Tanning is the process of darkening the skin color caused by exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Natural tanning has been popular since ancient times, but artificial tanning has become increasingly popular in recent decades.

However, both natural and artificial tanning come with risks, including skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburn. In this article, we will compare the risks of natural and artificial tanning with the hope of helping you make an informed decision about your tanning habits.

Natural Tanning Risks

Natural tanning occurs when the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV radiation. This UV radiation is a form of ionizing radiation that can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause skin cancer.

The most common types of skin cancer caused by UV radiation are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and it is responsible for most skin cancer deaths.

In addition to skin cancer, natural tanning can also cause premature aging of the skin. The sun’s UV radiation can damage the elastin fibers in the skin, causing it to lose its elasticity and become wrinkled and leathery over time.

This premature aging is known as photoaging and can also cause dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Artificial Tanning Risks

Artificial tanning, also known as indoor tanning, involves using tanning beds or booths that emit UV radiation to darken the skin. Like natural tanning, artificial tanning can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburn.

However, artificial tanning may be even more dangerous than natural tanning because the UV radiation levels can be much higher. In fact, the World Health Organization has classified artificial tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans.

One study found that people who used tanning beds before the age of 35 had a 59% increased risk of melanoma, and each additional use of a tanning bed per year increased the risk by 2%.

In addition to skin cancer, artificial tanning can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and blindness, and immune system suppression.

Reducing the Risks

Both natural and artificial tanning come with risks, but there are ways to reduce those risks. The most effective way to reduce the risk of skin cancer is to avoid tanning altogether.

If you must be in the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours. Wear protective clothing, such as a hat and long-sleeved shirt, and seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you want a tan, consider using self-tanning products, which do not involve UV radiation and do not increase the risk of skin cancer or premature aging.

If you decide to use a tanning bed, be sure to follow all safety precautions, such as wearing protective eyewear and limiting the amount of time you spend in the booth, start with short duration every other day after the darkening process is more significant, skip one day, and increase tanning minutes gradually. If you notice any changes in your skin, such as new moles or changes in existing moles, see a dermatologist right away.

Conclusion

Natural and artificial tanning both carry risks, including skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburn.

While natural sunlight is essential for vitamin D production, you can reduce your risk of skin damage by protecting your skin, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Artificial tanning should only be done with caution and following safety measures. If you want a tan, consider using a self-tanning product that does not involve UV radiation and therefore doesn’t involve any risk of cancer or sunburn.