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. In the hopes of gaining customers, the tanning bed industry has marketed health benefits of indoor tanning such as increased vitamin D production, development of a base tan, enhanced mood, and treatment of certain dermatologic conditions. To better educate their patients, providers need a comprehensive reference reviewing the evidence that support or oppose these claims. 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, and the effects are minimal in regard to tanning beds generating a protective base tan or treating dermatologic conditions compared with the increased risk of skin cancer. Health care providers must continue to warn and educate patients about the misleading information propagated by the tanning bed industry as well as about the dangers of artificial UV radiation.