The Truth About Solarium: Risks & Safer Glow Options

The Truth About Tanning Beds and Solariums

Let’s not lie to ourselves — a bronzed glow just hits different. Whether you’re prepping for summer, vacation vibes, or just like a darker golden skin tone, I really get it because that warm tone can make everything pop.

So you start thinking… “Maybe I’ll just hop into a solarium. Quick session. No big deal.”
But hold up. Before you commit to lying in a glowing bed of UV light, let’s have a real talk — friend to friend, skin-lover to skin-lover — about solariums, tanning beds, and what they actually mean for your skin.

What Even Is a Solarium?

A solarium (aka tanning bed) is basically a futuristic sun-in-a-box. You lie down (or stand for some), UV lamps go to work, and voilà — you leave a few shades toastier than when you arrived.

Easy peasy, yeah? But don’t be fooled by the cozy glow — what’s happening on a cellular level isn’t as cute. These machines expose your skin to concentrated UV radiation, mimicking sunlight and forcing your skin to produce melanin — aka the pigment that darkens your skin.

But here’s the plot twist: your skin only produces melanin to protect itself from UV damage. That tan you love? It’s your body’s SOS signal in disguise.

Let’s Talk About What UV Rays Really Do

There are two main types of UV radiation to worry about:

• UVA rays: The sneaky ones. They go deep into your skin and are the main factors behind wrinkles, sagging, and premature aging.

• UVB rays: The not-so-sneaky ones. They burn you. They’re the red-faced reminder you stayed too long under the sun (or in a tanning bed).
  Tanning beds hit you mostly with UVA rays, but at levels far more intense than the midday sun. Translation? You’re getting aged faster than your coffee cools down.

The Real Risks of Tanning Beds

1. Skin Cancer

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: tanning beds are a skin cancer risk — and not a small one.

• Using tanning beds before 35? It increases your risk of melanoma by 75%.

• They’re officially listed as Group 1 carcinogens (yup — right up there with tobacco and asbestos).

Let that sink in.

2. Premature Aging

You might look bronze today, but UVA rays are wrecking your collagen and elastin underneath. Think: wrinkles, fine lines, and that dry, leathery texture no one asked for.

3. Eye Damage

Unless you’re rocking legit eye protection, UV rays can hurt your corneas and increase your risk of cataracts. Basically — your whole face deserves better.

4. Immune Suppression & Cell Damage

Extended UV exposure doesn’t just mess with your skin — it can weaken your immune system and damage your DNA. Drama.

But… I Still Want That Glow

Same. We love a good glow. But here’s the good news: you can absolutely get that bronzed, glowy look without the skin sabotage.

Here’s what we recommend instead:

• Spray Tans
  Professional-grade, streak-free, and shade-customizable. No damage, just glow.

• Sunless Tanning Lotions
  Easy to use, enriched with skin-loving DHA. No UV, just results.

• Gradual Tanners
  Build your bronze over a few days, no commitment or risk.

Tanning Outside? Here’s How to Not Regret It

If you’re still a sunshine soul, we get it. But be sun-smart, please:

• Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (and yes, reapply every 2 hours).

• Avoid tanning during peak UV hours (10am–4pm).

• Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and SPF-infused clothing.

• Hydrate like it’s your job.

• And please — stop “checking” your tan by burning first. That’s skin damage in real-time.

But Isn’t Vitamin D Important?

Yes, but no, you don’t need a tanning bed to get it. Eat your leafy greens, take a supplement, bask in natural light for a few minutes daily — you can glow and be healthy.

What Dermatologists Really Think

They’re not fans. (Ouhhh, shocking!)

As Dr. Jeanine Downie puts it, “There’s no such thing as a safe tan from UV exposure.”

At our clinic, we agree. Your skin is your biggest organ — and it’s with you for life. Let’s treat it that way.

The Bottom Line? Skip the Burn, Keep the Glow

Tanning beds may promise a fast glow, but the long-term damage isn’t worth it. From premature aging to real health risks, it’s time to rethink the UV path to “beauty.”

The new glow-up? It’s skin health, safety, and treatments that love your skin back.

So whether you want to bronze up before a beach trip, boost your radiance year-round, or just glow smarter — there are many safe options that can help. 

Catch you next time!