The Good and Bad of Tanning Beds

Feeling dull because of the cold weather? Craving for that bronze color skin but can’t go to the beach and enjoy the sun? What will you do? Would you consider artificial tanning?
Nowadays, especially in the US artificial tanning turns to be an option during winter and for those who loves to enjoy bronze color. Tanning has become a good earning industry in the US and based on the reports in last 25 years indoor tanner already increased by more than a 100 percent. And the most common artificial tanners are the tanning beds.

Tanning bed or sunbed is a device emitting ultraviolet radiation used to produce cosmetic tan. Tanning either natural or artificial in general, aids in the production of Vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D is important for a number of human functions, like promotion of healthy bones. Also tanning makes a person feel good. According to research this is because of the increase in the endorphin levels. A controversial benefit of artificial tanning rather than tanning outside also arises, it is the amount of control the tanner has. A person has control to the amount of UV and control on the period of exposure.

Knowing all of these benefits may lead to tanning addiction. It is a rare condition which is due to several psychological conditions. And according to studies, the feeling of relaxation and less tense mood after the UV exposure than without exposure is one of the reason of addiction. Some Americans may be addicted to tanning -- to the point where they feel withdrawal symptoms if they go too long without it.

Over doing things specifically tanning has bad effects too. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to UV light, either from the sun or a tanning bed, is a risk factor for skin cancer. Short-wavelength UVB light has been found to be carcinogenic in animals, and longer wavelength UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply and is used in tanning beds, may also contribute to cancer. It also said that women who regularly used tanning bed had a greater risk of malignant melanoma, eye problems and suppression of immune system.