Despite all we know about the dangers of UV light, tanning beds are still surprisingly popular, especially among teenagers. Many favor them because they offer a golden, sun-kissed glow without having to spend hours in the sun. But most adolescents don’t understand how dangerous tanning beds really are.

Tanning Bed Risks

Tanning beds come with some serious health risks. Even if you don’t immediately burn, tanning beds can cause long-term skin damage. Some hidden dangers include:

Short-term effects: Tanning bed users might experience sunburn-like symptoms like redness, pain, itching and peeling.

Skin cancer: Tanning beds significantly increase your chances of skin cancer. Using them raises the risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Even scarier? Your risk of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — jumps by 75% with repeated tanning bed use. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it can spread to other body parts like the lungs, liver and brain.

Skin aging: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds speeds up skin aging. Wrinkles, fine lines and age spots can show up much sooner than you’d like.

Eye damage: Without proper protective goggles, tanning beds can harm your eyes. UV radiation can lead to cataracts, vision problems and even blindness.

Weakening your immune system: Overexposure to UV radiation can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and stay healthy.

Addiction: Frequent tanners may actually get addicted to tanning. The UV light from tanning beds triggers your body to produce endorphins — those “feel-good” chemicals that give you a temporary mood boost. 

And let’s bust a myth while we’re at it: Tanning beds do not increase your vitamin D levels. 

Why Is a Tan Harmful, Even Without a Sunburn?

Do you think a tan (versus burning) means your skin is safe? Think again! A tan is your skin’s way of trying to protect itself from UV damage, but it’s not a shield — it’s a warning sign.

When your skin darkens, it’s because UV rays have damaged skin cells, triggering more pigment production. Even if it doesn’t hurt like a sunburn, that tan is still skin damage. Worse, UV exposure can cause DNA changes to skin cells, which over time can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.

Is Occasional Tanning Bed Use Okay?

Many teens believe tanning beds are "safe" if used only occasionally, thinking that a few sessions won’t do much harm. But the reality is there’s no such thing as a “safe” dose of UV radiation from tanning beds. Even if you don’t get burned, every single session causes skin damage.

Each time your teen uses a tanning bed, they add more UV radiation to the skin. And over time, those small doses add up and increase the chances of the above risks.

Tanning Beds vs. Natural Sunlight

Tanning beds are actually more dangerous than natural sunlight. Why? Because the UV radiation in tanning beds is much stronger and more concentrated. Even during the sun's peak hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.), tanning beds deliver a higher dose of UV rays in a shorter time. This means the skin takes a bigger hit, faster. And there’s a greater change of skin damage.

Who’s at the Greatest Risk From Tanning Beds?

Genetics play a big role in how your teen’s skin responds to tanning beds, but everyone is at risk. These factors increase your teen’s risk of issues: 

Fair Skin: People with light skin, hair and eyes are more vulnerable to burning than tanning. They have less melanin, which means less natural protection from UV rays, putting them at higher risk for skin cancer.

Age: Teenagers are at a higher risk than adults because their skin is still developing and more sensitive to UV radiation. 

Family History: If your family has a history of cancer, you may be more likely to develop skin cancer, due to genetic mutations affecting the skin’s ability to fight damage.

What To Look Out For

If your teen has tanned artificially, be on the lookout for skin changes. If you notice new or changing moles, freckles, or spots, it’s worth paying attention to.
Encourage them to keep an eye out for “ugly ducklings” or moles that don’t look like other moles.

The ABCDEs of Moles

Asymmetry: 50% of the mole doesn’t mirror the other half.

Border: The edges of the mole are jagged, scalloped or poorly defined.

Color: The color varies from shades of brown, black or tan (or even white, red or blue).

Diameter: The mole is greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser).

Evolving elevation: A mole that changes shape, size or color is concerning. Another red flag is when it starts to elevate when previously flat. Or If it itches, bleeds or crusts over. 

You can schedule a dermatologist appointment for a full-body skin exam for your teen to check for abnormal skin blemishes. Early detection can save lives.

Tanning Alternatives To Consider

A tan isn’t a sign of health — it’s a sign of harm. Luckily, there are ways for your teen to embrace and love their natural skin. If they’re after a bronzed look, safer options like self-tanning creams, sprays or lotions can give your teen a sun-kissed glow without the harm. 

If your teen is in need of those “feel good” endorphins, there are way healthier ways to feel great without putting your health at risk. Try exercising, listening to music, pursuing a hobby, volunteering, or spending quality time outdoors with family and friends.

When your teen does go outdoors, encourage them to protect their skin with protective clothing and sunscreen, especially during peak sunlight hours. 

Next Steps

Talk with your teen about the dangers of tanning beds and make sure they understand the risks. You can also set a good example by modeling safe skincare practices. And for all ages, protect your skin — it’s the only one you’ve got!