What Is Sun-Tanning? Sun tanning describes a darkening of skin color a natural physiological response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunshine or from artificial sources such as a tanning-bed. Only a handful of animal species including pigs, humans and certain sharks have skin that darkens in response to sunlight. With excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, sunburn can develop, and no matter the weather, seasonal sunburn prevention  is always necessary. (Source, Wikipedia) What Is A Tanning Bed? A tanning bed or sun-bed is a device that emits ultraviolet radiation (typically 95% UVA and 5% UVB, +/-3%) used to produce a cosmetic tan. Regular tanning beds use several fluorescent lamps that have phosphor blends designed to emit UV rays in a spectrum that is somewhat similar to the sun. While the Vitamin D link that we get from sunlight is important, to much UV exposure of a is never a good thing!

Indoor Tanning Risks    

•    Cancer Risk, The USA Department of Health and Human Services  reported that  indoor tanning is "carcinogenic to humans"  The International Agency for Research on Cancer places tanning beds in the category for highest cancer-risk category. Skin cancer is 90% a preventable disease. Read these skin cancer personal stories. •    Eye damage, Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times as strong as those from the sun. These intense rays  can cause very serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids, according to The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). •    UV radiation and DNA damage, According to World Health Organization (WHO) and NASA studies. Sun-beds emit predominantly UVA light and some UVB, light, both of which can damage the DNA in skin cells. When DNA absorbs UV-B light the absorbed energy can break bonds in the DNA. •    Allergic reactions, FDA studies have found that people who are especially sensitive to UV radiation may develop an itchy red rash and other adverse effects after UV exposure. •    Premature aging, Tanning beds use fluorescent bulbs that emit mostly UVA rays that are 3 times more intense than natural sun light, according to Harvard Health Publications Medical School. •    Risks among girls are higher, between the ages of 15 and 18 and it can become an addiction according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Education & Prevention, The Answer

After conducting our market research and learning of all the shocking risks of indoor tanning, including the fact that there are over 30 million bed-tanning customers in the USA alone is very painful. As parents, we have the responsibility to educate our children. They know little or nothing about this dangerous trend that we must end! As we have expressed on our site, kids listen. Explaining the dangers of tanning even to young children combined with tougher government laws will help protect future generations.  Please read sun-safety parents guide and see our exclusive sun pyramid easy guide to check the UV Index in your area for more information .

Kids need to learn from parents and educators that the misconception of “having a nice tan...make us look and feel pretty” is wrong and that it can have serious consequences later in life. There is no such a thing as a “safe” tan. Despite what tanning salons may claim, their beds are not safe, because tanning itself isn’t safe. (American Academy of Dermatology)

TIP    Is never too early to start teaching our children about the dangers of indoor-tanning. Talk to your son or daughter about being happy with the skin color they have.  Show them examples of beauty that does not have an artificial tan. Tell them to be aware of misleading information in advertisements.  Don't forget to read about our unique sun protective clothing and how to choose the right sunscreen.