Tanning Beds and Teens – An alarming trend
It’s no secret that tanning salons and tanning beds have a long history of controversy. It’s generally agreed upon by most all of us that if UV light is used within a bulb (or in the case of most tanning beds…multiple bulbs) for obtaining what naturally occurs by the rays of the sun (within only a number of minutes)…then the bulbs must be very strong. That in of itself suggests potential problems.
Tanning in a salon via a tanning bed has been around for at least 30 years. And back then they were considered not only safer than the sun, but a quick and effective way to achieve a beautiful sun kissed glow quickly. However, it wasn’t long before the ill effects began being recorded. Not only were burns becoming more evidenced, skin cancer was as well. Years ago, tanning beds used UVB light as the majority which has always been considered the “burning” rays. But in order to rectify that or at times deflect the issue, many salons began touting UVA beds instead, assuming or declaring they were safer, when in fact, they are oftentimes much more damaging as they go deeper into the skin.
Since tanning salons have been in business now well over three decades many discoveries as well as studies have been pumping out new information in order to keep people safe. What many of the studies suggest is that a lot of the skin cancers and other malignant type mutations (as well as aging skin) were not only because of excessive use of tanning beds, but also much more likely from those users who were young in age. In other words, the damage seemed more likely when a young girl or boy used the beds (even when used infrequently) than that of longer more frequent use of older tanning salon users.
Most tanning salons in the US require signed parental permission for children under the age of 18 and some states and countries have banned them for anyone under the age of 14 and others under the age of 18 even with parental consent.
Luckily, many teens are now realizing the dangers of tanning and there has been a new trend in skin care within that demographic and it’s not only for a clear acne-free complexion as in years past; But also for a healthier and younger looking skin not only for now but for the years to come. They seem to have taken an interest in caring for their skin as opposed to how many used to take it (and many things regarding their health) for granted. This is a good time to talk to your teens and let them know the dangers of both the sun as well as tanning beds.
As for adults, when it comes to tanning beds, there may indeed be some pros along with the well-reported cons. They have long been effectively used for conditions such as psoriasis and have also been acknowledged for helping with vitamin D/calcium absorption…but again these treatments are only suggested when ordered by physicians and need to be considered by informed adults who have been properly educated and informed about both the benefits as well as the risks and possible side effects of artificial sun tanning.
Tanning in a salon via a tanning bed has been around for at least 30 years. And back then they were considered not only safer than the sun, but a quick and effective way to achieve a beautiful sun kissed glow quickly. However, it wasn’t long before the ill effects began being recorded. Not only were burns becoming more evidenced, skin cancer was as well. Years ago, tanning beds used UVB light as the majority which has always been considered the “burning” rays. But in order to rectify that or at times deflect the issue, many salons began touting UVA beds instead, assuming or declaring they were safer, when in fact, they are oftentimes much more damaging as they go deeper into the skin.
Since tanning salons have been in business now well over three decades many discoveries as well as studies have been pumping out new information in order to keep people safe. What many of the studies suggest is that a lot of the skin cancers and other malignant type mutations (as well as aging skin) were not only because of excessive use of tanning beds, but also much more likely from those users who were young in age. In other words, the damage seemed more likely when a young girl or boy used the beds (even when used infrequently) than that of longer more frequent use of older tanning salon users.
Most tanning salons in the US require signed parental permission for children under the age of 18 and some states and countries have banned them for anyone under the age of 14 and others under the age of 18 even with parental consent.
Luckily, many teens are now realizing the dangers of tanning and there has been a new trend in skin care within that demographic and it’s not only for a clear acne-free complexion as in years past; But also for a healthier and younger looking skin not only for now but for the years to come. They seem to have taken an interest in caring for their skin as opposed to how many used to take it (and many things regarding their health) for granted. This is a good time to talk to your teens and let them know the dangers of both the sun as well as tanning beds.
As for adults, when it comes to tanning beds, there may indeed be some pros along with the well-reported cons. They have long been effectively used for conditions such as psoriasis and have also been acknowledged for helping with vitamin D/calcium absorption…but again these treatments are only suggested when ordered by physicians and need to be considered by informed adults who have been properly educated and informed about both the benefits as well as the risks and possible side effects of artificial sun tanning.
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