American molecular biologists have demonstrated that routine tanning bed use accelerates skin aging and damage not only visually but also at the DNA level. Research from Northwestern University (NWU) revealed that frequent tanning salon utilization doubles the rate of mutation accumulation in melanocytes—the skin’s pigment cells. This is directly linked to an increased risk of melanoma, one of the most perilous forms of skin cancer.
Scientists examined the medical histories of over 32 thousand patients from the NWU clinic’s dermatology division and noted an unusually high percentage of melanoma and other skin cancers among relatively young women under 50. Approximately 7.5 thousand visitors reported having used tanning beds—both in the past and recently. These individuals were separated into a distinct cohort and compared with a control sample of patients who had never visited tanning facilities.
By comparing the number of mutations in skin cells of 3 thousand tanning bed regulars and an equal number of volunteers without artificial sun exposure, researchers obtained a concerning finding: among sunbed enthusiasts, the pace of accumulating genetic damage in melanocytes was roughly twice as high. Furthermore, changes were recorded across the entire body surface, not just on areas typically exposed to solar radiation.
This was also reflected in disease statistics: melanoma was identified in 5.1% of patients who frequented tanning beds, versus 2.1% in the control group. Moreover, tumors in tanning bed users frequently appeared on skin regions usually veiled by clothing, further indicating the role of artificial UV radiation specifically.
The authors emphasize that the World Health Organization already classifies tanning beds as carcinogens of the same danger level as asbestos and cigarettes. NWU Professor Pedram Gerami urged that they be treated as strictly as tobacco: by equipping the devices and studios with visible warnings about cancer risk and, at minimum, completely restricting access to tanning beds for minors. Against the backdrop of 330 thousand new melanoma cases globally each year and around 60 thousand fatalities, early prevention, the scientists stress, is critically important, reports TASS.
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