Tanning Myths

Myth #4 "I could get a sexually transmitted disease like AIDS from the tanning bed."

Fact: The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that this is physically impossible. The AIDS virus (as well as other serious viral diseases) does not live outside the body. This fear may come from the fact that many people lay nude in sun beds during their tanning session (in order to eliminate tan lines). However, even if there is profuse sweating, the AIDS virus, or other venereal diseases, cannot be passed to the next user. Additionally, tanning salons are required by law to disinfect the acrylic liner in the tanning bed between each use.

Myth #5 "I heard that in order to get a suntan you have to burn first."

Fact: A sunburn does not fade into a tan. A sunburn indicates over exposure to UV light and actually damages the skin, leaving it inflamed (as indicated by the skin's red coloring and sensitivity), dry, chapped and visibly unappealing. In fact, a sunburn can lead to premature aging and potentially skin cancer. Always practice moderation when tanning and use the proper sunscreen protection when tanning outdoors and the proper exposure time that is recommended for your personal skin type when tanning indoors.

Myth #6 "All skin types tan or burn in the same amount of time."

Fact: Not all skin types are alike. Some people tan more easily than others or burn more easily than others. For example, a Skin Type 1 person with fair skin, red hair and freckles will burn easily, resulting in peeling and blistering without any indication that he or she has tanned. On the other hand, a Skin Type 4 person with dark hair and olive skin will tan very well and quite easily, even with a minimal amount of sun exposure. It is important to know: repeated exposure of unprotected skin while tanning may increase the risk of skin aging, skin cancer, and harmful effects to the skin, even if you don't burn. To learn more about skin types, click here.

Myth #7 "People with medium to dark skin never burn."

Fact: Although people with medium to darker skin tend to tan more easily than others, they can still get sunburns. They can also suffer from overexposure to UV light. It is still important for these skin types to use sunscreens and avoid being in the sun longer than they need to be.