Indoor tanning has long been linked to skin cancer, but scientists now say that may be only one of the health risks.
A new review led by researchers at the University of Manchester suggests that tanning beds can also trigger unexpected and sometimes severe skin reactions in certain people. The findings were published in the journal Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences.
Many people use tanning beds to achieve a bronzed appearance, especially before holidays or special events. However, tanning beds expose the skin to intense ultraviolet, or UV, radiation. This is the same type of radiation found in sunlight, but tanning beds can sometimes produce even stronger doses.
UV radiation damages skin cells over time, increasing the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. The new review shows that it can also interact with medicines, foods, cosmetics and existing health conditions in ways many people do not expect.
The research team reviewed 34 scientific studies published up to May 2025. Across these studies they found 67 reported cases of photosensitivity reactions linked to recreational tanning bed use. Photosensitivity means the skin becomes unusually sensitive to UV light, causing reactions that range from mild rashes to painful blistering.
Some patients experienced severe skin damage that required hospital care, specialist treatment and, in a few cases, surgery. Others developed hives, swelling or allergy-like reactions within minutes of entering a tanning bed. The researchers say these reactions may be uncommon, but they can be serious and many people are unaware they are at risk.
The review found that many commonly prescribed medicines could increase sensitivity to UV radiation. These included certain antibiotics, medicines used to treat high blood pressure, pain-relieving drugs and creams applied directly to the skin. This means someone taking everyday medication could unknowingly increase their risk before visiting a tanning salon.
Surprisingly, the review also identified foods that may contribute to reactions. Natural chemicals found in celery, parsnips and lime juice were linked with painful skin reactions after UV exposure in some cases. Although these foods are healthy, their natural compounds can make skin temporarily more sensitive to ultraviolet light under certain circumstances.
Researchers also found that tanning bed use sometimes uncovered hidden illnesses. Some people experienced their first symptoms of undiagnosed disorders only after using indoor tanning equipment.
Conditions reported included pseudoporphyria, a blistering disease that resembles rare sunlight disorders, and solar urticaria, a condition often called a sunlight allergy that causes rapid hives and swelling.
People living with lupus also appeared to face extra risks because ultraviolet radiation can worsen this autoimmune disease. Most reported cases involved young women, but the researchers emphasised that anyone who is susceptible could experience similar reactions.
Professor Lesley Rhodes said most people already understand that tanning beds raise skin cancer risk, but many do not realise how many other health problems UV exposure may trigger.
She believes stronger public education is needed so people understand possible interactions between UV radiation and medicines, cosmetics, foods and medical conditions before using tanning beds.
Overall, the findings add another important warning about indoor tanning. While the review does not prove every tanning bed user will experience these reactions, it shows they can occur and occasionally become severe.
People considering indoor tanning should carefully check whether they take medicines or have health conditions that increase sensitivity to sunlight and discuss concerns with their healthcare provider.
Review and analysis: This review brings together evidence from many published studies rather than relying on a single investigation, making it a valuable summary of existing knowledge.
However, only 67 documented cases were identified, meaning these reactions are relatively uncommon. Even so, because the consequences can be severe and tanning beds already increase skin cancer risk, the findings provide another strong reason to avoid unnecessary UV exposure.
If you care about skin health, please read studies about eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer, and Vitamin B3 could help prevent skin cancers.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vegetable oil linked to spread of cancer, and results showing Vitamin D could help treat skin inflammation.
Source: University of Manchester.
