Indoor tanning has taken some heat over the years for causing many skin disorders, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Tanning, scientifically speaking, is the act of exposing the skin to ultraviolet radiation in order to darken the skin. Exposure to UV rays oxidizes the levels of melanin in the skin, thus darkening the skin. Melanin is a pigment that is produced in order to prevent damage from solar radiation, so increased exposure to sunlight or sunless tanning booths will increase melanin production and darken the skin. It's even been proven that exposure to sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis.

Indoor tanning is a relatively new phenomenon that allows individuals to enter booths or stalls which have concentrated, artificial UV-ray fixtures that act as rays of sun and provide tans much more quickly than lying in the sun. Indoor tanning salons have become increasingly popular, especially among young women, and is generally considered a fashionable "look". It is especially popular during the winter and in areas that do not get very warm. Fair-skinned people tend to get freckles or burn, while darker-skinned people, due to the presence of melanin already in their skin, will generally have an easier time tanning.

However, it's important to understand the risks of indoor tanning. While tanning bed companies will argue that developing a base tan is healthy and will prevent sunburn, direct UV radiation has been proven to damage DNA. Plus, studies have shown that overexposure to UV rays may increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, there are many reputable organizations that advise against indoor tanning, including:

Indoor tanning companies do admit that overexposure to UV rays resulting in sunburns may cause types of skin cancer, but insist that this type of exposure is not common with indoor tanning, and that the UV exposure from indoor tanning is good for you. In fact, some doctors even express that UV rays may not be as bad for us as we think. However, many dermatologists believe that indoor tanning is not safe, no matter what the circumstances.

There are many safe alternatives to indoor tanning that will help you achieve the same results without exposing your skin to UV rays. There are many self-tanning lotions, sprays, and gels that will temporarily darken the outer layers of your skin. They are generally considered safe for your skin, but only if used correctly. Sunless tanners use dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to darken your skin, and the color will dissipate as the dead skin cells slough off. However, if you plan on using a sunless tanning product, make sure that you are not allergic to the fragrance or additives included. This could result in irritation or a serious skin allergy.

While limited amounts of sun exposure can provide your body with vitamin D, if you wish to avoid the risks of skin cancer, skip the tanning booths and go for the self-tanning spray instead.