10 Benefits of Indoor Tanning

When summer rolls out, we have a smile on our face and that’s no big surprise. According to various scientific studies, sunlight boosts our mood, prevents a host of serious illnesses and has countless physical benefits.

 

However, you can’t bask in the sun any time you want or control how much sunlight you absorb. Luckily, there’s a solution for that: Indoor Tanning.

 

Tanning beds the same benefits as the sun but in a controlled environment. But how is tanning healthy? Well, the responsible use of UV light or Responsible Tanning is to maximise the sun’s benefits while minimising the risks of either too much or too little exposure.

 

While ‘Responsible Tanning’ means something different for every person due to their skin type, there’s one golden rule: DON’T SUNBURN! So as long as you don’t, you can enjoy the following benefits

 

Benefit #1: Vitamin D

Healthy vitamin D levels are associated with significantly lowering the risks of most forms of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune and infectious diseases. The most common and efficient way to get vitamin D is from sunlight. However, not everyone can enjoy the sun any time they want. An alternative is food, oily fish (salmon and tuna), dairy products, chicken and eggs are a good source for the "Sunshine Vitamin".

 

But another more reliable method that will give you virtually the same results as sunlight are tanning machines. Studies indicate that because sunbeds enable exposure to nearly the entire skin, it amplifies the body’s effectiveness for Vitamin D production.

 

Benefit #2: A Healthy Bone Structure

Thanks to the UV light from tanning devices, vitamin D can play an important in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, two essential elements for supporting healthy bones. Your bones naturally break down, but thanks to Vitamin D – and other minerals – they recover. But without enough of vitamin D, your bones can become fragile or misshapen. In adults, this could lead to osteomalacia (softening of the bones) or osteoporosis.

 

Benefit #3: Relieve Pain

Responsible indoor tanning makes muscles more flexible and eases stiffness. It works as a pain reliever in case of rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. Moreover, people with fibromyalgia have reported a short-term decrease in pain after exposure to UV Light.

 

Benefit #4: Reduce Heart Disease

Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Scientists believe that the increased risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases is due to a lack of UVB Light, which leads to vitamin D deficiency.

 

People living in higher latitudes, like in northern Europe, are more likely to die of heart disease in winter than in summer. Moreover, cholesterol levels can also rise during winter leading to a host of health problems besides heart disease.

 

Benefit #5: Makes You Feel Happy

Exposure to sunlight has been linked to improved energy and elevated mood. It’s because the light boosts serotonin levels, the body’s "Happy Hormone". In the winter months, many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression. That’s because the cold and cloudy weather blocks the sun’s rays from reaching your skin. Regular UV exposure during the whole year can reduce these depressive symptoms and mood disorders.

Benefit #6: Boosts Immune System

It’s an old wife’s tale that when you’re feeling under the weather to take some vitamin C. But vitamin D can boost your immune system as well. According to several studies, vitamin D reduces the chances of getting the flu.

Also, vitamin D helps prevent several types of autoimmune diseases. This is due to the vitamin’s regulating properties which control the immunological functions affected by inflammation. In other words, it encourages the production of white blood cells, which in turn boost your immune system.

Benefit #7: Treat Skin Disorders

The use of UV light in the medical field, also known as phototherapy, can help treat various forms of skin disorders, like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and vitiligo. Furthermore, UV light is a useful tool to combat moderate to severe acne vulgaris.

Countless studies, dating back to the 1950s, indicate that when UV light penetrates the skin, it combats the cells causing the skin disorders. Consequently, many patients have shown fewer signs and symptoms.

Benefit #8: Helps You Lose Weight

Not only does serotonin help you feel happier but also assist you in managing your weight. Researchers found that Vitamin D has an appetite-suppressing effect on the human body. Thus, people who enjoy the sun’s rays or get their Vitamin D boost from a tanning machine tend to eat less.

Benefit #9: Skin Rejuvenation with CollaTant

Indoor tanning isn’t just about color — it can also enhance your skin’s natural beauty. Thanks to innovations like CollaTan technology, modern tanning beds combine UV light with red collagen light to promote skin regeneration. CollaTan helps boost collagen and elastin production, making skin appear smoother, firmer, and more youthful. Regular sessions can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve skin texture, and give you a natural glow from within. It’s a sun-kissed tan and a beauty treatment, all in one.

Benefit #10: Prepare for summer

Every year, many indoor tanners aim to build a “base tan” before heading off on sunny vacations. A base tan develops when the skin produces more melanin after exposure to UVA and UVB light, offering a minimal natural protection — roughly equivalent to SPF 2 to 4.

While this slight increase in melanin may provide limited resistance to the sun’s rays, a base tan alone is not enough to prevent sunburn. The best way to protect your skin is by combining any existing tan with the consistent and proper use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sunscreen remains essential for everyone — both tanners and non-tanners — especially during outdoor activities and vacations, helping to greatly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

FAQs Indoor Tanning

Is indoor tanning safe?

When used responsibly — meaning avoiding overexposure and never burning — indoor tanning can offer many of the sun’s natural benefits in a controlled environment. Following professional guidelines and understanding your skin type are key to safe tanning.

How often should I use a tanning bed?

It depends on your skin type and tanning goals. Most professionals recommend starting with 2–3 sessions per week to build a base tan, followed by maintenance sessions once a week. Always follow your salon's advice and allow your skin time to recover between sessions.

What’s the difference between UV tanning and CollaTan?

UV tanning focuses on melanin stimulation for a bronzed look, while CollaTan combines UV light with collagen-boosting red light therapy. With CollaTan, you achieve a beautiful tan and promote skin rejuvenation at the same time.

Do I still need sunscreen even if I tan indoors beforehand?

Yes! Even if you have a base tan, sunscreen is essential for outdoor activities to protect your skin from UV overexposure and long-term damage. A tan offers very minimal natural protection (equivalent to SPF 2–4), so proper sun care is still crucial.

Can indoor tanning help with vitamin D deficiency?

Yes. Indoor tanning, when using UVB-containing devices, can stimulate the body’s natural production of vitamin D — especially useful for people living in regions with limited sunlight exposure.