Results. We found studies validating the use of tanning facilities for psoriasis treatment. Use as a treatment option for atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, acne, scleroderma, vitiligo, and pruritus, as well as other UV sensitive dermatoses, may also be beneficial.
Well, because UVB — which is beamed onto your skin in a tanning bed alongside more harmful UVA rays — is sometimes used as a treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), says Jennifer Holman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Tyler, ...
According to the US National Institutes of Health, there are studies that show sunbeds to be an effective treatment for psoriasis and there is some evidence that they may help with atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, acne, scleroderma, vitiligo and pruritus.
Some research suggests that low doses of very long ultraviolet light wavelengths, in what is called the ""UVA-1"" range, can improve certain forms of lupus skin disease and mild forms of systemic lupus. However, high doses of UVA have been shown to induce skin lesions in some individuals.
Sunbed use was linked to a 23 per cent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 14 per cent lower risk of death from cancer, compared to non-users. It is possible that people who use sunbeds may also seek out greater sun exposure and so this result may reflect broader sun seeking behaviour, the team says.
Efficacy of Tanning Beds
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).
These fluorescent lamps range anywhere from 100-watt bulbs to 140-watt bulbs. Because of their power – and the fact that they simulate UVA rays vs. UVB rays – they can actually penetrate the skin on a deeper level than the sun. This is why ten minutes in a tanning bed equates to about two hours of direct sun exposure.
Tanning beds mainly release UVA light. They won't clear your psoriasis, because UVA light doesn't work very well on its own.
In general, an improved feeling of well-being is associated with tanning. Sunbeds emitting UVB have been demonstrated to stimulate vitamin D production. Further, sunbeds may confer the benefits associated with obtaining optimal vitamin D status.
Unfortunately, using sunbeds for eczema is no silver bullet either, but research has shown that exposure to UV light may help reduce skin inflammation, thereby alleviating some of the dryness, itching, and rash that characterise eczema.
It is scientifically proven that red light with wavelenght close to 630 nm has the effect of stimulating the natural production of collagen by skin fibroblasts'.
While UV radiation might temporarily reduce the appearance of acne by drying out the skin and reducing inflammation, it does not address the underlying causes of acne, which include hormonal imbalances, bacteria, and diet. Using sunbeds as a treatment for acne can actually exacerbate skin problems.
On the other hand, the sun seems to have beneficial effects on skin affected by this condition. In fact, a Swedish study showed that the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, after sun exposure, were improved in 54% of patients(1).
A UV index of 3-5 is considered moderate and is ideal for tanning. During this range, the sun's rays are strong enough to stimulate melanin production in the skin without causing severe damage. It's important to note that even at this level, prolonged exposure without protection can lead to sunburn.
The allure lies in the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals triggered by exposure to UV rays.
In rosacea, white blood cells release vasodilators which cause the visible blood vessels and the redness. It may be that all these different factors feed into one, as yet, unknown process, but it seems that UV light radiation from the sun or sunbeds is the most significant trigger.
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].
A lack or scarcity of sunlight exposure leads to vitamin D deficiency (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20). Adults who use tanning beds that emit vitamin D3–producing UVB radiation (17, 19, 21) should be able to make vitamin D3 in their skin and increase the circulating 25(OH)D concentrations.
Kardashian also shared how she was alleviating her recent psoriasis flare-up by covering her plaque with lotion and wrapping it in plastic wrap. In the before and after photos she shared on Instagram, this certainly made a difference in the appearance of the plaque on her leg.
Tanning bed benefits are a myth.
It's a myth that tanning makes dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation less noticeable — the spots get darker as your skin gets darker, so a tan won't actually even out your skin tone.
Keeping Your Eyes Closed Isn't Enough
Even shutting your eyes tightly in a tanning bed isn't enough protection against UV rays of that strength.
During the early stages of building up a base tan we recommend tanning frequently (twice a week) for no more than 6 minutes regardless of your skin type (not including skin type 1). Once you have developed a good base tan you do not need to use a sunbed as regularly to maintain your tan.
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.