Does tanning in a tanning bed increase vitamin D?

Author: Rene Braun  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Sunbed tanning has been demonstrated to increase serum 25(OH)D levels, the accepted measure of vitamin D status. Over 5 weeks of tanning resulted in mean serum 25(OH)D levels of 80 nmol/L with the greatest increase seen in individuals with the lowest starting 25(OH)D concentrations.

Can a tanning bed raise vitamin D levels?

Since ultraviolet (UV) B light is the most important prerequisite for the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, sunbeds are able to increase serum vitamin D levels, although only transiently in most cases.

How long should I tan for vitamin D?

The researchers took into account the amount of clothing and the season of the year. 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.

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].

Is one sunbed a week ok?

Two sessions a week should be enough to further deepen your tan in a safe and gentle manner. If you simply want to maintain the tan you already have (for example, when you get back from holiday), then one session a week will probably be enough.

BASE TANNING & VITAMIN D MYTHS DEBUNKED 🤔 DERMATOLOGIST @DrDrayzday

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 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.

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 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.

How to increase vitamin D quickly?

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 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].

Why is my vitamin D low when I get lots of sun?

The pigment that makes human skin dark is called melanin. It helps protect you from ultraviolet B (UVB) light, but it can also block your skin's ability to make vitamin D after sunlight exposure.

How often should you tan for vitamin D?

A person just simply needs to expose their skin to sunlight for it to make vitamin D. However, it is important to get a suitable amount of exposure and avoid burning the skin. Depending on the season, people with fairer skin may require 10 to 30 minutes a day, while darker skin types may require 20 to 90 minutes.

Which tanning beds have the most UVB?

A Level 1 tanning bed is an economic option, but they produce high levels of UVB rays, the rays that can cause sunburn if not used properly. If you love the experience of relaxing in a tanning bed, Level 1 tanning beds are the perfect choice for you.

Do sunbeds help with spots?

There's no conclusive evidence that prolonged exposure to sunlight or using sunbeds or sunlamps can improve acne. Many medicines used to treat acne can make your skin more sensitive to light, so exposure could cause painful damage to your skin, and also increase your risk of skin cancer.

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.

Why do I tan better as I get older?

So, the longer your skin is threatened by UV, the deeper your tan because more and more melanin is being produced by your body to protect itself. Ultimately, more pigment is building up the longer you stay exposed.

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.

Is it better to do red light before or after tanning?

For the best results, it's generally recommended to do red light therapy before tanning.

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.

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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