Killer Beds: The Dangers of Tanning Beds

Looking for a warm glow? More than 1 million Americans choose to tan indoors each day. However, many of these people are unaware of just how dangerous tanning is even though they are warned about the effects frequently. Recent studies have shown that there are more cases of skin cancer linked with tanning than there are cases of lung cancer linked with smoking.

Tanning is a fast way to get darker skin. Farker skin is desirable for a number of reasons. People just want to be different. Society encourages people to buy products that they think they need. Bleaches are also available for people who want lighter skin. Specifically people other than Caucasians. There was a time when being “fair” was more desirable. Women wore bonnets and hid from the sun under sun umbrellas.

Tanning feels good. Tanning almost feels like a spa treatment. You get to lay in a warm bed and relax for whatever amount of time you have in the bed. For a few hours after tanning you still feel warm. You almost feel as if you are glowing. Tanning also delivers Vitamin D to your body which makes you feel more energized. On an online public forum, people have said things like, “It [tanning] is a part of our brainwashed and vain society” as well as, “It makes you look thinner and hides stretch marks!”. Some people tan so they don’t have tan lines that draw attention to their imperfections.

Tanning is another opportunity for “Me” time. In today’s crazy world people are very busy and spend a lot of their time doing things that they have to do. To some people tanning is like getting a manicure or a facial. It is a time that people can “improve” themselves. It can also be a very cherished quiet time for people.

One million people tan daily. Thats about...

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...ter risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles. That's why it's so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body.” Melanoma is the most deadly kind of skin cancer there is. If found as early as possible, there can be a 95% survival rate. But in its final stages there is only a 5%-30% survival rate.

If you want to protect your skin, you need to actively work to keep it safe. When you know that you’re going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, you should apply a strong sunscreen, SPF 35 or higher, every few hours. You should also attempt to protect you skin from the sun with clothing that covers you. Seek shade on your picnics and find fun indoor activities. While these things help, the best option you have is to avoid tanning beds and long days in the sun.