• Amount of exposure, which is cumulative over your lifetime



• Intensity of the radiation



• Type of UV light



• Genetically determined tolerance of your skin to UV radiation

Two types of UV radiation — ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) — have an effect on your skin. UVA penetrates into the deeper layers of your skin and can damage your skin's immune system. This can contribute to the development of skin cancer, including melanoma. UVA also causes premature wrinkling. Tanning beds are a source of high doses of UVA. UVB causes sunburn and plays a significant role in skin cancers called basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

You can prevent skin damage from UV radiation by:

• Limiting your exposure to UV light



• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB

The UV light from tanning beds may also:

• Cause eye burns if you don't use protective eyewear



• Worsen some chronic conditions such as lupus



• Interact with some medications that cause increased sensitivity to light (photosensitivity), such as ibuprofen, thiazides and tetracycline. This can lead to a severe sunburn-like reaction.

If you want the golden glow of a tan without exposure to damaging UV light, consider using sunless tanning products or bronzers. But keep in mind that many of these products don't contain sunscreen and won't protect you from the sun.