Tanning beds: how risky are they really?

Tanning beds vs. natural sunlight—how bad is it really? Does anyone have actual data or links on this?

My bad if this has already been covered here.

Just saw this news item:

California bans tanning beds for anyone under 14.

The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed off on a law banning kids under 14 from using tanning salons.

In a state like California, where you see tanned people everywhere, dermatologists have been sounding the alarm about how much damage that artificial light does to your skin, specifically regarding cancer risks.

Businesses that break the law could be looking at fines up to $2,500.

Teens between 14 and 18 will need written parental consent just to step foot in a tanning salon.

I think I read somewhere, maybe in a medical journal or an article on WebMD, that studies show tanning beds can be ten times more harmful than just soaking up the sun.

Speaking from my own experience, I went in a couple of times earlier this year, and honestly, I can't stand how I feel afterward. It’s this weird, "airy" sensation that just feels off. Plus, if you look at the girls who go there all the time, that tan looks totally fake—it’s just not my vibe.👎

I doubt I'll ever step foot in one again. Sure, the sun isn't exactly healthy either, but at least it's natural.🙂

All I can tell you is that after my skin check at the Mayo Clinic, the doctor was very firm about the rules—I'm strictly forbidden from using tanning beds, period! They also told me to wait until after 4:00 PM before heading out into the sun, and even then, I have to be slathered in SPF. Apparently, that advice applies to anyone dealing with moles, too. And honestly—well, if that’s the case—one could certainly draw a few conclusions from that!

If we aren't being hyperbolic, I don't believe it's quite as damaging as people claim.

My routine is simple: I hit a tanning salon maybe two or three times before summer hits just to get a base tan. After that, I can spend the entire summer soaking up the sun all day long without much issue.
In the past, I couldn't even handle thirty minutes without turning bright red and suffering burns...

That said, getting a professional skin check wouldn't hurt. I'll probably schedule one soon.

It honestly baffles me how many people go once a week, all year round. It makes you wonder what their skin actually looks like under the surface.🙄

did that too this summer...
Money is no object... been there a few times...
Think I got my tan and everything... though who's actually prepping for a beach trip I ended up skipping? But that's a whole other story...
just some goat... nothing special... 🙄 Every cream I actually liked... suddenly feels like nothing. Just useless. Now my skin feels all weird and tingly under my fingers... like something's off...