FDA Proposal to Restrict Tanning Bed Usage

November 20, 2023

Medically reviewed by Dr. Elliot Heller, MD | 20+ Years Experience | Last Updated: March 2026

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even one session in a tanning bed can increase your risk of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma by 67 percent and basal cell carcinoma by 29 percent. In a step to protect public health and reduce the incidence of skin cancer, the FDA last month proposed two rules.

The first would restrict the use of indoor tanning sunlamps to individuals over the age of 18 and require adults over the age of 18 to sign a risk acknowledgment before their first tanning session and every six months thereafter. 

The second proposed rule would require sunlamp manufacturers and tanning facilities to take proactive steps to improve the safety of use of these products, such as prohibiting modifying the devices with stronger bulbs without recertification with the FDA and limiting the amount of light allowed through protective eyewear. 

The idea is to force individuals to wait until adulthood in the hopes that they will fully understand the risks associated with indoor tanning and make the beds themselves safer for those who still opt for it.

At Allure Plastic Surgery, we can help you enhance your skin’s appearance with FDA-approved devices that are safe and effective. You can rejuvenation your skin’s appearance by removing sunspots or skin resurfacing with Fraxel Laser. Call today at (212) 661-2563 to arrange your consultation with an experienced New York plastic surgeon. 

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for personalized recommendations.

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