Indoor tanning: Evidence surrounding advertised health claims

ABSTRACT Indoor tanning continues to remain common, despite evidence of an increased risk of skin cancer from artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation (Guy et al., 2015). The tanning bed industry has marketed health benefits of indoor tanning such as increased vitamin D production, benefits of a base tan, enhanced mood, and treatment of certain dermatologic conditions in the hopes of gaining customers. For this reason, providers need a comprehensive reference reviewing the evidence that support or oppose these claims in order to better educate their patients. In this work, we conducted an evidence-based review of the literature to identify and grade studies that investigate health claims related to UV exposure. Results indicate that there is little evidence to support each of these proposed health benefits. Tanning beds emit primarily UVA radiation, which is relatively ineffective at activating vitamin D or mood enhancing pathways. While, the effects of tanning beds on generating a protective base tan or treating dermatologic conditions are minimal compared to the increased risk of skin cancer. Health care providers must continue to warn and educate patients surrounding the misleading information propagated by the tanning bed industry as well as the dangers of artificial UV radiation. 1 This study analyzed the scientific literature behind common health claims made by the tanning industry. 2 The evidence found does not support the proposed health claims from tanning bed use, making the use of tanning beds not worth their increased cancer risk.