Are there benefits to sunbeds?

Author: Woodrow O'Kon  |  Last update: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Health Benefits 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].

Does a tanning bed have any benefits?

Alleviate Sleep Disturbances

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.

Are sunbeds really good for you?

No. Sunbeds use high intensity UV radiation for quick tanning. UV radiation can damage the DNA in your skin cells. This can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most serious type 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 a sunbed?

It is well known that exposure to sunlight and UV radiation causes the body to react by releasing endorphins that make people feel good. Conversely, lack of this stimulus can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder in people who are prone to it. Sunbeds have been shown to alleviate this condition in some patients.

Dermatologist Explains: Why You Should NEVER Go Into a Tanning Bed!

Do sunbeds speed up metabolism?

It can help you lose weight – The UV lights present in a sunbed stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which in turn will boost your metabolism.

Does the sunbed give you vitamin D?

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.

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.

Does SPF work on sunbeds?

For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen should be able to protect you 15 times longer than wearing no sunscreen at all. But there are limitations to the protection, and tanning beds are one of those limitations. Tanning beds can emit rays that are estimated to be 10 to 15 times higher than the sun at its most direct exposure.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Do sunbeds age you?

Using a sunbed to get a tan can give you skin damage, wrinkles and brown spots causing premature ageing.

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.

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%.

What is the alternative to a sunbed?

Opt for sunless self-tanners or spray tans. These are available in many forms, including lotions, sprays, and creams. The Skin Cancer Foundation advocates that no tan is a safe tan, and that regardless of whether women decide to go with their own glow or use sunless tanning methods, they avoid UV tanning.

Do tanning beds help anxiety?

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is critical in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. 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.

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].

What is the safest way to tan?

Protect yourself from sun damage between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is the strongest. Stay inside or seek shade when you can. Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and long sleeves and pants. For more protection, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

Can I tan just my legs in a tanning bed?

Tanning your legs using indoor sunbeds or natural UV light outdoors can be a breeze when you follow these helpful tips. Remember to exfoliate, use high-quality accelerator creams with bronzers, position your legs correctly, rotate your body, and increase your tanning time gradually.

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.

What is the best tan accelerator?

  • Calypso Monoi Tahiti Bronzing Tanning Oil SPF15. ...
  • Pro Tan Beaches and Creme All-In Intensifying Serum (250ml) ...
  • ultrasun SPF30 Tan Activator Body 150ml , Pack of 1. ...
  • Power Tan Non-Stop Black Tingle Gelee (DHA Free) Hybrid UV Sunbed Tanning Accelerator Lotion 250ml.

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.

Why do tanning beds make you feel good?

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.

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.

Can sunbeds help with SAD?

UV radiation is not an effective treatment for SAD. It can lead to premature skin aging and, worst of all, exposure is a serious risk factor for skin cancer.

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