Tanning Beds Linked to DNA Mutations and Higher Melanoma Risk, Study Finds
Northwestern Medicine and UCSF researchers say indoor tanning dramatically raises melanoma risk and may cause DNA damage across the skin, prompting calls for stronger warnings and safer alternatives.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco finds indoor tanning beds significantly increase melanoma risk and may cause DNA changes across the skin. In the analysis, researchers compared medical records of about 3,000 sunbed users with 3,000 people with no history of indoor tanning, and melanoma was diagnosed in 5.1% of users versus 2.1% of non-users, a nearly three-fold increase in risk.
DNA analyses of skin samples from tanning bed users showed nearly twice as many mutations as those from non-users, and those mutations appeared over a broader area of the skin, including regions normally shielded from the sun such as the lower back. The study suggests tanning devices can cause DNA damage beyond what outdoor sun exposure alone would produce.
Beyond the study findings, public health data show a troubling trend: younger generations have rekindled interest in tanning. The American Academy of Dermatology recently found that about 20% of youths say being tan is more important than protecting themselves from skin cancer. In addition, the cumulative use of tanning salons is linked with increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers: squamous cell carcinoma up about 58% and basal cell carcinoma up about 24% among those with repeated salon visits.
There are safer options for achieving a bronzed look. A growing market of sunless tanning products—mists, drops, oils, and sprays—offers alternatives to UV exposure. Health experts say these products can provide color without the DNA damage risk associated with tanning beds. Still, many researchers and clinicians call for stronger warnings and public campaigns about tanning bed use, similar to tobacco warnings, to curb exposure.
Experts emphasize the importance of skin checks. Dr. Pedram Gerami, a professor of skin cancer research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, notes that outdoor sun exposure tends to damage a fraction of the skin, perhaps around 20%. In tanning bed users, he adds, the same dangerous mutations may appear across almost the entire skin surface, underscoring the broader risk. For anyone who previously frequented tanning salons or spent significant time in the sun during youth, a total-body skin exam by a dermatologist is highly recommended.
As indoor tanning rises in popularity, health officials say it is crucial to curb exposure and promote safer alternatives, alongside aggressive messaging about potential long-term DNA damage and cancer risk. The Deadliest form of skin cancer remains a public health concern, with more than 100,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States and about 11,000 deaths, underscoring the need for continued education and prevention efforts.