Here are the risks associated with solariums and tanning booths

What is the safest way to tan indoors? Or maybe not at all? There is no amount of indoor tanning that is considered safe. Any amount of UV radiation from any type of tanning device can increase the risk of several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

In fact, in 2009, UV-emitting tanning devices were given a Group 1 designation: “Carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. Yes, while being in Group 1 when you board an airplane may be good, being in Group 1 in the IARC classification scheme is definitely not. This is the highest IARC risk designation a device can receive, worse than being in Group 2A “Probably carcinogenic to humans,” Group 2B “Possibly carcinogenic to humans,” or Group 3 “Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans.”

This Group 1 classification was developed after analyzing more than 20 epidemiological studies that showed that exposure to tanning devices before the age of 30 was associated with a 75% increased risk of developing skin melanoma. Scientific studies have also shown an association with ocular melanoma. In addition, studies in animals other than humans have shown carcinogenic effects of various types of ultraviolet radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC.

So why would anyone use a tanning bed, tanning booth, or any other type of indoor tanning device? Well, there is a belief that tanned skin looks healthier, with emphasis on the word “looks.” Tanned skin or a tanned body is not necessarily healthier than paler skin or a paler body. Your doctor is not going to look at you and say, “Well, you look really tanned. There is no need for any lab tests or physical examination.” This is where the pursuit of appearance can literally kill.

Another argument for indoor tanning is that it provides a “base tan” that reduces the likelihood of sunburn when you go out in the sun. However, avoiding sunburn should not be your only goal. Skin damage can occur even if you don’t get sunburned.

The third argument could be considered D-light-full. When UV radiation hits the skin, it can cause the body to synthesize more vitamin D. Vitamin D is important because it can stimulate the intestines to absorb more calcium and facilitate bone growth and remodeling. Vitamin D can also reduce inflammation and aid in cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism. However, this argument for indoor tanning deserves a grade of D or worse, because you can get enough vitamin D from normal sun exposure, by eating a variety of foods and supplements if necessary. The risks of indoor tanning far outweigh the benefits of vitamin D.

Now, if you absolutely must use a tanning bed, despite all the warnings above, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. First and foremost, never use one without properly fitted sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV radiation. UV radiation can not only lead to various types of cancers in and around the eyes, but also to cataracts and macular degeneration.

Second, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the box or in the included materials. This is not the time to “think outside the box” and improvise when using the device.

The rest of the things you can do all have the same common theme of avoiding indoor tanning as much as possible. These include keeping your exposure time as short as possible and the intensity as low as you can. If you are 18 or younger, you really should not be doing any type of indoor tanning at all. The younger you are, the more time there is for skin damage and cancer risk to accumulate. In time, you will realize that it really doesn’t matter what your teenage friends think about you and your body.

The same goes for the elderly. So why risk your future just for likes on social media or for someone to say, “Hot body.”