The Pros and Cons of Using Planet Fitness‘ Tanning Beds

Hey there! Lillie here, your home reno expert ready to dive deep into the world of tanning beds. I know you‘re curious about whether Planet Fitness‘ tanning beds are worth using or not. There‘s definitely pros and cons to consider. To help you decide, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at how tanning beds work, the benefits and risks, and specifics around PF‘s beds. Let‘s jump in!

Tanning Beds 101: How Do They Work Their Magic?

So tanning beds operate by blasting skin with concentrated ultraviolet (UV) radiation to trigger melanin production and darken your complexion. There are two types of UV rays:

• UVA – These penetrate deep into the dermis, the thickest layer of skin. They‘re tied to skin aging and wrinkles.
• UVB – These affect the outer layer called the epidermis and are what causes sunburns.

Most tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB rays in varying amounts. The strength is measured in mW/cm2 (milliwatts per square centimeter). The higher the number, the greater the UV intensity.

Tanning salons often use high-powered beds ranging from 15-28+ mW/cm2. But at Planet Fitness, beds max out at:

• Level 1 – 3-5 mW/cm2 (Low-UV)
• Level 2 – 5-10 mW/cm2 (Medium-UV)
• Level 3 – 10-15 mW/cm2 (Medium-High UV)

Sessions are capped at 20 minutes per day. Now let‘s break down the possible pros and cons of artificial tanning so you can decide if it‘s right for you!

The Sunny Side: Pros of Tanning Beds

A Cosmetic Bronze Glow

The most obvious benefit is achieving a golden bronze tone, which many consider attractive and youthful-looking. Tanning can also conceal imperfections like acne scars, age spots, or uneven skin pigmentation. The cosmetic effect typically lasts about 5-10 days before fading, so monthly bed sessions maintain color.

In a survey by Sun Scientific Research, 61% of indoor tanners said achieving a tan was their primary motivator. Around half also said tanning improves their overall mood and self-confidence.

Vitamin D Production

Some research, like a 2013 study in DermatoEndocrinology, suggests UVB rays help the body synthesize vitamin D. This vitamin promotes calcium absorption for bone strength and may offer other benefits like reducing risk of certain cancers, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune issues.

However, more controlled studies are still needed to confirm these links. According to one review in Photochemistry and Photobiology, 5–10 minutes of sun twice weekly provides adequate vitamin D for lighter skin, and up to 45 minutes for darker skin. Tanning bed overexposure usually isn‘t necessary for sufficient vitamin D.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Over 32% of indoor tanners say they do it for relaxation, according to Sun Scientific Research. There‘s something soothing about lying in a warm, quiet bed. This can temporarily lower blood pressure and cortisol levels to alleviate anxiety and recharge.

However, frequently tanning to destress is somewhat addictive behavior (more on that later). Meditation, yoga, massage therapy, and other practices provide relaxation without UV exposure.

The Shady Side: Risks of Tanning Beds

Skin Cancer Danger

Here‘s the big one. Studies overwhelmingly show that UV radiation from tanning beds can damage DNA and suppress the immune system, causing abnormal cell growth that leads to melanoma and other skin cancers.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, those who start tanning before age 35 have a 75% higher risk of melanoma. And melanoma rates in young women are rising faster than in men, likely due to higher indoor tanning rates.

All skin types are vulnerable on tanning beds, not just fair skin:

• Fair skin: Already high risk of skin cancer. Tanning multiplies risk.
• Medium skin: Can still develop skin cancer from tanning bed UV exposure.
• Darker skin: Typically lower risk, but still possible to develop melanoma from frequent tanning.

Bottom line – tanning damages DNA and suppresses immunity regardless of your skin tone.

Premature Aging

Remember how UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis? Well, studies show they contribute to premature aging by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers that keep skin plump and supple. This results in wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, uneven texture, and age spots.

A 2010 study in the Archives of Dermatology followed tanning bed users over 8 years. Frequent tanners showed signs of premature aging and were more likely to develop large freckles and dark brown spots compared to non-tanners. Yikes!

Eye Damage

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society cautions that UV radiation from tanning beds can burn the cornea and cause swelling/redness of the eyelids. More concerning are long-term risks like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even ocular melanoma (cancer).

Yes, you can wear protective goggles. But they don‘t block 100% of UV rays so your eyes are still absorbing some radiation.

Sunburns

You read that right – indoor tanning can still scorch your skin. Sunburns from tanning beds seem to be more common with fair skin, but any skin tone can burn with overexposure.

Burns often crop up 6-24 hours post-tanning. They may cause redness, tenderness, blistering, peeling, flaking, and other fun stuff.

Exacerbated Skin Conditions

UV radiation can worsen certain skin disorders like eczema, cold sores, acne, and psoriasis. The Skin Cancer Foundation cautions that tanning severely dries sensitive eczema-prone skin.

For acne, tanning‘s effects are mixed – radiation dries excess oil but also causes inflammation. Many dermatologists advise acne-prone patients to avoid UV exposure.

Increased Addiction Risk

You‘ve probably heard of "tanorexia," which is essentially tanning addiction. Some frequent tanners show addictive behaviors and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or depression when stopping. This puts them at higher risk of UV overexposure and damage.

Studies estimate 2.5-6% of regular tanners are addicted. Young women are most commonly affected.

Mental health counseling is recommended for those with tanning dependence to avoid further health impacts.

Weighing Pros & Cons of Planet Fitness Beds

Alright, let‘s recap the glowing benefits and darker risks of tanning beds in general. Now we‘ll get into some key points to consider with Planet Fitness specifically.

PF Tanning Perks

What‘s nice about Planet Fitness tanning is the low membership cost for unlimited use. It can be as little as $10-22.99 per month depending on location. Many tanning salons charge per session.

PF beds also have relatively low/medium UV strengths capped at 15 mW/cm2. For comparison, high-end salons boast 28+ mW/cm2 beds.

Time limits further reduce exposure. You‘re restricted to 20 minute sessions with each bed once per day. So tanning is more controlled than at some salons.

PF Tanning Precautions

Even with those safer precautions, Planet Fitness tanning still requires vigilance. Key things to watch for:

• Overuse – Don‘t exceed daily time limits or tan daily as addiction can form.
• Burning – Monitor skin reactions closely and adjust exposure times.
• Sanitation – Beds should be wiped between uses as bacteria and viruses spread via shared surfaces.
• Eye protection – PF provides goggles but many bring their own for better coverage.
• Qualifications – Ask staff about their training and certifications like from the International Smart Tan Network.

Healthy Bronze Glow Alternatives

Alrighty, we‘ve covered a ton of ground here. Let‘s wrap up with safer sunless tanning alternatives I recommend:

• Self-tanning lotions – Apply at home for gradual color. Look for easy-to-apply mousses.
• Spray tanning – Get misted at a salon or booth for instant bronzing. Lasts about a week.
• Tanning pills – Oral supplements like melanotan provide color without UV exposure.
• Bronzers and makeup – Try illuminators, bronzers, contouring techniques.

These give your skin a sun-kissed glow without UV damage. For vitamin D, limited sun exposure, fatty fish, and supplements are safer than tanning.

The Bottom Line

Whew – that was epic but I hope breaking down all the nitty gritty about tanning beds was helpful for you! Now you know exactly what you‘re getting into with Planet Fitness beds.

In my opinion as a reno pro, any unnecessary UV exposure carries risks. But with time limits and weaker beds, responsible tanning at PF seems less hazardous than salon overuse if you really enjoy it. Everything in moderation!

Ultimately it‘s a personal choice. Now you have all the facts to make the best decision for your health and beauty needs. Let me know if you have any other cosmetic questions! Tanning safely is an art.