⚠️ Artificial tanning accelerates skin aging by several decades

Tanning beds are often perceived as a quick way to achieve a tanned complexion, but a recent study reveals that they could accelerate the genetic aging of the skin by several decades, even surpassing the natural effects of time.

This research, conducted by scientists from the University of California, San Francisco and Northwestern University, was published in the journal Science Advances. It focused on the molecular effects of artificial tanning, analyzing medical data and cellular samples to pinpoint the mechanisms at play.


The researchers analyzed skin samples from 26 donors and sequenced 182 cells. Their observations indicate that young adults using tanning beds present more genetic mutations than individuals twice their age. These alterations are particularly visible in areas like the lower back, which are less exposed to the sun but often targeted by the devices.

Furthermore, these mutations are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, notably melanoma. Although this type of cancer represents only a small fraction of cases, it is responsible for the majority of deaths. Ultraviolet rays, whether from the sun or tanning beds, are the primary cause, and their accumulation can promote the appearance of cancerous cells over the years.

The study also examined the medical records of more than 32,000 dermatology patients, including their use of tanning beds and their family history. This approach allowed for establishing a direct link between exposure to artificial UV rays and the accumulation of mutations, offering a detailed view of cellular damage in regular users, notably young women who constitute a significant part of the clientele.

The authors specify that the skin of tanning bed users is marked by cells carrying precursor mutations to melanoma. They note that once a mutation occurs, it is irreversible, and that reducing exposure to artificial UV rays is fundamental to avoiding this damage, by favoring alternatives without unnatural radiation.

While tanning beds are classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization, at the same level as tobacco smoke, they remain legal and popular in many countries. This popularity is correlated with an increase in melanoma rates, particularly among young women, which raises questions about prevention measures and public awareness.

UV rays and cancerous mutations

Ultraviolet rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and by artificial sources such as tanning lamps. They are divided into several types, including UVA and UVB, which can penetrate the skin to different depths. These rays are known for their ability to cause DNA damage, by creating abnormal chemical bonds between nucleic bases, which disrupts cellular replication.

When DNA is damaged by UV rays, specific mutations can occur, such as base substitutions or strand breaks. These alterations can activate cancer-promoting genes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes. Over the course of repeated exposures, these mutations accumulate, increasing the probability that certain cells escape control mechanisms and become malignant, leading to cancers like melanoma.

Tanning beds often emit concentrated levels of UV rays, which can accelerate this mutation process compared to moderate sun exposure. This explains why regular users, even young ones, present mutational profiles similar to those of much older individuals. The effect is particularly marked in areas less exposed to the sun, where the skin is less adapted to such aggressions.