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Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tanning/HQ01487
- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
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Question
Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
Are tanning beds safer than natural sunlight?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Tanning beds don't offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages your skin, whether the exposure comes from tanning beds or natural sunlight. This damage increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. In fact, tanning beds emit UVA rays — which might increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
If you'd like the golden glow of a tan without exposure to damaging UV radiation, consider using a sunless tanning product. Avoid tanning beds, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you're outdoors.
Next questionHydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- Brice S, et al. Sunburn. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
- Curiel-Lewandrowski C. Risk factors for the development of melanoma. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
- Geller AC, et al. Primary prevention of melanoma. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
- Melanoma: Tips for finding and preventing. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/melanoma/tips/melanoma-tips-for-finding-and-preventing. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
- Sunscreens. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
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