The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is an international research body which makes recommendations to WHO (World Health Organization). After reviewing studies regarding the link between tanning beds and skin cancer, the IARC has announced that tanning beds and sun lamps are definitely carcinogenic to humans. They made their decision after a review of the literature found a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma in patients who began using tanning beds before the age of 30. Studies have also pointed to an increased risk of melanoma affecting the eye.

Of course, proponents of tanning beds, including manufacturers, would like you to believe that tanning beds are safe and do not pose a risk to humans. Many people use tanning beds in the belief that the use of tanning beds is actually safer than exposing their skin to natural sunlight. In fact, UV-A rays are the predominant rays that are emitted from tanning beds, and these rays penetrate more deeply than do UV-B rays, and can affect the skin more deeply, potentially altering the immune system, which may increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

If the idea of skin cancer is not enough to scare you, consider the fact that the use of tanning beds and sun lamps also causes premature aging of the skin. This is due to the fact that when you tan your skin, you are actually damaging it-- when cells are exposed to UV radiation, they produce melanin, which is what gives you that “just back from vacation” look. Over time, and repeated exposure, your skin begins to take on a more aged look than it might have had you not used a tanning bed.

So, for those of you who enjoy wearing that tan year-round, something to think about: over 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Heed the signs of skin cancer and report them to your doctor: any spot on the skin that changes color or size has an irregular border and is asymmetrical is more likely to be cancer.

Related Links:
How to Detect Abnormal Changes on Your Skin from Health Guru
Melanoma 101: Introduction to a Deadly Skin Cancer from Medicine Net
Artificial Tanning Booths and Cancer from the National Cancer Institute