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Are there any tanning beds that are safe to use?
Question
I understand that tanning beds are not really a totally safe thing to use. Many people I know use tanning beds as way to keep some “tan” to their skin and a way to get some vitamin d (if that really works). Are there any actual safe tanning beds out there that you know of that work well and that will not bring harm with it? There are a few websites listing that their tanning beds are safe and that their lighting is superior to others. Also, are other light beds such as infrared, red, blue, or other lights in the spectrum? What are your highly respected thoughts about this? Thank you.
Answer
I have not seen any scientific testing which compares the different tanning beds. Therefore, I make the assumption that whatever they are writing about their products is simply marketing and advertising and consequently meaningless. I personally would not use a tanning bed, but I cannot say that there is adequate long-term (which is what would be required) research to prove that my suspicions or worries about tanning beds are warranted.
David Getoff, CCN, CTN, FAAIM, Price-Pottenger Vice President