by Louie Jerome

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Tanning booths are not safe for everyone to use. The effect of the ultra violet light in these booths varies from person to person and no one can know for sure that they will not be adversely affect by even a short session in one of these booths.

The use of ultra violet light (UV) in tanning booths,sunlamps and sunbeds has long been known to cause both short and long term health problems for users and staff operating the equipment. In the short term sunburn, blistering, itching sore eyes and conjunctivitis are the main risks, but over time the consequences may be much more serious. Results can be as severe as premature aging of the skin, skin cancer and cataracts (where eye protection is not used.)

There are ways of making the use of tanning booths and these other devices safer but nothing will make the current technology completely safe.

Some people are more prone to skin damage from UV light than others. Those under sixteen, or with very pale colored skin that doesn't tan easily, or is inclined to be sensitive are likely to be most at risk of long term damage and health problems. Those with freckles, moles, or red hair, or who have a history of sunburn as a child will also find themselves in this category.

Current safety advice recommends keeping the use of tanning booths to a minimum, if you must use them, and making sure that you don't use deodorants or perfumes on your skin before, or immediately after a tanning session. These products can cause severe burns.

One absolute essential is to use eye protection in these booths. Always use goggles, or the foil protectors provided in some booths. If there is no protection available, do not use the equipment. UV light can severely damage the eyes.

It is not advisable to have more than one tanning session in a booth per day. The skin needs time to recover and some skins may take three, or four days to do so. Sunbathing outside after a tanning session compounds the problem and is something to be avoided.

If you use these booths and you notice any sign of change in moles, skin discoloration, or anything else unusual, consult a doctor. Most skin cancers can be cured if caught early enough.

Tanning booths are not completely safe even if used in moderation by people who are not in one of the 'at risk' groups, and with the awareness to notice any potential problems. There is always an element of doubt and the only way to stay one hundred percent safe is to avoid them.

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