Are there any benefits to tanning beds?

Author: Carrie Kessler  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 28, 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].

Can a tanning bed be good for you?

``Is tanning a good way to get vitamin D? NO. The truth is that UVB radiation leads to the production of vitamin D. Tanning is mostly caused by UVA rays. This means that tanning delivers almost no vitamin D benefit while increasing the risk of skin cancer.

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

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Which type of tanning bed is safer?

UVB rays can be harmful to your skin if exposed for a significant amount of time. Luckily, level 4 tanning beds feature significantly less UVB rays in comparison to lower level beds.

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?

It doesn't. 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.

Do tanning beds make you gain weight?

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.

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 tanning beds help with inflammation?

While different tanning beds emit variable amounts of UVB and UVA (varying in both the absolute flux and the ratio of UVB to UVA), there is extensive in vitro evidence that both UVA and UVB have anti-inflammatory effects (Tables 1, 2).

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.

What are the cons of sunbeds?

Even one sunbed session can increase your risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by 67% and basal cell skin cancer by 29%. Even more importantly is the increased risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. If you have ever used a sunbed your risk of melanoma increases by 20%.

Do sunbeds have 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.

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 are tanning beds legal?

So why is it still legal? In part, it's because the tanning bed industry has proponents that help protect it, and they spread harmful misinformation. One myth is that tanning beds help your body produce vitamin D. But most beds use bulbs that only emit ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which don't affect vitamin D levels.

Why do I feel prettier when I'm tan?

The glow provided by a tan can make a face look more vibrant and therefore youthful. A tan can also help make muscles look more toned and more well defined. Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit.

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.

Does tanning burn belly fat?

Recent scientific reports and studies, such as the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine, have shown that sunlight, specifically UVB rays, can shrink fat cells and aid in burning fat, making it a great way to burn belly fat, which is considered to be the most dangerous type of fat.

Are tanning beds worth the risk?

While some believe tanning in a bed is safer, tanning beds emit 12 times more UVA radiation than the sun. UVA rays are primarily linked to premature aging of the skin, causing wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. Using tanning beds before age 35 also increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma by 75%.

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.

What is the alternative to a tanning bed?

Another option is a spray tan, which can give you a beautiful all-over glow without harmful UV exposure.

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