Should you wear sunscreen in a tanning bed? This question highlights a common misunderstanding about artificial tanning. A tanning bed emits concentrated ultraviolet (UV) radiation to cosmetically darken the skin. The desire to apply sun protection inside one conflicts with the understanding of UV radiation’s inherent danger, an issue scientific and public health organizations have sought to clarify for decades.
The UV Spectrum in Tanning Beds
Tanning beds use specialized fluorescent bulbs to generate UV radiation, the same energy found in natural sunlight. This UV light is split into two components: UVA and UVB. Tanning bed lamps are engineered to emit a high concentration of UVA radiation, typically accounting for 90 to 98 percent of the total output.
The intensity of this light is far from natural; some devices deliver UVA light up to 10 to 15 times more intensely than the midday summer sun. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB, reaching the dermis layer where they cause pigment darkening and photoaging. This high-intensity UVA radiation is responsible for the immediate cosmetic tan through the oxidation of existing melanin.
Sunscreen’s Role and Effectiveness
Sunscreen is formulated to absorb or physically block UV radiation, preventing it from damaging skin cells. Applying sunscreen before a tanning session is counterproductive because it works against the goal of stimulating the skin’s damage response (tanning). Filtering the UV light limits the absorption necessary for the cosmetic effect of the tanning bed.
Relying on sunscreen creates a misleading sense of security against this artificially intense radiation source. Even broad-spectrum sunscreens cannot fully neutralize the high, concentrated dose of UV light emitted by a tanning bed. The belief that sunscreen allows for safely extended sessions often leads to prolonged exposure, compounding the risk of long-term skin damage. Additionally, some outdoor sunscreens contain ingredients that can react negatively with the acrylic surface of the equipment.
The Inherent Risks of Tanning Bed Exposure
Tanning bed use introduces severe health risks regardless of short-term protective measures like sunscreen. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services classify UV-emitting tanning devices as Group 1 carcinogens, placing them in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. This classification reflects conclusive evidence linking indoor tanning to an increased risk of skin cancer.
Exposure to concentrated UV radiation directly damages DNA within skin cells, leading to mutations that can develop into malignancies. Indoor tanning dramatically increases the risk of all three main types of skin cancer: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. For instance, using a tanning bed before the age of 35 can increase an individual’s risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.
Accelerated Photoaging
Beyond cancer, chronic exposure to high-intensity UVA light accelerates the physical signs of photoaging. Deep penetration of UVA rays breaks down collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis. This breakdown leads to premature wrinkling, a leathery texture, and the formation of dark spots. The skin damage begins with the first session, and the risk escalates with each subsequent use.
Official Safety Recommendations
The definitive answer from major medical and public health bodies is that tanning beds should be completely avoided. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend against using these devices for cosmetic purposes. The FDA classifies sunlamps and tanning beds as Class II medical devices and requires warnings against use by minors.
Medical consensus confirms there is no such thing as a safe tan, as the skin’s darkening response is a visible sign of DNA damage. For those who still desire a tanned appearance, health organizations advise using sunless tanning alternatives. These options include topical self-tanning lotions, creams, and professional spray tans. These alternatives use dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to safely create a temporary color on the skin’s surface without UV exposure.