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Using a tanning booth with EDS or hypermobility is not recommended. In fact, tanning booths are not safe for anyone. Research has found that 97% of women who are diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 30 are tanning booth users.
It’s well known that EDS skin is pale and translucent. And 72% of people say that having a tan makes you look better. But using a tanning booth to get a tan isn’t the answer. Let’s look into this in more detail and find out how to safely get a tan instead.
Is It Safe To Use A Tanning Booth With EDS?
No, it’s not safe to use a tanning booth with EDS. Tanning booths emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Tanning booths also put you at risk of burn. Sunburn and EDS are common because hypermobile skin is thinner than normal. As a result, it burns quicker in the sun and when using tanning booths.
What are the benefits of using a tanning booth with EDS?
There are no known benefits of using a tanning booth with EDS. Although, some may argue that a glowing tan is a benefit.
We think there are only risks when you use a tanning booth.
Do tanning booths help EDS pain?
Tanning booths may help to relieve the pain caused by EDS. A study published by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that patients with fibromyalgia who used sunbeds had less pain, better well-being, and were more relaxed than the study participants in the control group.
While this study doesn’t directly link tanning booths to a reduction in EDS pain, it’s common to have EDS and fibromyalgia together.
It’s important to note that this study was conducted in 2009 and there doesn’t appear to be any up-to-date research to support this theory. It’s also been argued that exposure to vitamin D from UV rays is what helped the patients feel better. If this is the case, taking vitamin D to help your EDS pain is a safer option.
As there’s a high risk of developing cancer when you use tanning booths, it’s not recommended that you try to alleviate your pain in this way.
What are the risks of using a tanning booth with EDS?
The risks of using a tanning booth with EDS include:
- Increased risk of skin cancer
- Premature aging of the skin
- Wrinkling
- Sunburn
- Dry skin
- Irritation
- Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
- Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin)
- Stretch marks
- Acne
- Increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration
Do tanning booths work on hypermobile skin?
Tanning booths work on all types of skin, including hypermobile skin. However, people with hypermobile skin are more likely to experience side effects from tanning booths, such as burns, irritation, and stretch marks. As such, our advice is not to use them.
How safe are tanning booths for hypermobile skin?
Tanning booths are not safe for anyone, but they are especially dangerous for people with hypermobile skin. The UV radiation from tanning booths can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
How long can I use a tanning booth?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people avoid using tanning beds altogether. However, if you do choose to use a tanning bed, the AAD recommends that you limit your exposure to 10 minutes or less per week.
What’s the best way to get a tan with EDS?
The best way to get a tan with EDS is to avoid tanning beds altogether. Instead, you can try getting a tan outdoors. But, make sure you wear sunscreen suitable for hypermobile skin. This is typically a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
However, the safest way to get a tan is to use a tan in a bottle. Self-tanning kits are affordable and easy to use. Plus, your hypermobile joints may make it easier to apply the tan to harder-to-reach areas of your body!
It’s never advisable to use a tanning booth with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). The risks are too high and the benefits are almost non-existent. So, if you want to tan your skin, try a safer alternative method instead.
