Indoor Tanning

You probably know that too much sun exposure can be harmful to your skin and may lead to wrinkles and skin cancer, but what about indoor tanning? Since you're not getting direct exposure from the sun, it has to be safer - right? Wrong! Not only is indoor tanning unsafe, it can actually be worse for you than being out in the sun without sunscreen. Read on to learn more facts about indoor tanning, as well as safe alternatives that will give your skin the sun kissed glow you might be looking for.

Why is indoor tanning bad?

Indoor tanning beds or booths give off mostly UVA rays, which go through many layers of skin. These rays cause severe damage; including wrinkles, eye damage, and over time can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a “group one carcinogen” - part of the same group that tobacco is in. A carcinogen is something that causes cancer. The special lights used in tanning salons give off as many as 12 times more UVA rays than the sun does, so you're getting a lot more exposure in a shorter amount of time.

True or False

Going to a tanning salon once in a while, such as before a vacation or before prom is okay.

FALSE. Unfortunately, even tanning once in a while isn't safe for your skin. The “tan” you get is actually your body's reaction to UV radiation. What this means is that your skin changes color because your body is trying to protect itself from these harmful rays.

People with dark skin are still at risk for skin damage from indoor tanning.

TRUE. Even though you may have dark skin, that doesn't mean the UV rays won't get through - it just means that it may take a longer for you to notice the effects of the damage (such as wrinkles). Just because the damage shows up more slowly than for lighter skin, it doesn't mean it isn't there. Everyone, no matter what color skin they have, is still at risk.

Indoor tanning can improve acne.

FALSE. It may seem like a tan improves acne, but it really doesn't. In fact, tanning can actually make your acne worse.

Sunless tanners or self-tanning lotions or sprays are a safe alternative to indoor tanning.

TRUE.

• Unlike tanning beds or booths, sunless tanners, self-tanning lotions or bronzers don't harm your skin.
• Sunless tanning products come in a variety of forms, such as: lotions, sprays, gels and towelettes.
• Sunless tanning lotions are usually cheaper compared to the cost of tanning indoors.
• The color from sunless tanning products will last about 3-5 days.

The following self tanners have received The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation:

• Clarins® Tinted Self Tanning Face Cream Very High Protection SPF 15
• Clarins® Paris Sunscreen Spray Oil-Free Lotion Progressive Tanning SPF 15
• Clarins Paris® Sunscreen Soothing Cream Progressive Tanning SPF 20
• Clarins Paris® Sunscreen Spray Gentle Milky Lotion Progressive Tanning SPF 20
• Jergens® Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer SPF 20: fair medium and medium/tan skin tones
• L'Oreal Paris® Dermo-Expertise Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion SPF 15 Deep or Light-Medium
• Olay® Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 Light and Medium/Darker Skin Tones
• Shiseido® Brilliant Bronze Self-Tanning Cream SPF 17
• Skin Effects Preventing Effects Daily Self Tanning Moisturizer with SPF 15
• True Blue Spa Glow® & Steady SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer & Gradual Self Tanner

If you decide you must have a tan using UV light (even though you know that it comes with serious risks), make sure you follow these safety precautions:

• Check to see if the staff person at the tanning salon knows how to set the timer on the tanning equipment based on the manufacturer-recommended exposure times, and is knowledgeable about various skin types and what you need to do to protect your eyes from the UV light.
• Before tanning, make sure that the bed or booth has a safety power shut-off feature, and know where it is.
• Always wear protective eye goggles that fit securely. Make sure they aren't cracked.
• Clean the tanning bed with a safe disinfectant before and after you use it - the tanning salon should provide the cleaner and paper towels.
• Don't buy unlimited tanning packages, even if it seems like a good deal. Limit the number of times you tan. Remember, it takes 6-48 hours for a tan to appear on your skin.
• Make a list of any medication you are taking, and ask your health care provider if it's okay to visit a tanning salon. Some medicines cause sensitivity to UV light. For example: Accutane® (used to treat acne), and antibiotics such as Doxycycline will make your skin more sensitive to the UV rays, causing your skin to burn faster.

Is there another way to get a tan aside from UV light and self tanners?

Spray Tanning

Spray tanning or sunless tanning can give your skin a tan-like color by using a chemical known as dihydroxyaceton or (DHA). DHA is approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for EXTERNAL use only. DHA interacts with dead surface cells in the first layer of your skin (epidermis) and darkens the color of your skin, resulting in a fake tan. Typically, the “tan” lasts 5 to 7 days. It's important to remember that most sunless tanners do not contain SPF, so you'll need to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors.

Whether a salon offers an automatic self tanner done by a machine or by hand, be sure that your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are protected. If the salon does not offer protection such as goggles, ear plugs, etc. find another salon that does. Although the chemicals are considered safe for external use DHA can be dangerous if you consume it.

Tanning Pills

There are pills sold in some stores that promote a sunless tan. These pills are not approved by the FDA, which means that they have not been tested and approved according to the US government standards. These pills contain a harmful chemical known as canthaxanthin which that can change the color of skin from orange to brown. Canthaxanthin can cause allergic reactions, serious eye problems, and can damage your liver.

Although you might like the way your skin looks when it's darker, the bottom line is that indoor tanning is just not worth the risks! Be smart, be safe, and be proud of the natural skin color you were born with! If you must have some added color, use a sunless tanning lotion with SPF.

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/21/2011

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