Tanning Bed Vitamin D Source – Yes? No?

When we go out into the sun our body is provided with Vitamin D which has many benefits to our health. But is a tanning bed vitamin D source? Yes or No?

Vitamin D is very beneficial to your health. It helps ward off depression, osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, psoriasis, diabetes, dialysis patients, and stroke. But depending on where you live and what your schedule is getting sunshine during the winter months can be almost impossible.

That’s why many head off to the salon for a tanning bed session. But can a tanning bed offer you the same benefits the sun can and is it a safe way to get your Vitamin D?

Studies have shown that Vitamin D does infact protect the body but it’s a trade of from the dangers of skin cancer from exposure to the sun. The trick is to make sure benefits exceed risk.

Many professionals would have you believe that tanning beds are not a good alternative choice. It’s true both tanning beds and the sun produce UVA and UVB rays which are absorbed by the skin.

UVA rays have a longer wave length which penetrates deep into the skin. UVB rays have a short wave length which just penetrates the surface layer of the skin. Both types of UV rays have health risks but UVB rays are also needed to process and metabolize vitamin D in our bodies.

About 20 minutes a day of your hands and face being exposed to the sun will give your body enough vitamin D to ensure you have no deficiencies and it’s minimal enough you don’t have to worry about the negative effects.

The problem is UVB rays produce vitamin D but tanning beds concentrate on supplying UVA rays. That’s because it was always felt that UVB rays were dangerous causing burns and skin cancer. While UVA rays are what produced those beautiful deep bronze tans.

Salons set their beds to emit over 90% UVA rays, in fact in many cases it’s around 98%. So your risk of burning is very minimal but you shouldn’t expect to get the vitamin D you need either.

That said some salons recognize the value of UVB rays so they have at least one or two beds that do provide UVB rays which means these beds would meet your need for vitamin D. It’s best to ask at the salon.

There are other benefits to a tanning bed including treating SAD and other forms of depression. SAD affects people during the winter months when the sun is lacking. By receiving regular tanning session’s symptoms have been shown to be dramatically reduced.

It’s important to remember that moderation is key. As with anything common sense can go a long way to protecting your health and keeping you safe. That’s the best way to enjoy the benefits and reduce the risks.

Tanning bed vitamin D source is a possibility with the right type of bed. Remember to check with your salon or spa.