The Truth About Tanning Beds: There is no such thing as a healthy tan.

Indoor tanning beds emit the same damaging ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun. In fact, the increased production of melanin that causes tanned skin is actually triggered by damage to skin cell DNA (View the DNA Damage Process).

Getting a "base tan" from a tanning bed does not protect the skin or prevent future sunburn. The additional melanin in tanned skin only provides a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) between 2 and 4, which is much less than the SPF 30 sunscreens we recommend.

Indoor tanning increases your risk of skin cancer:

• People who beginning indoor tanning before age 35 have a 75% greater chance of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
• Using a tanning bed just one time increases your melanoma risk by 20%.
• Indoor tanning is also associated with increased risk for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer.

Tanning beds cause premature skin aging:

• Indoor tanning breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin looking youthful.
• UV exposure from tanning beds can cause wrinkles, dark spots, and leathery skin.
• You may not see the signs of UV damage on your skin until many years after you use tanning beds.