How solarium affects the skin health

The tanning bed is very popular among people who like to have a tan through the whole year and they also like to use it during the winter months to keep their tan. Although it provides immediate results and it's attractive to people, long-term use carries significant risks for skin health.

A solarium is a device that imitates solar radiation by using artificial UV rays to tan the skin and today we can find it in every other beauty salon. There are different types of solariums, vertical (standing) and horizontal (lying). It's made of plates on which are installed UV tubes or UV lamps that produce light.

These devices emit two types of ultraviolet rays - UVA and UVB. Both groups of UV rays are very dangerous because they cause fast skin aging (UVA) and burns and damage to the surface layer of the skin (UVB). These two types of rays are most often associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

One of the main consequences that have been observed from people who have used tanning beds for a long time is premature skin aging. UVA rays damage collagen and elastin in the top layers of the skin and lead to the premature appearance of wrinkles, relaxed skin, and skin problems like hyperpigmentation. Through research by the World Health Organization, it has also been confirmed that excessive exposure to these UV rays affects cell mutation and causes various types of skin cancer.

It should also be noted that there are risks of phototoxic reactions when UV rays come into contact with certain substances on the skin, such as perfume or some antibiotic creams.

Certainly tanning beds are a place that we should avoid whenever we have the chance, especially since we have so many safer alternatives like self-tanning creams. These creams contain an ingredient that colors the surface layer of the skin without harmful effects.

For all lovers of tanned skin, the tanning bed and its negative effects on the skin go beyond its temporary aesthetic effect, so it's best to find a healthier alternative that doesn't carry so many risks. Information about the risks and the use of alternative solutions are key to maintaining healthy and nurse skin.

This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the site: https://pixabay.com/photos/solarium-beauty-salon-sunbathing-1064815/

References

Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). How do sunbeds cause skin cancer? Retrieved January 8, 2025, from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-do-sunbeds-cause-skin-cancer

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Surprising facts about indoor tanning. Retrieved January 8, 2025, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/surprising-facts-about-indoor-tanning