Are there any benefits of tanning beds?

Author: Prof. Karine Kilback  |  Last update: Saturday, January 3, 2026

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 tanning beds have any health benefits?

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.

What is 10 minutes in a tanning bed equal to?

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.

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.

What is the healthiest form of tanning?

According to Dr. Peter Katz, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “there is no such thing as a healthy or safe tan. Tanned skin is a result of damage to the skin cells, your skin producing pigment in response to UV damage in an attempt to protect itself.

Illegal Vitamin D Advice

Are tanning beds any safer now?

Tanning beds are NOT safer than the sun.

Science tells us that there's no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp. Indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing the two most common types of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Why do I feel skinnier after tanning?

Similarly to how dark clothes can help you look slim, a tan can bring definition to the body, helping you look and feel thinner. Areas of the body that you tend to worry over and feel self-conscious of can become more defined with a spray tan and help you to look your very best.

Do you get vitamin D from tanning beds?

no! A tanning bed will never provide you with the vitamin D that you need, nor is it safer than tanning outdoors. Not understanding the facts can literally mean the difference between life and death. Both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation cause cell damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Is tanning good for anxiety?

Low serotonin levels are associated with conditions like depression and anxiety. Tanning helps stimulate the production of serotonin, promoting a more positive and stable mental state. This highlights the importance of sunlight as a natural and accessible way to support mental health and emotional well-being.

Will 6 minutes on a sunbed do anything?

For instance, individuals with fair to medium skin tones may achieve satisfactory results in approximately 6 minutes on a sunbed. However, it's crucial to adjust the duration based on skin sensitivity and tanning goals.

Should you wear sunscreen in a tanning bed?

Why Wear Sunscreen in a Tanning Bed? Generally, sunscreen isn't necessary during tanning bed use. The exposure to UV rays is limited by time and the regulated levels of UVA and UVB light. Further, the SPF could hinder your tanning goals, requiring more sessions in the bed.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Do sunbeds help with weight loss?

Indoor tanning can help you lose weight! This is by boosting your metabolism, indoor tanning facilitates fat burning, leading to weight loss.

Can tanning beds reduce inflammation?

These benefits were attributed to mechanisms such as: Vitamin D Synthesis: UVB rays stimulate vitamin D production in the skin, which is linked to improved immune function and reduced inflammation.

Are Planet Fitness tanning beds safe?

Are the tanning beds at Planet Fitness safe? They're just as safe as the tanning beds at regular tanning salons. Planet Fitness is a gym, but that doesn't mean their tanning beds are any safer or healthier than regular tanning beds. Planet Fitness tanning beds are the same ones that regular tanning salons use.

Are there benefits to sunbeds?

It's crucial to recognise that the health benefits associated with exposure to natural sunlight, such as heightened Vitamin D production, diminished inflammation, improved skin conditions, reduced blood pressure, and enhanced heart health, can be effectively replicated through sunbed use.

How fast does tanning age your skin?

Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging

Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.

Do tanning beds help acne?

Although using sunbeds can initially dry out the skin and reduce pimple production, this excessive drying may stimulate the skin to actually produce more oil to compensate. As the sebaceous glands in the skin develop more oil, pores are more likely to become clogged, leading to breakouts later down the line.

Why do I feel so good after tanning bed?

A new study shows why tanning bed rays feels so good to some people: UV light produces endorphins to which frequent tanners may become addicted.

Can tanning boost your metabolism?

Tanning Sessions Can Reduce Weight

Being exposed to sources of UV-light ensures that the metabolism in a person's body is increasing. This is done so by nudging the thyroid gland for being even more active. This increase in the metabolism more often than not reflects in a substantial weight loss for you.

Does a tan hide cellulite?

A tan can certainly help to camouflage cellulite if you have fair skin, but we don't recommend using sun exposure to darken your skin, since too much exposure to UV rays can weaken the fibers of the skin, making the cellulite look worse and causing other skin problems.

Are you supposed to flip over in a tanning bed?

No, you don't need to flip over in a tanning bed. In fact, many people tan stomach-down because it's more comfortable that way. However, if you want an evenly distributed tan, then you should flip over halfway through your session so that both sides of your body get equal exposure to the UV rays.

How to avoid bunny tail in tanning bed?

☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .

How to maximize tanning bed results?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Prepare Your Skin. Exfoliate Before Your Session. ...
  2. Adjust Your Tanning Time. Start with a Shorter Session. ...
  3. Use The Sunbed Correctly. Rotate Your Position. ...
  4. Maintain A Healthy Diet. Get The Right Nutrients. ...
  5. Avoid Things With Negative Effects. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.

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