There is no scientific proof that tanning beds are harmful during pregnancy. However, it would be advisable to be aware of certain facts before one decides to use a tanning bed during pregnancy. The UV rays emitted by the bulbs in the tanning equipment are mainly UVA and UVB rays and it penetrates through the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer of the skin. Studies show that during pregnancy, skin would be more sensitive and melanin is produced excessively, which can be noticed around the nipples, on the abdomen, and on the face, which is often referred to as ‘mask of pregnancy.’ This discoloration or tanning on a woman’s face associated with pregnancy is called chloasma. If a pregnant woman uses a tanning bed, it would increase chloasma. Another important factor to be noted is that hyperthermic reactions during the first trimester of pregnancy could lead to spinal malformations in the baby and this mostly happens when the mother is exposed to a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Also of note is the fact that ultraviolet radiation breaks down folates and this could lead to folic acid deficiency in a gestating mother. Folic acid is so important during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, that it prevents neutral tube defects such as spina bifida.
From a dermatologic point of view, there is no such thing as safe tanning. Studies indicate that if a person visits a tanning salon once every 4 to 6 weeks, the chances of developing malignant melanoma would be twice that of others. It is important to note that melanoma is the only type of cancer that metastasizes to the placenta and this would certainly be disastrous during gestation both for the mother and the baby. Considering all the above factors, one would certainly agree that the greater the ultraviolet radiation exposure, the greater would be the risk during pregnancy and thus avoiding tanning beds during gestation would certainly be the best option for ‘safe maternity.’
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Pros and Cons of Tanning Beds
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A tanning bed is a contraption that is primarily used for indoor tanning, where exposure to UV rays is made possible by artificial means in a controlled atmosphere. The only advantage of tanning is that it produces a pigment called melanin. Melanin protects the skin...
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Effects of Tanning Beds
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Tanning beds x96 also called sunbeds x96 are wonderful things designed to emit ultraviolet radiations for artificial or sunless tanning. Today, around one million people in the U.S use tanning beds. But, still there exists an uncertainty regarding the positive and negative effects of tanning...
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Dangers of Tanning Beds
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If tanning beds are not used properly, they can be very dangerous. Most tanning beds release very high and dangerous levels of ultraviolet radiation which has been proved to cause premature aging. Tanning beds may cause burns, suppress immune systems, cause cosmetic and drug-induced photosensitivity,...
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High Pressure Tanning Beds
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High pressure tanning is a modern tanning technology. High pressure tanning beds provide the ultimate tanning experience for all skin types. High pressure tanning beds produce ultraviolet A which is the main tanning light ray. High pressure tanning beds do not utilize the harmful UVB...
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Commercial Tanning Beds: An Overview
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Tanning Beds: History and Advice
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Tanning beds were brought to North America by German scientist Friedrich Wolff in 1978 and rose to popularity in the mid-1980s. Since then, tanning beds have been a common way to tan without having to spend hours and hours in the sun’s unpredictable radiation. Make...
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Residential Tanning Beds
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Residential tanning beds give you privacy, convenience and hygienic conditions that you do not get from a salon or the beach. Residential tanning beds help you to manage the risk of sunburn by controlling the ultraviolet rays. Residential tanning beds work on either 120V or...
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Tanning Beds
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In Western countries, tanning beds are used at home or in tanning salons to obtain a sunless tan. Manufacturers of tanning beds claim that these beds tan safely and do not cause skin cancer. However, medical practitioners say that tanning, whether from sunlight or artificial...
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Used Home Tanning Beds
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When shopping for a used tanning bed, it is important to compare different models available. It will provide us an idea about the construction of the equipment and overall durability. Used home tanning beds are refurbished old tanning beds which can be purchased at cheap...
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Tanning Beds and Eye Damage: What You Need to Know
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A tanning bed or sun bed is a device structured with sunlamps in which one stands or reclines in order to acquire a suntan. Tanning beds emit 2 types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB rays. In general, tanning beds predominantly emit UVA radiation. However,...