The use of tanning beds on a regular basis carries many hidden dangers that some regular users may not be aware of. It is important that members of a culture that idealizes tanned skin be aware of the risks involved in this 5 billion dollar industry.

A desire for some color in your skin is not out of the norm, but it becomes a dangerous fascination when people go to extremes not only to obtain a tan but when they try to speed up the process.

What’s more troubling is the unregulated practice of using tanning beds. Some tanning salons have their own rules when it comes to use but for some, it’s a dangerous habit that needs at least a little regulation from a third party like smoking, drug, and alcohol use.

The negative effects mirror that of smoking. Cancers and disruption of normal body functions as well the imbalance it creates in the body are side effects of both over exposure to UV rays as well as smoking and other drugs. Drug induced photosensitivity heighten the effects of the tanning beds.

Damage to your skin from using tanning beds can be burns and in the short term dry, itchy skin. Long term effects are less observable immediately but can be more devastating such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Constant exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation can cause premature aging and risks of skin cancer.

Some people choose to speed up the tanning process by using drugs that make the skin more susceptible to ultraviolet rays. The drugs increase the skins sensitivity to the rays which results in more frequent burns.

Manufacturers and advertisers irresponsibly push tanning agents on unsuspecting, and stupidly unquestioning, consumers. These drugs promise to accelerate the tan but the quantities that they are used to induce the intended effect are not FDA approved.

As with everything a person encounters in life, it is important to educate ourselves about the pros and cons of any decision we make. Those looking to use a tanning bed need to be aware of the risk and the precautionary practices they should follow.

Numerous health associations recommend DHA based products such as tanning lotions and bronzers that work on the skin to change the color. Bronzers are like make up that merely cover the skin. Since they do not enter the body, they are relatively safe and can provide the tan without the risks.