Are Sunbeds Healthy ? | Skin Care

By AdrianFletcher
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Word Count: 449

It seems that it was only in the middle of the last century that having a tan became desirable. Up until this point, people did not see tanned skin as a positive look but more than likely an indication that the person worked outdoors and was exposed to too much sunlight.

As people became more prosperous in the 1950's, leisure time became more of a lifestyle choice. People would spend time at the beach or have social activities outdoors. They had money and vacation time to go to warmer and sunnier climates.

Indeed, in a short space of time, having an all over tan became symbolic of an affluent and healthy lifestyle. People would go to the beach just to get a suntan. It became an end in itself. Sunbathing was an activity.

People wanted to look suntanned all year round regardless of the time of year. Others wanted to look tanned before they went on vacation. With these attitudes prevalent, the development of the sunbed began.

Ever since the development of the sunbed they have proved to be very popular. Tanning salons pop up at every mall or shopping center. Many gyms have a tanning salon too which reinforces the link between a tan and a healthy lifestyle.

But the question that most people that use sunbeds have and then choose to forget is are sunbeds healthy ?

It is actually very straightforward. Current research suggests that any form of exposure to ultra violet (UV) radiation will eventually lead to skin cancer. It makes no difference whether this UV radiation is from the sun or another source. Indeed, the only variation in this will be based on a persons skin type or other genetic factor like a family history of skin cancer.

Many sunbed owners or tanning salon proprietors may point out that most sunbeds use UVA radiation to tan the skin. Whereas the UV rays that can cause sunburn are UVB radiation. Whilst it is true that sunbeds will use UVA radiation, research suggests that UVA radiation is just as likely to cause skin cancer as UVB radiation even if the skin is not burned.

The point is that any kind of tanning is bad for the skin. Although it is impossible to avoid being exposed to the Sun's UV rays, it is still important to take precautions like wearing a hat and protective clothing. And wearing sunscreen on unprotected areas. The same applies to the sunbed. Exposure to uv rays from a sunbed will be bad for the skin.

Lying on a sunbed once a week is like going in the sun with none of this protection. Under the circumstances, it seems like a potentially high price to pay to have a 'healthy' tan.

About the Author

For information on the symptoms of skin cancer and details on the types of skin cancer that can develop, visit http://symptomsofskincancer.net

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