The benefits of Tanning

Can Indoor Tanning Cure Acne?

Phototherapy (or use of UV light) has been effective in easing the skin problems common in this condition. There are also many drugs, including tetracyclene and Retin-A, which are also widely used for treatment of acne. Because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must avoid UV exposure when medicated. Furthermore, a qualified physician should only administer the use of UV light for acne treatment. Food and Drug Administration prohibits indoor tanning equipment operators from asserting that equipment use is beneficial for any purpose other than obtaining cosmetic coloring.

Does Tanning Help Treat Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

There exists a growing body of scientific evidence which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light, are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD)

Can Indoor Tanning Be Used to Treat Psoriasis?

The FDA and Federal Trade Commission forbid making the representations regarding the benefits of indoor tanning other than its cosmetic effect. Therefore, one may not make medical claims about indoor tanning equipment.

However, phototherapy (or UV light treatment) can be used to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. A trained physician renders the treatment with equipment specifically designed for such a purpose.

Many salon operators report that customers who suffer from mild forms of psosrasis improved after indoor tanning, and many psoriatics do purchase indoor tanning beds.

Does Indoor Tanning Equipment aid In the Treatment of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by frequent bending and/or breaking of the bones due to lack of sufficient calcium. Adequate calcium intake is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth. It is widely recognized that the body in the intestine does not absorb calcium unless vitamin D3 is present. Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB.

Some studies show that indoor tanning lamps (which emit a certain amount of UVB) may initiate the production of vitamin D3 which in turn aids in calcium absorption. Yet due to Food and Drug Administration regulations, those in the indoor tanning industry may not make medical representations concerning their product. Until sufficient research has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, which provides that exposure to a specific UV tanning lamp may aid in the treatment of osteoporosis, such a claim is prohibited.

Is Indoor Tanning an Effective Treatment for Arthritis?

The Food and Drug Administration forbids making any medical claims in connection with indoor tanning equipment. In addition, there exists no current scientific research which shows that phototherapy is an effective treatment for arthritis.

Some tanners claim that indoor tanning does in fact ease arthritic pain temporarily. Such improvement is most likely attributable to the heat generated by indoor tanning equipment rather than the UV output of the lamps. Again, a salon operator may not promote any health-related aspects to indoor tanning.