The Dangers of Tanning Beds and UV Exposure: A Call to Action
Nichole Sims began using a tanning bed at the age of 15, influenced by the trend among her peers before events like homecoming and prom. Eight years later, she received a diagnosis of melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer. Though the risk of tanning is high, Sims has noticed its increasing popularity among young individuals online. She actively counters the misinformation on social media about tanning being a mood enhancer and beauty requirement by sharing her personal experience.
Experts express concern over the resurgence of tanning popularity among young adults, fueled by social media. A video showing someone sharing “tanning secrets” and displaying a bikini tan line accumulated over 11 million views. In the comments, some people joke that they’d rather be tan than pale, regardless of environmental concerns.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 100,000 new melanomas are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. by 2026, with around 8,500 deaths anticipated. Some influencers dangerously encourage the use of tanning beds, further contributing to the issue.
Understanding the Risk of Tanning Beds
Dr. Pedram Gerami and his team from Northwestern University’s medical school investigated the cellular effects on tanning bed users. They discovered these individuals are nearly three times more likely to develop melanoma compared to those who don’t use tanning beds.
Gerami compared skin samples from tanning bed users to those from nonusers, analyzing the DNA sequences of melanocytes, the cells that may evolve into moles, melanoma, or other cancers. Exposure to UV light can cause melanocytes to mutate, leading to cancer. Tanning beds emit UV light up to ten times higher than the sun.
“You only need like two or three mutations in the right place for it to turn into a melanoma,” Gerami explained.
Such mutations significantly increase cancer risk, heightening concerns.
Misconceptions and Their Impact
A 2025 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology found Gen Z adults are less informed about sun protection. More than 20% prioritize tanning over skin safety, while over half rely on myths like a “base tan” provides sunburn protection.
TikTok features videos ridiculing expert warnings about the risks of UV exposure, falsely accusing sunscreen of causing cancer, and suggesting outdoor tanning under intense UV conditions. Experts advise avoiding sun exposure during these times.
Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, noted the resurgence in the popularity of tanning. Despite understanding its allure, Rossi stopped using tanning beds but later developed a non-melanoma skin cancer.
“There’s really no such thing as a safe tan,” emphasized Rossi.
Regulation and Risks
The World Health Organization categorizes tanning beds alongside cancer-causing agents like tobacco and asbestos. Using these beds before age 20 can increase melanoma risk by 47%, the American Academy of Dermatology states.
California pioneered banning tanning beds for minors in 2012, followed by more than twelve states implementing similar restrictions. Although many other states require parental consent, the U.S. FDA withdrew a proposed rule barring people under 18 from tanning beds due to “unintended consequences,” raising expert concerns about mixed public messages.
Communicating with Teens About Tanning Risks
Convincing teenagers about long-term health consequences can be challenging. However, Sherry Pagoto, a psychologist and professor at the University of Connecticut, suggests focusing on appearance, which is often the main motivator.
Instead of discussing skin cancer, parents might emphasize how excessive sun exposure can make skin leather-like or wrinkly. Taking teens to a dermatologist for a UV photo can reveal hidden skin damage.
Pagoto advises parents to model safe behavior, as teenagers often adopt tanning habits from their mothers. Providing sunscreen at home and buying self-tanning products could gently discourage unsafe tanning.
“Change can sometimes take time. So if you’re feeling frustrated, sometimes you just have to wait for their process to unfold,” Pagoto advised.