Tanning beds are often used to make people look more attractive by giving them a brown colour without using sun exposure. But how often you should use a tanning bed depends on your skin type, your goals and, most importantly, your health. The truth is: while some people use tanning beds regularly, frequent use is risky and not recommended by health professionals.
How often should you tan?
Many tanning salons suggest a schedule such as:
At first, you should go for three or four sessions a week to start getting a base tan.
Just one or two sessions each week to keep things in good shape.
But this schedule is not safe for your health, and many health organisations do not recommend using tanning beds.
Things to think about before using a tanning bed often
1. Skin Type
People with fair skin (types I–II on the Fitzpatrick scale) burn easily and are more likely to get skin damage.
Dark skin can tan more easily, but it can still get damaged by the sun and skin cancer.
2. You are being exposed to more UV light than you think.
Tanning beds give off a lot of UVA, which goes deep into your skin.
Using it a lot over time can increase the damage over time, which can lead to:
Wrinkles and getting older too quickly.
Problems with your eyes (if you are not wearing protection).
Skin cancer, including the very dangerous type called melanoma.
3. There’s a higher chance of getting skin cancer.
Using a tanning bed before you are 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by up to 75%.
Even using it now and then can make it more likely that you will get certain types of cancer.
Is There a “Safe” Frequency?
According to skin doctors and public health experts:
There is no safe frequency. Using a tanning bed is bad for your health.
Even using a tanning bed once or twice a month can be harmful over time.
Here are some healthier options if you want to get a tanned look.
Instead of using a regular tanning bed, try:
Self-tanning products (lotions, mousses and sprays)
Spray tans for when you really want to look tanned.
Makeup that makes your skin look brown.
Gradually tanning moisturisers
These options can give you a golden glow without damaging your DNA.
This concludes the summary.
Tanning beds are a type of equipment used to change the colour of your skin.
