Lying on one’s stomach in a tanning bed is a common consideration for achieving uniform color coverage. While most lay-down units physically allow the prone position, the practice is generally discouraged. Changing posture involves practical concerns about tan quality and specific physiological risks unique to lying face-down in a confined, heated space. Understanding these factors is important for anyone considering indoor tanning.
Physical and Practical Considerations
Most lay-down tanning beds permit users to lie on their stomach, but this often works against achieving an even tan. When the body is pressed against the acrylic surface, blood flow is temporarily restricted at high-pressure points. These points typically occur at the shoulder blades, tailbone, elbows, and hips.
The temporary lack of oxygen supplied by the blood interferes with melanin production, which is necessary for tanning. This interference results in lighter, un-tanned areas known as “white spots” after the session. Shifting position slightly during the session is often advised to mitigate this effect, but it is difficult and disruptive in the prone position. Furthermore, lying face-down for an extended period can be physically uncomfortable, especially on the face and neck.
Specific Physiological Stress When Lying Face Down
The prone position introduces specific physiological challenges within the hot, enclosed environment of a tanning bed. Prolonged pressure on the chest and abdomen can restrict the body’s natural cooling mechanisms and circulation. Lying on the stomach presses the body’s largest surface area against the warm acrylic, inhibiting efficient heat dissipation and increasing the risk of localized overheating.
Pressure on the abdomen and chest can also compress major blood vessels, temporarily decreasing venous return to the heart. When the user stands up rapidly after the session, this circulatory change can cause orthostatic hypotension, or lightheadedness. Another concern is the proper placement of protective eyewear, as lying face-down increases the risk of goggles shifting or being dislodged by pressure. If eyewear shifts, the eyes and surrounding skin are exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation.
General Health Risks of Indoor Tanning
Regardless of the position assumed, the fundamental danger of indoor tanning remains the concentrated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Tanning beds primarily emit UVA rays, often at levels significantly higher than natural midday sun, along with smaller amounts of UVB rays. This radiation penetrates the skin and causes DNA damage to skin cells, which is the underlying mechanism for the increased risk of skin cancer.
Exposure to UV radiation is directly linked to an elevated risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. It also increases the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Using a tanning bed before age 35 can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.
Beyond cancer, the radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to premature skin aging. This aging is characterized by wrinkles, leathery texture, and sunspots. UV exposure can also suppress the body’s immune system, potentially reducing its ability to fight off infections.