Danger of Indoor Tanning Beds

For instance, some people have skin disorders, such as psoriasis, that can actually be treated with limited indoor tanning.  Obviously, one must not abuse this type of treatment, but if used wisely, indoor tanning can actually help ease the psoriasis.

In recent years there has been this "myth" going around that indoor tanning, as well as outdoor tanning, can cause a skin cancer called Melanoma.  This is being found to be a scare tactic.  There is no real information backing this statement up at all.  Now then, overexposure to Ultra Violet Rays, whether it be from indoor or outdoor tanning, can cause easily treated types of skin cancer.  But these are extreme cases where there is prolonged abuse.  

The other fact about indoor tanning that the general public does not hear about is how beneficial it is for Vitamin D absorption.  UVB rays that interact with skin cells produce Vitamin D naturally.  In locations where there are long winters studies have shown that there is a great lack of Vitamin D in the body.  If you combine that fact with the increasing misconception about UVB rays, there is a vitamin D deficiency threat to humanity.  As a matter of fact, most of the Vitamin D that humans receive is from the UVB from sunlight or artificial light.  The careful use of an indoor tanning bed can actually result in photosynthesis in human skin.  There are more medical problems stemming from lack of sunlight than from using either method of sun tanning. To back this statement up, the National Cancer Institute conducted a study that proved that people who live in cities in the south that has more sun year round are less likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency. Some of the results that come from lack of Vitamin D are diabetes, some cancers, and Multiple Sclerosis. It is also estimated that 80% of Americans have a Vitamin D deficiency.  It will not take long, at this rate, to have a major epidemic.

There are some benefits from indoor tanning.  The key is to use them wisely and use common sense.