Does sunbed tan protect against the sun?

A tanning bed tan does not provide protection against the harmful effects of the sun and is not considered a safe or effective way to protect yourself from sunburn, skin cancer or other UV damage.

Tanning beds use UV radiation, usually a mix of UVA and UVB rays, to stimulate the skin to produce melanin (pigment), resulting in a tan. The tan is primarily caused by UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin. However, this does not significantly strengthen the skin against UV damage from the sun.

Tanning provides very minimal protection against UVB rays (the rays responsible for sunburn). The level of protection is comparable to a very low SPF factor (around SPF 2 to 3). UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin and contribute to skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer, are not effectively blocked by a tanning bed.

Regular use of tanning beds significantly increases the risk of both melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) and non-melanoma skin cancer. UVA rays from tanning beds accelerate skin aging by breaking down collagen, leading to wrinkles and pigment spots.

The best ways to protect yourself from UV damage are sunscreen, clothing, and shade.

A tanning bed tan does not provide protection from the sun and cannot effectively protect you from the harmful effects of UV radiation. The use of tanning beds is discouraged due to the increased health risks.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024