Tanning Beds vs. Natural Sunlight

Sometimes that stunning, healthy glow is not always so healthy. Regular tanning can lead to serious skin problems. Yet many people dread paling skin in the winter, so they strive for a year long golden glow. If you are one of these regular tanners, first consider which method of tanning to use. Tanning outside under the natural sunlight can sometimes have different effects than squeezing into a tanning bed to bask under some light bulbs.

First thing to remember is that both methods of tanning, whether inside or out, can lead to detrimental effects on your skin. The sun and the tanning bed bulbs both emit UVB and UVA rays which promote the spread of skin cancerous cells in your body. Tanning beds actually expose you to mostly UVA rays, the most harmful of the two. This does not mean sunlight is better. You can not control the amount of sun on your skin like you can control the time spent in the tanning bed. Laying outside for hours can cause just as many serious side effects as inside.

Remember to maintain a healthy balance. Everyone should expose their skin to some sunlight each year. It stimulates Vitamin D which boosts immunity and promotes, ironically, healthier skin. In addition to Vitamin D, natural sunlight stimulates melanin which protects your skin from too much radiation. It can only protect you from so much, so keep your sun exposure to moderate amounts. The same goes for tanning beds. Yes, they can cause serious skin problems if abused. Instead of aiming for a thick, dark tan, all you really need is a light, brown tint. Really, how unnatural is it when someone looks like they've just come from the beach in the middle of winter?