Can Using Sunscreen in a Tanning Bed Make It Safer?

There is no evidence that using sunscreen in a tanning bed will prevent the damage to your skin that can occur when you are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Tanning beds expose the skin to two forms of UVR: UVA and UVB radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is a known carcinogen, and tanning beds have been designated as a cancer-causing agent.

While broad-spectrum sunscreens can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, the radiation emitted in a tanning bed is stronger than the radiation exposure you get from sunlight. Thus, there is no way to know if or how well your skin would be protected by using sunscreen in a tanning bed.

Understanding Tanning Bed Risks

The primary reason why using tanning beds is not advised, with or without sunscreen, is the risk of skin cancer. Research has repeatedly shown tanning beds are not safe.

Studies have shown that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. It is also associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

Over the years, there has been some misunderstanding about the risks of indoor tanning, possibly because of confusion about UVA and UVB rays.

• UVA rays have the longest wavelengths and can penetrate the middle layer of your skin, called the dermis. Sunlight produces UVA radiation and it is the most prevalent form of radiation on Earth. UVA rays are often associated with tanning and are less commonly associated with sunburn. However, this type of radiation is most associated with premature aging.
• UVB rays have a shorter wavelength that reaches the outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis. They are responsible for the reddening that happens with a sunburn. UVB rays are also associated with direct damage to the skin's DNA. The sun produces UVB rays, but most of the radiation you get from the sun is UVA.

Tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB rays, but they generally provide more UVA rays, often called "tanning rays." For some people, reducing exposure to UVB rays (the "burning rays") may have given them a sense of safety when using tanning beds or other types of tanning devices, such as lamps. But both forms of radiation can cause damage to the skin and the eyes.

Using Sunscreen in a Tanning Bed

There are no recent, peer-reviewed studies investigating the use of sunscreen in a tanning bed. Since tanning beds have been identified as a known carcinogen, it would be unethical to conduct such a study. However, there is quite a bit of evidence regarding the use of sunscreens in general to protect against UVA and UVB rays.

It wasn't until recently that sunscreens began to protect consumers against both UVA and UVB rays. Most products protected against UVB rays because they were the rays most commonly associated with sunburn. But, as evidence emerged about the dangers of UVA radiation, new products were developed to guard against both types of radiation.

Now, broad spectrum sunscreens are available that protect against UVA and UVB rays. But they can only provide so much protection. The sun protection factor (SPF) on the label of the sunscreen helps you identify the level of protection you get.

The SPF number estimates how much longer you can stay in the sun with protection and avoid a sunburn. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen should be able to protect you 15 times longer than wearing no sunscreen at all. But there are limitations to the protection, and tanning beds are one of those limitations.

Major health organizations, such as the U.S. EPA and the American Academy of Dermatology Association, recommend the use of sunscreen. But these organizations do not advise that you use sunscreen in a tanning bed. They simply advise avoiding tanning beds and tanning lamps completely.

Premature Aging from Tanning Bed Use

Beyond increasing cancer risk, tanning beds also cause premature aging. Frequent UV exposure can cause damage that can make you look older than you are, a condition commonly called "photoaging."

Damage from exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause:

• Wrinkles
• Brown spots, also called age spots
• Loose skin
• Spider veins
• Blotchy or ruddy complexion

Exposure to radiation from the sun or from a tanning device can cause photoaging, but you are likely to see this damage much sooner when you use a tanning bed. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology Association says that some tanning bed users may see these signs within a year.

Unfortunately, human skin isn't very forgiving when damaged by UV exposure. There are cosmetic procedures, including laser treatments, chemical peels and surgery that can help undo some of the damage, but experts advise using sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds completely.

Can I Get a Safe Base Tan in a Tanning Bed?

It is a common myth that getting a "base tan" before vacation will protect you from sunburn. However, when people are trying to establish a base tan to protect their skin, they are actually doing more harm than good—and they are often surprised when they still get sunburned afterward.

Safe Sun Protection

To avoid burning, practice sun-safety procedures that have been proven effective in protecting the skin. Your first line of defense is to apply sunscreen when outdoors and apply it frequently. Avoid using a tanning bed entirely.

The American Cancer Society recommends applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more before going outdoors. Higher SPF levels are available but offer only a minimal amount of increased protection.

Other sun-savvy tips include:

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face.
• Cover areas of exposed skin when you're outdoors.
• Wear clothing with built-in SPF.
• Stay in the shade by sitting under an umbrella, awning, or other shady areas.
• Avoid midday sun, when the UV rays are more intense.
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes.

Summary

Using a tanning bed is not recommended because research repeatedly shows they are not safe. Exposure to the UVA and UVB rays that they emit increases your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. There is no reason to believe that using sunscreen in a tanning bed makes them safer, because the radiation emitted by a tanning bed is much stronger than the radiation you get from the sun.

Some people feel that getting a "base tan" before sun exposure can help protect their skin. However, it is not effective against sunburn, and it is doing more damage than good. To avoid sunburn or sun damage, it's best to use scientifically proven sun-safety techniques to help protect your skin.