Do you get vitamin D from tanning beds?

Author: Marge Bauch  |  Last update: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Myth: You Get Vitamin D From Tanning Beds Perhaps you've heard that tanning beds are a terrific solution for obtaining optimal vitamin D levels in the middle of winter. As warm and cozy as a tanning bed may feel, Green says that a tanning bed is incapable of providing the healthy required amount of vitamin D needed.

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.

Are there any benefits to using a tanning bed?

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 much time in tanning bed to get 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.

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.

How to change your skin color without the sun. Real color: no sprays, tanning beds, or creams.

How many sunbeds a week are safe?

Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours for skin type 2. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.

How to raise vitamin D levels quickly?

Here are three ways to increase your intake:
  1. Eat foods high in vitamin D, like fish or fortified breakfast foods (milk, cereals and orange juice).
  2. Get vitamin D from moderate sunlight exposure each day.
  3. Take a vitamin D3 supplement or cod liver oil.

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 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.

What is the healthiest way to use a tanning bed?

Use short exposure times when you start. Don't use the most intense exposure when you start. After you have a tan, don't use the device more than once a week.

Do sunbeds increase melatonin?

Using sunbeds, especially later in the day, can seriously mess with your body's natural rhythm. The UV rays trick your brain into thinking it's still daylight, delaying melatonin production. This can make it harder to fall asleep and lead to disrupted sleep patterns.

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.

Do you get vitamin D from UV light?

Vitamin D forms in the skin when it is exposed to UV from sunlight. It can also be obtained from some foods. We need vitamin D to maintain good health and to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

What are signs of low vitamin D?

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.

How do you get 100% vitamin D?

Good sources of vitamin D
  1. oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel.
  2. red meat.
  3. liver (avoid liver if you are pregnant)
  4. egg yolks.
  5. fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals.

What is 10 minutes on a sunbed equivalent 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.

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.

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