Tan Today. Pay Tomorrow? The Hidden Truth About Tanning Beds

There are some health risks that everyone immediately recognizes. Smoking. Not wearing a seatbelt. Ignoring chest pain.

Yet one health risk continues to hide in plain sight every day: tanning beds.

Despite decades of research and warnings from medical experts, tanning beds continue to be used by millions of people seeking a quick bronzed look. The desire to look healthy, feel confident, or prepare for a vacation or special event is understandable. But what many people do not fully realize is that a tan from a tanning bed is not a sign of healthy skin—it is actually a visible sign of skin damage.

At WellAve Dermatology, we believe education saves lives. We also believe you should never have to choose between feeling confident and protecting your long-term health.

The Myth: “A Base Tan Protects Me”

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is:

“I just want a little base tan before summer.”

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a safe base tan from a tanning bed.

Indoor tanning devices emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages DNA in your skin cells. Your skin darkens because it is trying to protect itself from injury. In other words, that bronze glow is actually your body’s response to damage.

Research has consistently shown that indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancers, including:

• Melanoma
• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The statistics become even more alarming when tanning bed use begins at a younger age.

Individuals who use tanning beds before age 35 increase their melanoma risk significantly. And melanoma is not simply “another skin spot.” It can be aggressive, life-changing, and in some cases, life-threatening.

Tanning Beds Age You Faster Than You Think

Many people focus on the cancer risk—and they should—but there is another effect that often appears long before cancer develops.

Premature aging.

Repeated UV exposure can accelerate:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging skin
• Dark spots and uneven pigmentation
• Sun spots
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Leather-like skin texture

Many patients spend years—and thousands of dollars—later trying to reverse damage caused by tanning habits from their teens and twenties.

The irony is difficult to ignore:

Many people tan because they want to look younger, healthier, or more attractive, while the process itself can speed up skin aging.

“But I Want a Healthy Glow”

We understand.

Everyone wants to feel confident. Whether it’s prom season, wedding season, vacation season, beach season, or simply wanting a little boost in appearance, wanting some color is perfectly normal.

The good news?

You do not have to expose yourself to harmful UV radiation to achieve that look.

The Better Alternative: Spray Tanning

At WellAve Dermatology, we proudly offer spray-less tanning as a healthier cosmetic option for individuals who want a natural-looking glow without damaging their skin.

Unlike tanning beds:

✔ No harmful UV exposure
✔ No DNA damage to skin cells
✔ No increased skin cancer risk from UV rays
✔ No accelerated premature aging
✔ Immediate cosmetic results

Today’s spray tanning options have advanced dramatically. The old days of unnatural orange tones and uneven color are gone. Modern techniques can provide a natural, subtle glow that enhances appearance without compromising skin health.

You can look sun-kissed without exposing your skin to unnecessary harm.

What We Tell Our Patients

As a healthcare organization focused on patient-centered care, our responsibility extends beyond diagnosing and treating skin conditions.

We want to help prevent them.

If we could give patients one piece of advice, it would be this:

Your skin remembers everything.

Every tanning session. Every sunburn. Every UV exposure.

The choices you make today can influence your skin health years and even decades from now.

Our goal is not to take away confidence or fun. It is to provide healthier alternatives that protect both your appearance and your future.

Your Skin Is Worth Protecting

At WellAve Dermatology, our providers diagnose and treat skin cancers every day. We see firsthand the physical and emotional impact skin cancer can have on individuals and families.

The good news is that prevention matters.

Skip the tanning bed.

Protect your skin.

Choose healthier alternatives.

And while you’re taking care of your skin’s appearance, don’t forget to take care of its health too.

Schedule your annual skin check with WellAve Dermatology today. It could save your life.

Same-day appointments available.
Serving patients across Maryland with expert dermatologic care close to home.