While tanning can be a great way to keep your skin tanned and beautiful all year long, using tanning beds has been linked to a number of skin disorders. If you plan to tan using an indoor tanning bed, you need to ask yourself if it is worth the associated risks to you. Here are a few skin disorders from tanning beds that you should be aware of:

* Thousands are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. This is due to overexposure to UV rays and the majority are a result of overexposure to natural sunlight. However, don't let this lull you into a false sense of security. If you use tanning beds, you are also at risk. Luckily, skin cancer can be treatable if caught early enough, though there is no guarantee that your body will respond to treatment no matter how early. And most individuals don't feel the effects of the cancer until it's already too late.

* Another large risk factor of tanning bed use is the premature aging of skin. A lot of people who tan indoors regularly report premature aging. This happens because skin is sensitive to UV overexposure and loses its elasticity if not taken care of. When skin ages prematurely, the skin will often sag, develop wrinkles, or feel leathery to the touch.

* The risks are greater if you have sensitive or fair skin and you use tanning beds. The harmful UV rays emitted by tanning beds can burn you even if you are using the machine at its recommended ranges. This could result in dry skin, peeling and painful blistering. It is good to remember that if you don't tan well outdoors, chances are that you won't in a tanning bed either.

* Another risk involves medication and tanning. If you are taking any, tanning can cause spotting on your skin or other skin problems. This can be due to certain areas of your skin not being able to tan as well as others, which could be due to the genetic composition in specific areas.

* Overexposure to UV rays can lead to the pigment changes of the skin in different areas of your body. This can also be due to the genetic composition of your skin, and will result in an uneven tanning look, and often times severe spotting mostly on the face and neck areas.

* Using tanning beds frequently can permanently change the development of your skin cells which is a serious problem. This can result in the skin unable to heal or regenerate as quickly as it normally would. Because your skin is no longer able to protect you as well as before, you could become more prone to certain illnesses and viruses.

In conclusion, tanning can be a great way to keep your skin looking beautiful and tan, but you must keep in mind the risks and skin disorders associated with tanning. As a general rule, the more you tan the higher your risk of developing skin problems. Be aware that most of the skin disorders listed here will not be noticeable until irreversible damage has occurred. You should use plenty of tanning lotion and goggles to reduce the risk of skin disorders from tanning beds.