Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

Are Tanning Salons Safe?

My 17-year-old daughter wants to go tanning at a tanning salon. She says all her friends are doing it. Is this safe?
Anjali

Even though many teens are into tanning, it's best for them to stay out of tanning salons and tanning beds. Tanning at a salon is not safer than tanning in the sun. The UV rays that cause the tan in a salon are involved in the development of skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. These UV rays also cause premature wrinkling of the skin.

It's also important to be cautious about airbrush or spray-on tans. The FDA hasn't approved DHA (the main ingredient in self-tanner) for use internally or on mucous membranes (like the lips). Spray tans may have unknown health risks because people can breathe in the spray, or the tanner may end up on their lips or eye area.

If your daughter is set on getting a few shades darker, suggest buying a sunless tanner. Also, make sure she applies plenty of sunscreen before hitting the beach or spending time outdoors.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 1, 2021

Lea este articulo en Español

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.