The first indoor tanning beds were developed in 1906 and actually had nothing to do with getting the perfect tan. They were developed by a medical research company named Heraeus. The main purpose of this tanning lamp was medicinal. It was initially used on patients with diseases like rickets and other calcium deficiency disorders to see if the increased sunlight would help to develop stronger bones and enhance the body's ability to produce calcium. As time progressed, it became apparent that Heraeus was onto something big with its invention of artificial tanning beds.
It wasn't until the early 1970's that the tanning beds use turned from medicinal to cosmetic. A German scientist named Fredrick Wolff decided to use the artificial sunlight on athletes. Hoping to prove that the artificial sunlight would increase their athletic ability, what he ended up with instead was a bunch of tan athletes. His timing was perfect. The golden tan was fast becoming a popular fashion accessory and Wolff used his new knowledge to tap into the fashion industry by inventing the first indoor tanning bed.
Since all it really takes is a little time in the sun to provide you with a golden tan, why bother with tanning beds at all. Well, there are several reasons, one of which is privacy. There is no parading around in your bathing suit while your skin is still pale from the long cold winter. Speaking of long cold winters, an added benefit of using a tanning bed is a year round tan despite the season. Since we all look better with a little color in our cheeks, this is a nice perk. Unlike direct sunlight, most tanning beds today have a controlled dosage of ultraviolet rays and the dosage you do get is spread out over several tanning bed sessions. Tanning beds are accessible. As their popularity grew, so did the salons. It is almost impossible not to find a tanning bed salon nearly anywhere that you travel.
Even though medical evidence suggesting that exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer is indisputable, tanning beds are big business showing numbers in the two billion dollar a year range. That is a huge amount of money that people like you and me are spending on getting an even tan. So, is it safe? Well, the tanning industry big wigs would like you to believe that not only is it safe, but actually good for you. They argue that tanning is simply a darkening of the skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Since fair skinned people who are exposed to these rays usually just burn, the tanning beds help enhance your body's melanin production in the skin. The melanin causes the brownness, actually helping to protect the skin from the harmful rays. Obviously, not everyone agrees with that assessment.
Most dermatological groups have come out in opposition of the tanning beds and do not endorse or encourage their use. In fact, the melanin that your skin produces is actually skin damage caused by the ultraviolet rays. An enormous amount of medical research and clinical studies have taken place on the effects of the sun on our skin. They all overwhelmingly show that ultra violet rays are the cause of all three types of skin cancer: basil cell sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma (the most deadly of the three). It works like this. The ultraviolet rays directly damage DNA and that leads to mutations. Then it produces activated oxygen molecules that also damage DNA along with other cellular structures. Last but not least, exposure leads to immuno suppressions, effectively inactivating the body's natural anti-cancer defenses. Sounds ominous, doesn't it. Still want to use those tanning beds?
Skin cancer, although enough of a threat is not the only medical side effect of tanning beds and ultraviolet rays exposure. Prolonged and consistent exposure to the suns rays, either naturally or artificially, can cause the skin to become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Although skin will naturally age with the passing of time, the tanning beds and sun exposure speed it up and nobody wants that.
Another possible side effect to be considered carefully before using tanning beds or exposing yourself to natural sunlight is eye damage. Studies have shown that increased exposure to ultraviolet rays increases the chances of developing some types of cataracts. Although cataracts can be surgically removed, they are still a serious condition. Cataracts are not the only eye problem that overexposure can cause. Ultraviolet rays have been linked to an increase chance of developing pterygium, tissue growth on the white of the eye, along with macula degeneration, damage to the retina. Since all of these serious conditions are possible side effects of using tanning beds, always remember to wear protective eye gear when in the tanning bed or sun.
As the business of tanning beds continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the medical community worldwide has undertaken an extensive campaign to educate people about the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin. As the number of skin cancer reported each year grows, this campaign is timely and desperately needed. Despite the reports and warnings, tanning beds business is more popular than ever. An ever-growing number of people each year are taking their turn in the sun, so to speak. The population group most likely to spend time in a tanning bed is young females. This is a disturbing statistic. Although the tan is their top priority right now, what does the future hold for them? Premature aging and possible skin cancers just so they look good right now. But, try telling a teenager to consider the future repercussions and see what happens.
Although the repercussions may take years to see, one thing is sure for now, tanning beds are here to stay. At least for the foreseeable future. So, keep in mind all the things we have discussed before making your decision. Wear you protective eye gear and limit your time in the tanning beds. Having a nice, even tan may look good now, but proceed with caution.