One things for sure tanning booths are not going to cook your internal organs, contrary to the common urban myth. But there are some very real dangers associated with sun tanning booths, and to protect yourself you need to be informed.

The sun, tanning beds, and tanning lamps all emit ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. UVB is associated with sunburn, while UVA is linked to deeper, more penetrating radiation and long-term skin damage.

For years, people argued that tanning beds were safe because they primarily emit UVA rays, which will tan but not burn skin. But more recent evidence links UVA exposure to malignant melanoma which is an extremely dangerous type of skin cancer. Cases of skin cancer are becoming more common, possibly due to the sun tanning booths becoming more popular.

Additionally, overexposure to all UV rays can cause premature aging and loss of skin elasticity. But early aging and skin cancer are harmful effects of tanning booths that often do not show up for a lot of years, after the damage to the skin is already done.

There is no UV ray exposure that is safe. While sometimes exposure to some sunlight is healthy because it prompts the body to produce vitamin D the amount of sunlight needed for this health benefit is MINIMAL. UV rays are radiaa type of radiation, and over-exposure will always cause damage to the skin. Both types of UV rays have been linked to immune system damage.

It is true that sun tanning booths are prescribed as therapy to treat certain types of skin diseases, but as with any medication, there are risks if not used as directed.