Is regular tanning bed use equivalent to regular tanning in natural sunlight?

Question

I know that tanning in general can increase your risks for skin cancer and other things. However, it's unclear to me if there's really a difference between beds and natural sunlight. My question is not "is tanning good for you?" because I know that in general, it isn't. However, people seem to fuss more about tanning beds than sunlight.

I've read articles (and been told) that there is no difference between natural sunlight tanning and using a tanning bed. People who tan even suggest that tanning beds are better because it's "controlled", at least when they are used correctly.

For example, you tan for 6 minutes and don't burn, but get a touch of color, then increase to 7 minutes next time. If you turn even a bit pink, you ease back. You rest a few days and do only 5 minutes next time.

It's much easier to get burnt in the sun and damage your skin. Additionally, those who tan in the sun spend hours and hours longer exposed (over the course of time) in comparison to than those who tan in beds do being exposed to bulbs.

Answer

Tanning beds are WAY worse. They increase your chances of skin cancer by a LOT. It is not the same. At all. & there are benefits to real sun exposure. Your body needs vitamin D & you don't get that from fake baking.

Answer

I'll trust my dermatologist who says that tanning beds are worse.

Answer

Just get a spray tan. Cancer isn't worth it.

Answer

Tanning beds are worse because their UV rays are more concentrated I've heard.

Answer

Learned in esthetics that while both aren't ideal tanning beds are wayyy worse. The sun has SOME benefits like vitamin D but for the most part just spray tan.

My instructor showed a slide detailing her removal of cancerous cells and tumors due to a cancer she got from tanning beds back when there weren't even strict rules about them. They are worse than sun.

Always use sunscreen. ALWAYSSS, and it is reccomended that you use 30+ spf sunscreen as there is a drop at what amount actually protects you. Anything below 30 is just making you feel safe, it's not truly helping.

Answer

Don't use tanning beds and wear sunscreen when outside. Being tan isn't worth it.

Answer

One 12 min session is equivalent to 8 hours in the sun. You up your risk for skin cancer majorly by using tanning beds.

Answer

Cancer in a box!!!

Answer

Did you know that using a tanning bed before age 30 increases your risk of getting a melanoma by a WHOPPING 75%

Answer

neither are good and tanning beds can also be unsanitary. If you feel the need to be tan personally I recommend spray tan or self tanner, it's much safer then tanning. Obviously the safest is do nothing but if your going to do one get a spray tan or self tanner. I try my best to take care of my skin, I am very very pale. But sometimes I like to be tan so I will get a spray or self tan. I also try to wear sunscreen on a daily basis to protect my skin. If you want me to give you some recommendations on self tanners I can

Is regular tanning bed use equivalent to regular tanning in natural sunlight?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products