA radiation affects the dermis so it reaches the deepest skin layers, therefore it damages collagen and elastin fibers which add firmness and smoothness. Consequently, the skin is thick and coarse and gets wrinkles.

• the damage of blood vessels that provide the skin with nutrients
• hair and nail damage
• a higher risk of fungus

Fungus may be the result of not taking necessary precautions by the sunbed-users or not disinfecting the beds properly.

Sunbed – benefits:

• lifting the mood thanks to the emitted light
• suntan

In case of sunbeds, it’s hard to talk about the good sides. Both the better mood and nice tan always entail a bad impact on our health. There aren’t any other benefits.

Tanning beds – myths

• Even though UV radiation soothes symptoms of some dermatological conditions – e.g. psoriasis or atopic dermatitis – the treatment must be controlled by the doctor and with the use of special lamps, not the ones found in sunbeds.
• Tanning beds won’t make acne disappear. Although the body produces less sebum at first due to the sunrays, after some time the skin is dehydrated and produces more sebum. Additionally, getting tan in sunbeds makes you sweat which triggers the appearance of pimples.