Tanning Beds Are Making a Comeback—And Fresno Dermatologists Say It’s a Bad Idea

In recent months, a surprising trend has emerged in Fresno: more teens and young adults are stepping into indoor tanning booths again. It feels like a throwback to the early‑2000s, but the stakes are higher now, and doctors are raising red flags.

“Tanning isn’t harmless,” explains Dr. Catherine Manabalt, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanent in Fresno. “It’s basically a concentrated dose of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and every session adds up to cumulative skin damage.” She points out that California law already bans anyone under 18 from using indoor tanning beds—parental consent doesn’t change that.

Why does this matter? UV exposure at a young age does more than just give a temporary glow. It can break down collagen, leading to premature wrinkles, sunspots, and uneven pigmentation. In other words, the “tan” you see is actually your skin’s frantic effort to repair damage.

Research from the American Academy of Dermatology backs her up: using a tanning bed before age 20 can boost a person’s risk of melanoma—one of the deadliest skin cancers—by up to 47 percent. “We’re expecting roughly 112,000 new invasive melanoma cases in the U.S. this year, and more than 8,500 deaths,” Dr. Manabalt notes, underscoring how serious the threat is.

Some people think a “base tan” will shield them from sunburn on vacation. That’s a myth. A light‑brown hue offers minimal protection and does nothing to stop the DNA damage that UV rays cause. In effect, you’re loading up on UV injury before you even step outside.

For those already hooked on the glow, the doctor says it’s never too late to switch tracks. Sunless tanning products—lotions, sprays, or mousse—can give you that bronzed look without the harmful radiation. “They’re over‑the‑counter, affordable, and safe,” she says.

And for anyone who still wants to enjoy the outdoors, Dr. Manabalt keeps it simple: seek shade, cover up, and slather on a broad‑spectrum, water‑resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours, or sooner after swimming or sweating, and—most importantly—steer clear of indoor tanning altogether.

She hopes the message reaches parents, coaches, and anyone who might think a quick tan is worth the risk. “Our skin isn’t a canvas for UV art,” she adds. “It’s a living organ that deserves protection.”