Over the past decade, tanning beds have become more popular than ever. There is something about that golden color you can get from a tanning bed that attracts people in great numbers and has made indoor tanning a multi-billion dollar a year industry.

The beauty of home tanning beds is that you can keep that great summer tan all year long. When you own a home tanning bed, you are no longer subject to the hours and schedules of a tanning salon. In addition, using a home tanning bed to produce a good base tan is a good way to protect yourself from sunburn when the weather warms up.

The technology behind tanning beds comes in two basic designs. The most common actually resembles a bed and takes the form of a clam shaped shell or capsule. Inside the capsule, the client lies down on a sheet of Plexiglas through which shines ultraviolet rays emitted by bright UVA and/or UVB bulbs.

The second kind of tanning machine is not a bed at all but more like a booth. Often called, a 'stand up'. It is the same idea as a regular tanning bed, except a client steps into a vertical chamber. The intention of both these kinds of units is the same: to provide the client with an ultraviolet spectrum of rays that mimics the effects of the sun.

Tanning-beds come in two "strengths". A traditional or older tanning-bed boasts both UVA and UVB light bulbs. These are the same rays given by the sun. However, research has shown in the last decade that doses of UVB rays can be harmful, and many tanning-bed owners have switched to offering beds that sport more UVA and less or no UVB rays. UVA rays are thought to be less harmful as they can penetrate the skin to the deeper layers without causing immediate, significant damage to the top skin layers.

The Case Against Tanning Beds : Ultraviolet Radiation
The group against tanning beds relies on evidence that the ultraviolet radiation emitted by tanning bed bulbs is harmful and can cause various types of skin cancer including: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and Melanoma.

To the opponents of tanning beds dismay, there is no real conclusive study that links the use of tanning beds to any particular type of cancer or negative effects. This side is fueled only by inconclusive evidence that suggests cancer and tanning are linked. What they can say with authority is that certain skin types, such as very fair skin, are most certainly more susceptible to melanoma or other types of skin cancer regardless of whether or not the person uses a tanning bed or is exposed to sunlight.


The Case for Tanning Beds : Safety in Numbers
Those that argue for the use of tanning beds rely on a "safety in numbers" theory. The argument is that small amounts of the UV rays that produce a tan can actually reduce one's risk of skin cancer and burning, thus making it a healthy activity.

Initially, tanning beds used bulbs that emitted very harmful UV rays including UVC and UVB. These particular UV rays are well known to cause skin cancer, sunburns and wrinkles. These bulbs were soon replaced with UVA producing bulbs which didn't seem to cause the same effects of it's sister rays. However, too much exposure to even these safe UVA rays can cause the same effects as the UVC and UVB rays. It's important to note that safe tanning, according to the tanning industry advocates, is when you get small doses over a long period of time.

The bulbs used today combine UVA and UVB rays to make tanning beds more time efficient and to produce more satisfying results for the customer. The UVB bulbs just didn't produce a tan fast enough for consumers. No matter what school of thought you come from, there will always be customers coming and opponents opposing.


Then are Tanning Beds Really Safe?
Given the facts, and the lack of conclusive evidence that tanning beds are safe, it seems logical to conclude that tanning beds are in fact safe as long as they are used in moderation. Spending more time in the tanning beds than recommended by the manufacturers will undoubtedly be detrimental to ones skin and health. So long as tanning beds are used responsibly, they don't seem to pose a threat.

Prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause burns, cancer and damage to the immune system. Still the benefit of using a tanning-bed, as opposed to sunning yourself outdoors is sessions can be compared to a safe prescription for ultraviolet light. It is not possible to control a dose of ultraviolet light when you sunbathe because of the weather, the time of day and seasonal conditions. As tanning-beds emit the same rays as the sun, they aid the body in manufacturing vitamin D.