If you live in a country where there is no sun, then tanning beds can be your best bet to achieving that golden sun tan. Cosmetic tanning is a speedy way to get bronzed without leaving the comforts of one’s home (or the tanning clinic). A tanning bed looks like a waffle iron that has light fixtures. The fluorescent lights that line the tanning bed radiate UV rays in levels similar to the sun’s emission. You lie down with a pair of special UV goggles on, and just wait for your tan to cook. You have complete control over how much tan you want to have. You can change the setting of the tanning bed to your satisfaction.

Unfortunately, however, there are certain risks that come with using tanning beds. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend their use. The reason for this is that most tanning beds emit UVA rays. For one thing, exposure to UVA rays without the proper eye wear, like UV goggles, can fry the corneas. Furthermore, UVA is also what causes melanoma which is the most serious kind of skin cancer.

Overexposure to UV rays also causes premature skin aging. Wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin tone may result from using the tanning bed too often.

There are a few treatments a person may try to fix tanning bed skin damage. These treatments are similar to what one may do in case of sun burn. Creams and gels like Tretinoin and Tazarotene may be used to fix sun damaged skin.

Applying tretinoin lotions can smooth out the skin in a couple of weeks. Tazarotene creams, which have vitamin A, can alleviate really bad sun burns and subsequent premature skin aging. Chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing can also stimulate the generation of new skin.

For potentially cancerous sun damage, medical experts have also developed topical chemotherapy. Some treatments also involve the use of liquid nitrogen. In any case, consulting a doctor about sun damaged skin is always a good idea.