Dangers and Benefits of UVA and UVB Rays in Tanning Beds

If you are like most people, you most likely do not have time to be out in the sun working on your tan. Not to mention the fact that the sun's harmful rays can cause severe damage to your skin. With all of that said, it is no wonder that more and more people are turning to the use of tanning beds to get that golden glow that they would from the sun.

The sunlight has two types of these UV or Ultra Violet Rays which are known as UVA and UVB. Let us take a closer look at what each is. The UVB rays are the ones that burn you. These are very dangerous to your skin and can cause severe long term damage. The UVA rays are the ones that penetrate the thermal layer of skin, making it possible for you to tan. Experts do warn that too much exposure to these rays can also cause skin damage as well but these rays are not nearly as bad as the UVB rays.

Tanning beds focus mainly on lights that have at lease 40% less UVB rays, making them a far safer way for you to tan. You are also monitored with your exposure to the lights in a tanning bed, which will minimize your chances of getting burned. The tanning bed companies can safely say that tanning via a tanning bed is a much safer way to go then lying out in the sun. They also have an important factor on their side as well. The fact that the body requires UV rays to process Vitamin D. Either way you look at it, the best way to go is to not tan your skin at all whether it is from the sun or via a tanning bed and to use sun screen when you are out in the sunlight.

On the down side of tanning beds, you will see many articles and research that has been done to show that tanning indoors is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. Part of the argument that comes up is that since the UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, it breaks the elasticity down in the skin. Over time, this will cause premature aging and wrinkles.