Pros v. Cons of Tanning Beds
I am hot and cold on the idea of tanning beds. I’m more for them than not, but there have been many times in my life where I’ve had to weigh the pros and cons of using them, mainly debating on whether to spend the money or not.
Associated Content had a pretty good article on the pros and cons of tanning beds, but I could definitely tell they were more against then from the line, “Unfortunately, you can count the “pros” of using a tanning bed on one hand,” and if you know me at all, you know that I like to play devil’s advocate so, I more want to defend tanning beds rather than argue against them, like most people.
🙂
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/121632/the_pros_and_cons_of_using_a_tanning.html?cat=5
Here are some PROS this article talks about:
1. Fit and Healthy Feelings
The majority of the people who use a tanning bed like the way that having tanned skin makes them feel. It gives them self-confidence because they look fit and healthy.
2. Relaxed Moods
Using tanning beds reportedly gives people better, relaxed moods.
3. Production of Melanin
When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays and begins to tan, the body produces a pigment known as “Melanin.” Melanin helps protect the skin from becoming burned from over-exposure to ultraviolet rays.
4. Production of Vitamin D
Our bodies produce Vitamin D when we are exposed to natural or artificial sunlight. This vitamin is valuable in helping to keep our bones, teeth and joints strong.
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I agree with all of these points, of course. I think that pretty much everyone looks better with a tan, and as long as you’re smart about it (you don’t over tan or don’t use proper skin care when tanning), then it’s fine.
Now some of the CONS listed are…
1. Tanned Skin = Damaged Skin
Ironically, the same tanned-skin look that many people prize to look fit isn’t healthy. In reality, tanned skin is damaged skin. It’s turned darker because the body has produced Melanin in an effort to protect itself from the ultraviolet rays.
2. Skin Problems
The ultraviolet rays that make tanning bed work have also been shown to cause premature wrinkling and skin rashes. Using a tanning bed can also cause dry, rough skin. Hives is also a known side-effect of using a tanning bed.
And, overexposure to the ultraviolet rays that a tanning bed emits can lead to serious skin burns.damage and cataracts.
3. A Proven Cause of Skin Cancer
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) consider tanning beds to be “probable health hazards.” It’s estimated that more than one million people are diagnosed with Melanoma (skin cancer) annually. What is one of the worse culprits? Tanning beds.
All three organizations give tanning bed use a “thumbs down” rating. If you want tanned skin, it’s recommended that you buy a bottle of sun-less tanning oil instead.
4. Eye Damage
Using a tanning bed without protecting your eyes properly can easily cause burns to the corneas, retinal damage and cataracts.
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Blah blah.. ha ha.. while they are true and have been proven in many cases, I think there are just some things in life that aren’t good for you but then again, aren’t that bad. I mean, smoking is widely known for being unhealthy, and there aren’t really any positive things about smoking (health wise, especially), yet over 45 million people in American are smokers. Same with alcohol. The benefits are very slim, yet the beer, wine and liquor industry are some of the most profitable in the world.
At the end of the day, the negative effects of things like tanning, smoking, drinking, etc.. are unlikely to stop someone from doing them. It may cause them to cut back or consider quitting, but most people are going to brush it off than not.
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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