Are sunbeds good for you in winter?

Author: Alexandrine Pagac  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Not only does the use of sunbeds during winter months increase Vitamin D levels and combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Exposure to UV can aid in a healthy sleep cycle. Sunbeds help the body regulate the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which aid in healthy sleep cycles.

Should you use sunbeds in winter?

The Benefits of using Sunbeds during colder months

Increase Vitamin D levels and combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Boosts mood – the UV light encourages our bodies to produce more endorphins & Serotonin. Exposure to UV light can also aid in a healthy sleep cycle.

Is tanning good during winter?

People may think that tanning beds are a safe alternative to sun exposure during the winter months, but they are not. The harmful UV radiation is still present, and significantly increases risk of developing skin cancer, especially melanoma.

Do sunbeds help the cold?

Like UV irradiation, which generates vitamin D(3) in the skin, the hormonally active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), boosts innate immunity against viruses and bacteria. Epidemiologic studies have found high vitamin D levels to be associated with lower risk of infections of the upper respiratory tract (colds).

Do you get vitamin D from tanning beds in the winter?

Getting enough vitamin D from tanning beds isn't possible.

The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D. To get vitamin D safely, board-certified dermatologists recommend that healthy adults get vitamin D from their diet.

Are Tanning Beds Safe? | How to Tan Safely | with Dr. Sandra Lee

Do sunbeds have any health benefits?

Both UVA and UVB have health benefits, and man has evolved to take advantage of both. Examples to follow. Active Sun Exposure: Lower Risk of Venous Thrombotic Events (Blood Clots)? summer, on winter vacations, or when abroad, or used a tanning bed, were at 30% lower risk of VTE than those who did not.

How long do you need to be in the winter sun for vitamin D?

Sun exposure helps, but in the fall and winter months when there might be less sunlight, people tend to be more deficient. The typical adult needs 800 international units of vitamin D per day, which roughly translates to 15 to 30 minutes of good, direct sunlight.

Do tanning beds help with winter depression?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of Americans, but hopping into a tanning bed won't help. Here's why visible light therapy is a safer, more effective way to ease symptoms.

Do sunbeds reduce wrinkles?

“I encourage all my models to avoid sunbeds as they dry out your skin, cause premature ageing and wrinkles, can often burn, and are extremely carcinogenic.

What not to do after tanning bed?

Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.

What is winter tanning?

And tanning is caused by UV rays, not by excessive sunlight. This is why the winter sun, even being less dominant in sun rays, remains the potent source of UV rays in winter. As a result, your skin is equally prone to sun tan in winter, as in summer.

Do sunbeds help sleep?

If you struggle to get to sleep at night, a UV tanning bed can help. One of the benefits of spending time in a tanning bed is that controlled UV exposure can help increase your body's melatonin levels. Melatonin is the hormone your body needs to get a good night's sleep.

How do you get a healthy tan in the winter?

10 Steps Towards A Glowing Winter Sun Tan That Lasts!
  1. • Exfoliate first. ...
  2. • Then avoid razors and scrubs. ...
  3. • Start early. ...
  4. •Slow wins the race. ...
  5. • Moisturise more. ...
  6. • Tanning moisturisers. ...
  7. • Hydrate. ...
  8. • Feed your tan.

What is 10 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to in the sun?

Ten minutes in a sunbed can be roughly equivalent to 1-2 hours in natural sunlight, depending on factors like sunbed intensity and skin type. However, this varies widely based on geographical location, time of day, and weather conditions. Always adhere to recommended exposure times to minimise skin damage risks.

What skin conditions do sunbeds help?

Results. We found studies validating the use of tanning facilities for psoriasis treatment. Use as a treatment option for atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, acne, scleroderma, vitiligo, and pruritus, as well as other UV sensitive dermatoses, may also be beneficial.

Do sunbeds help immune system?

Vitamin D is important to help maintain a healthy immune system, but using a sunbed isn't the way to achieve a boost. In fact, UV radiation from sunbeds can actually suppress your immune system and lead to health problems.

Do sunbeds boost collagen?

More commonly, reference is made to tanning lamps (Solarium, sunbeds...) which also integrate lamps with red light. It is scientifically proven that red light with wavelenght close to 630 nm has the effect of stimulating the natural production of collagen by skin fibroblasts'.

Are there any benefits to tanning beds?

Several health benefit claims such as improved appearance, enhanced mood, and increased vitamin D levels have been attributed to tanning. Furthermore, the Indoor Tanning Association claims that “catching some rays may lengthen your life” [5].

Do sunbeds help clear skin?

While UV radiation might temporarily reduce the appearance of acne by drying out the skin and reducing inflammation, it does not address the underlying causes of acne, which include hormonal imbalances, bacteria, and diet. Using sunbeds as a treatment for acne can actually exacerbate skin problems.

Are sunbeds beneficial in winter?

Not only does the use of sunbeds during winter months increase Vitamin D levels and combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Exposure to UV can aid in a healthy sleep cycle. Sunbeds help the body regulate the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which aid in healthy sleep cycles.

Why do I feel better after tanning bed?

Indoor tanning is more addictive than you might think. The allure lies in the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals triggered by exposure to UV rays. When you're basking under those warm lights, your brain gets a surge of these mood-enhancing chemicals, creating a euphoric sensation.

Do sunbeds help with vitamin D?

In general, an improved feeling of well-being is associated with tanning. Sunbeds emitting UVB have been demonstrated to stimulate vitamin D production. Further, sunbeds may confer the benefits associated with obtaining optimal vitamin D status.

What do 20 minutes of sunshine do to your body?

Research shows that spending time in the sun can increase your vitamin D levels, reduce your risk of certain health conditions, and improve your overall well-being. Experts recommend getting 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight most days of the week.

Do white people get vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency was widespread in the U.K. Biobank cohort, particularly among non-White people. More specifically, about 50% of Asians, 33% of Black individuals, and 12% of Whites were vitamin D deficient.

How much sun does a white person need?

White-skinned people need a daily 9 min exposure.

There is no need to get wet. Take exposure for the day when it is not raining or simply miss out on a very wet day.

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