Can you get vitamin D from a tanning bed?

Author: Thomas Ward  |  Last update: Friday, January 9, 2026

Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase your chances of developing melanoma by 47%, and the risk increases with each use. Getting enough vitamin D from tanning beds isn't possible. You may have heard that your body makes a lot of vitamin D when you use a tanning bed. It doesn't.

Can you get vitamin D from a sunbed?

Yes, using a UV tanning bed can stimulate the production of vitamin D in your skin. Vitamin D is often referred to as the ``sunshine vitamin'' because your body can produce it when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun.

How long in tanning bed for vitamin D?

The Anti-Cancer Research study we looked at earlier suggests that 20 minutes in a sunbed produces the same amount of Vitamin D as 30 minutes in the midday sun, consuming 200-373ml of cod liver oil, or taking a 10,000-20,000 IU supplement daily.

Are there any benefits of 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].

How can I get vitamin D if there is no sun?

Including vitamin D-rich foods can be one way to supplement your lifestyle. One key source is oily fish, such as herring, salmon and mackerel. Other sources include egg yolks, and fortified foods like bread and yoghurt. Fortified foods are those that have nutrients added to them.

Dr. Holick Answers "Would You Use a Sunbed to Make Vitamin D?"

How can I raise my vitamin D level quickly?

Foods that may help boost your vitamin D levels are:
  1. Cod liver oil*
  2. Trout*
  3. Salmon*
  4. Mushrooms*
  5. Fortified dairy and non-dairy milks.
  6. Fortified cereals.
  7. Sardines.
  8. Eggs.

What are 5 signs of vitamin D deficiency to not ignore?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Not sleeping well.
  • Bone pain or achiness.
  • Depression or feelings of sadness.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Getting sick more easily.

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.

Can you get vitamin D through a window?

Your body makes Vitamin D from sunlight, but can you get Vitamin D through a window? Sitting beside a sunny window doesn't help you meet your Vitamin D needs, since glass absorbs all of the ultraviolet B rays that stimulate Vitamin D production.

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 the healthiest type of tanning bed?

Best Healthy Tanning Beds for Home and Commercial Use
  1. Red Light Therapy Tanning Beds. One of the safest options on the market, red light therapy tanning beds use low-level wavelengths of red light instead of UV rays. ...
  2. Low-Pressure UV Tanning Beds. ...
  3. Hybrid Tanning Beds. ...
  4. Spray Tanning Booths. ...
  5. Stand-Up Tanning Beds.

Which food is high in vitamin D?

Food Sources
  • Cod liver oil.
  • Salmon.
  • Swordfish.
  • Tuna fish.
  • Orange juice fortified with vitamin D.
  • Dairy and plant milks fortified with vitamin D.
  • Sardines.
  • Beef liver.

Do tanning beds lighten your hair?

Yes: the UV rays in a tanning bed can lighten your hair. That's because they break down the melanin in your hair, which is what gives it its colour. So, if you're looking to lighten your hair, a tanning bed may help.

How long to tan for vitamin D?

In spring and summer, 25 percent of the body (the hands, face, neck and arms) is exposed to the sun, and in these seasons, about 8 to 10 minutes of sun exposure at noon produces the recommended amount of vitamin D. In the winter, only 10 percent of the body is exposed, and nearly 2 hours of sun exposure at noon is ...

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 causes low vitamin D?

You can become deficient in vitamin D for different reasons: You don't get enough vitamin D in your diet. You don't absorb enough vitamin D from food (a malabsorption problem) You don't get enough exposure to sunlight.

What blocks vitamin D absorption?

Because vitamin D is fat soluble, its absorption depends on the gut's ability to absorb dietary fat [4]. Fat malabsorption is associated with medical conditions that include some forms of liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis [1,63].

Can you get vitamin D through a tanning bed?

You may have heard that your body makes a lot of vitamin D when you use a tanning bed. It doesn't. The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D.

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.

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.

Can you reverse tanning bed damage?

Photodamage can't be completely reversed but some treatment options can help rejuvenate your skin. Talk to your provider about the risks of complications. Possible treatments include: Retinoids, retinols: These topical products provide their best benefit when treating early signs of photoaging.

How long does it take to raise vitamin D levels?

However, it generally takes about 6-8 weeks of supplementation for your vitamin D levels to go back into the normal range. Even after your Vitamin D levels get normal, your doctor may still have you take supplements for a while to make sure your levels don't fall below normal again.

What are the red flags of vitamin D deficiency?

When vitamin D levels are low and the body isn't able to properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency (levels less than 10 ng/mL) may also contribute to an increased risk of falls.

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