Science of Tanning Beds: Skin Risks You Can’t Ignore

Skin care safety: The Science of Tanning Beds

Have you ever wondered why nobody uses tanning beds anymore? In a society where a sun-kissed glow is often celebrated, tanning beds used to be considered a popular tool for achieving that bronzed look year-round. However, the seemingly harmless pursuit of beauty via tanning beds carries significant health risks. This blog delves into the hazards associated with tanning beds, explains how they work, and offers insights into healthier alternatives for those seeking a tan. Before we get started, make sure to take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz to find out which products are best for your skin type!

Research shows that tanning beds can cause cancer

There is no safe way to use a tanning bed

Diligent care is needed to repair damage caused by tanning beds

What are tanning beds?

Tanning beds are devices that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation to stimulate melanin production in the skin, mimicking the sun’s tanning effect. They are equipped with several fluorescent lamps that radiate UVA and, to a lesser extent, UVB rays, both of which contribute to the skin’s tanning process and unfortunately, to its damage.

How do tanning beds work?

Tanning beds operate by emitting ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily UVA and a smaller fraction of UVB rays, which are the same types of rays produced by the sun but at a much higher concentration and intensity in tanning devices. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they stimulate melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.

UVA rays have a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin, reaching the lower layers of the epidermis and dermis where melanocytes are located. UVA exposure causes the melanocytes to increase melanin production, resulting in the darkening of the skin known as a tan. This reaction is primarily a defense mechanism against UV damage, intended to protect the skin’s DNA from further UV-induced harm.

UVB rays, although less prevalent in tanning beds, are shorter in wavelength and primarily affect the more superficial layers of the skin. They are more directly responsible for sunburns but also contribute to melanin production by causing direct DNA damage, which signals the body to produce more melanin as a protective response.

The controlled environment of tanning beds allows for exposure to intense UV radiation in a short amount of time, increasing both the immediate and long-term risks of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancers. Despite the ability to induce a tan, the UV exposure from tanning beds disrupts cellular processes and can lead to DNA mutations, underlining the significant risks associated with their use.

When did tanning beds become unpopular?

The popularity of tanning beds peaked in the late 20th century but began to decline as evidence based research linked their use to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Significant public health campaigns and stricter regulations also played crucial roles in diminishing their appeal.

Do tanning beds cause skin cancer?

Yes, tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Studies, including large-scale investigations like the Nurses’ Health Study II (10), have shown a clear link between tanning bed use and an elevated risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The risk is particularly high when tanning bed use starts in adolescence or young adulthood, highlighting a dose-response relationship where the risk increases with the frequency of use.

Other Dangers of Tanning Beds

Tanning beds age your skin, cause sun spots, and give you wrinkles! They also cause skin cancer.

Beyond skin cancer, tanning beds pose other health risks, such as:

Premature aging: UV radiation from tanning beds can lead to skin elasticity loss, resulting in premature wrinkles and leathery skin.

Eye damage: Exposure from tanning beds can increase the risk of cataracts and ocular melanoma if proper eye protection is not used.

Immune suppression: UV radiation from tanning beds can impair the skin’s immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections and reducing the effectiveness of vaccines.

How to Repair Your Skin If You Used a Tanning Bed

You will never be able to completely repair the skin damage that a tanning bed causes. However, if you make the mistake of using one, you can try these products to help skin protect itself.

Reducing skin damage from tanning beds involves several steps:

Hydration: Moisturizing the skin helps restore its barrier function.

Antioxidants: Products containing antioxidants like vitamin C or E can mitigate some of the oxidative damage caused by UV radiation.

Retinoids: These can improve skin texture and potentially reduce the risk of aging.

DNA Repair Enzymes: These ingredients are increasing in popularity, and may work to directly undo the some of the damage to your genes caused by radiation.

Regular dermatological check-ups: Monitoring for early signs of skin damage and cancer is crucial. This is very important because melanoma skin cancer is deadly.

Your best bet to reduce damage from a tanning bed is not to use one at all!

Here are some of my favorite products that can be used after a tanning bed:

Safe sun tanning

While no method of UV exposure is completely without risk, reducing UV exposure and protecting skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen, clothing, and seeking shade can lower the risks associated with sun tanning. You can find all our tips on safe sun tanning here! To be clear- tanning is not safe- but it is safer than a tanning bed. One thing is clear, tanning beds are among the least safe choices for tanning.

Are Spray Tans Safe?

Spray tans offer a UV-free alternative to traditional tanning beds, making them a safer option for achieving a bronzed look without the associated risks of UV radiation. The active ingredient in most spray tans is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with the skin’s surface to darken it temporarily. While generally safe for external use, inhaling spray tan mist or applying it near the eyes should be avoided. It’s also worth noting that the sugar content in some spray tans can contribute to skin glycation, potentially accelerating the aging process if used excessively. Therefore, moderate use is recommended for maintaining skin health.

The self tanners in spray tans do not provide any appreciable amount of sun protection to your skin unless they are combined with sunscreens. The DHA does not protect skin the way melanin does.

Conclusion

Tanning beds offer a “quick fix” to achieving a sun-kissed glow but at a high cost to health, particularly in terms of increased skin cancer risk and accelerated skin aging. Alternatives like spray tans provide a safer option, although they should be used sparingly. For those curious about their skin type and its specific needs, consider taking the Baumann Skin Type quiz for personalized skincare advice. Remember, the safest tan is the one you don’t get from the sun or tanning beds. Embrace your natural skin tone or seek healthier alternatives to achieve your dream skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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