Tanning Beds Make a Comeback—Doctors Warn of Hidden Dangers

It seems the allure of a golden glow is back in full swing, and this time a surprising number of young people in Fresno are stepping into indoor tanning booths again. Local doctors, however, are sounding the alarm, pointing out that the “sun‑kissed” look comes with a hidden price tag—serious skin damage.

Dr. Catherine Manabalt, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente, says the trend worries her because the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by tanning beds are just as harmful as the sun’s. "It’s not a harmless beauty shortcut," she explains. "The skin tans as a protective response to injury, not because it’s getting healthier."

California law already bans anyone under 18 from using these beds, even if a parent says it’s okay. The rule is there for a reason: research shows that indoor tanning before age 20 can boost a person’s chance of developing melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—by up to 47%.

National figures are sobering. This year alone, roughly 112,000 Americans are expected to receive an invasive melanoma diagnosis, and more than 8,500 will lose their lives to the disease. “Those numbers aren’t abstract,” Dr. Manabalt warns. “They’re real people, many of them likely started tanning as teens.”

One common misconception the doctor busts is the idea that a “base tan” can protect you on vacation. In reality, that faint shade offers only a sliver of UV blockage while the underlying DNA damage continues unabated. "It’s a myth that a light tan shields you from sunburn," she says. "It merely masks the damage you’ve already accumulated."

For those already hooked on the glow, Dr. Manabalt says it’s never too late to switch gears. Sunless tanning products—lotions, sprays, or mousse—can give a bronzed look without UV exposure. “These over‑the‑counter options are safe and effective,” she notes.

She also reminds everyone that basic sun safety is simple: seek shade when the sun’s strongest, wear protective clothing, and slather on a broad‑spectrum, water‑resistant SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, and—most importantly—steer clear of indoor tanning altogether.

In a world where a quick tan feels like a fast‑track to confidence, doctors in Fresno are urging residents to think twice, protect their skin, and choose safer ways to shine.