Indoor Tanning
At My Dermatologist we DO NOT recommend tanning indoors. We know that it is dangerous to our health. The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization for Research on Cancer have declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Using indoor tanning beds can raise your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer by 59% and the risk increases with each use. It is also known that indoor tanning leads to non-melanoma skin cancers, premature skin aging, immune suppression, and damage to the eye including cataracts and ocular melanoma.
There is no safe indoor tanning. It should not be used to obtain vitamin D. Vitamin D can be obtained through a healthy diet and oral supplements. It should not be used before a sunny vacation to prevent sunburn. On vacation please wear adequate sunscreen and protective clothing and hats. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.