Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer Risk: What Teenagers, Young Adults Need to Know Now

The appeal of a bronzed glow has long driven people, especially teenagers and young adults, into tanning salons. But beneath the surface of that “golden tan” lies a serious and well-documented risk of skin cancer.

With the recent decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withdraw a proposed nationwide ban on tanning bed use for minors, concerns among dermatologists and public health experts are rising once again.

While some states have strict laws prohibiting minors from using tanning beds, others — including Florida — still allow teens to access them with parental consent. This patchwork of regulations, combined with shifting federal policy, has created confusion about just how safe, or unsafe, indoor tanning really is.

To clarify the science and risks, Naiara Braghiroli, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist and chief of the Skin Cancer Clinic and the Kalman Bass Endowed Chair in Skin Cancer at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, provides insights.

“The withdrawal of the FDA’s proposed ban does not mean tanning beds are safe—it simply reflects a regulatory decision, not a scientific one,” says Dr. Braghiroli. “Unfortunately, many families may interpret this as a green light, when in reality the risks—especially for teenagers—remain very high.”

The Myth of “Safe Enough”

Despite the U.S. agency’s proposal pullback, the FDA and major medical groups, such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation, emphasize that no tan is safe. They also warn that indoor tanning is linked to:

• Skin Cancer: Increased risk of melanoma (the deadliest form), basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Accelerated Aging: UV radiation causes premature wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin elasticity.
• Eye Damage: Short-term burns to the cornea and long-term risks like cataracts.

Nonetheless, when federal agencies step back from stricter regulation, it can unintentionally send the wrong message to the public.

Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily UVA rays, at intensities that can far exceed natural sunlight. In fact, some devices produce up to 15 times more UV radiation than the midday sun. This exposure damages the DNA in skin cells, accelerating aging and significantly increasing the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma—the deadliest form.

Why Teen Skin Is More Vulnerable

Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and development, and that includes the skin. During this period, cells are dividing more quickly, which makes them more susceptible to damage.

“Adolescent skin is biologically more vulnerable because the cells are actively proliferating, and DNA repair mechanisms may not be as robust as in fully matured skin,” explains Dr. Braghiroli. “When high-intensity UVA radiation hits these cells, it can cause mutations that persist for decades and eventually lead to cancer.”

This is why age-based restrictions exist. While 18 is often used as a legal threshold, it is not a magical cutoff from a biological standpoint.

“The age of 18 is a legal benchmark, not a biological one,” she adds. “The cumulative exposure to UV radiation—especially during teenage years—has a profound impact on lifetime skin cancer risk.”

A Growing Concern: “Tanning Tourism”

With inconsistent laws across states, a troubling trend has begun to emerge: teens traveling to areas with more lenient regulations to access tanning beds.

“This phenomenon, sometimes called ‘tanning tourism,’ is very concerning,” says Dr. Braghiroli. “In states like Florida, where parental consent allows access, we may see an influx of young people seeking tanning services.”

The concern isn’t just theoretical. Early UV exposure is strongly linked to earlier onset of melanoma.

“We know that intense UV exposure at a young age increases the likelihood of developing melanoma earlier in life,” she notes. “If more teens are using tanning beds now, we could see a measurable rise in cases appearing in patients in their 20s and 30s.”

The Long-Term Healthcare Impact

Skin cancer doesn’t always appear immediately. In many cases, the damage done in youth manifests years or even decades later.

“As someone who treats advanced skin cancers, I anticipate a significant increase in basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas over the next 10 to 15 years if teenage tanning continues at current or higher rates,” Dr. Braghiroli warns. “These cancers may not be as deadly as melanoma, but they can be disfiguring, require repeated surgeries, and place a substantial burden on the healthcare system.”

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, while squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive and spread if not treated early. Both are strongly linked to cumulative UV exposure.

“This isn’t just about individual risk—it’s a public health issue,” she adds. “We’re talking about preventable cancers that will require long-term care, resources, and emotional toll on patients.”

Are There Safer Alternatives?

For those seeking a sun-kissed look without the risks, there are safer options available.

“The safest way to achieve a tanned appearance is to avoid UV exposure altogether,” says Dr. Braghiroli. “Sunless tanning products, such as lotions, sprays, or professional spray tans, can provide a temporary bronzed look without increasing your risk of skin cancer.”

These products use ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to darken the outermost layer of the skin. While not entirely risk-free—especially if inhaled during spray applications—they are far safer than UV radiation.

“It’s important to use these products as directed and avoid inhalation or contact with mucous membranes,” she advises. “But overall, they are a much safer alternative compared to tanning beds.”

What Parents and Teens Should Know

The decision to use tanning beds often involves both teens and their parents, especially in states where consent is required. Education is key.

“Parents play a critical role in shaping their children’s understanding of risk,” Dr. Braghiroli emphasizes. “Just because something is legally permitted doesn’t mean it’s medically advisable.”

She recommends that families have open conversations about the risks of UV exposure and consider healthier alternatives.

“Encouraging self-confidence without relying on appearance — and especially not on something that harms your health — is one of the best things we can do for young people,” she adds.

Protecting Your Skin for the Future

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it remains one of the most common. The choices made during adolescence can have lasting consequences.

Avoiding tanning beds, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are all simple but effective ways to reduce risk.

“The damage from UV exposure is cumulative, but so is the benefit of protecting your skin,” Dr. Braghiroli said. “Every step you take today can lower your risk tomorrow.”