Indoor Tanning Myths: Why It's Still Dangerous for Skin Cancer Risk
Indoor tanning has been a popular way for people to achieve a bronzed look year-round, but its dangers are often downplayed or misunderstood. Many assume that tanning beds are a safer alternative to outdoor sun exposure, but research has shown this is far from the truth. In fact, indoor tanning is one of the leading causes of skin cancer, including the deadliest form—melanoma.
In this article, we’ll debunk some common myths about indoor tanning and explain why it’s still dangerous.
Myth 1: Indoor Tanning Is Safer Than Sun Exposure
The Truth: Tanning beds emit concentrated UV radiation that can be even more harmful than the sun.
One of the most common myths is that indoor tanning is somehow safer than spending time in the sun because it's a controlled environment. However, tanning beds expose your skin to both UVA and UVB rays, which are the same harmful rays emitted by the sun. The difference is that the UV rays in tanning beds are often much more concentrated. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the UV radiation from some tanning beds can be as much as 12 times stronger than the sun’s rays at noon.
This level of exposure significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. People who use tanning beds before the age of 35 increase their risk of melanoma by 59%, and the risk increases with every use.
Myth 2: A "Base Tan" Protects You from Sunburn
The Truth: A tan provides minimal protection and comes at a high cost to your skin’s health.
Many believe that getting a "base tan" from a tanning bed will help prevent sunburn when spending time outdoors. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous misconception. A tan is essentially your skin’s response to UV damage—melanin, the pigment responsible for darkening the skin, is produced in an attempt to protect the deeper layers from UV rays. However, this protection is very limited. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a tan provides only an SPF of about 3, which is far below the SPF 30 that’s recommended for effective sun protection.
The damage you incur while achieving this base tan can lead to long-term consequences, including premature aging and a heightened risk of developing skin cancer.
Myth 3: Tanning Beds Only Affect the Skin’s Surface
The Truth: UV radiation penetrates deep into the skin, causing DNA damage that can lead to cancer.
It’s easy to think of a tan as just a change in skin color, but the damage from UV rays goes much deeper. UV radiation penetrates through the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer) and into the dermis, where it can damage the DNA of skin cells. Over time, this damage accumulates, increasing the risk of mutations that can lead to cancer.
In addition to causing cancer, this deep UV penetration accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles, leathery skin, and age spots. The youthful glow you may achieve from a tanning bed session comes at the cost of long-term skin health.
Myth 4: Indoor Tanning Is a Good Source of Vitamin D
The Truth: UV radiation from tanning beds is not a safe way to get vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function, and it’s true that your skin can produce it when exposed to UVB rays from the sun. However, using a tanning bed as a source of vitamin D is a risky and unnecessary approach. Tanning beds primarily emit UVA rays, which do not help in vitamin D production. Moreover, the risk of skin damage and cancer far outweighs any potential vitamin D benefits from UV exposure.
For a safer way to get vitamin D, it’s better to rely on food sources like fortified dairy products, fatty fish, and supplements. This approach ensures you meet your vitamin D needs without exposing your skin to harmful UV radiation.
Myth 5: You Don’t Need Sunscreen After Indoor Tanning
The Truth: A tan offers very little protection from future UV damage, and sunscreen is still crucial.
After indoor tanning, many people assume that their skin is now "protected" and less likely to burn, leading them to skip sunscreen when outdoors. This is a dangerous mindset. As mentioned earlier, the protection offered by a tan is minimal—comparable to an SPF of about 3—and will not prevent further damage from UV exposure.
You should always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when spending time outdoors. This helps prevent both skin cancer and premature aging caused by UV exposure.
Myth 6: Only Frequent Tanning Increases Your Cancer Risk
The Truth: Even one session in a tanning bed can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Some people believe that occasional tanning is harmless, but even infrequent use of tanning beds can increase your risk. Studies have shown that just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 20%. The more frequently you tan, the higher your risk becomes, but even sporadic tanning is enough to cause significant harm.
The Bottom Line: Avoid Indoor Tanning to Protect Your Skin
Indoor tanning is not a safer alternative to sun exposure—it’s actually more dangerous in many ways. The concentrated UV rays emitted by tanning beds penetrate deeply into the skin, causing DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and other long-term health consequences.
If you're at high risk for skin cancer—whether due to fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or other factors—it’s especially important to avoid tanning beds and practice sun-safe behaviors. Instead of tanning, consider safer alternatives like self-tanning lotions or sprays that can give you the bronzed look you want without putting your skin at risk.
Ultimately, the best way to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer is to embrace your natural skin tone, wear sunscreen daily, and avoid unnecessary UV exposure—indoors and out.