Although most medical doctors oppose indoor tanning, salon owners say their facilities may be safer than outdoor tanning because they can control the environment.

"I think the risks of tanning indoors are less than in direct sunlight," said Ron Hanslovan, owner of Tanfastique, 159 S. Garner St. "Indoors, we can control the environment. Depending on their skin type, we can adjust the amounts of ultraviolet light."

Federal regulations state that people may not tan more than 30 minutes a day in salons, said Mike Justice, owner of Sunsations, 352 E. College Ave. Salons monitor the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted during their sessions, Justice said.

"In my opinion, lying on a Cancun beach for a week will do a lot more damage than several sessions of regulated tanning," Justice said.

The sun emits two different types of ultraviolet light, said dermatologist Mark Kozminsky. UVB rays burn the skin to stimulate melanin production. UVA rays, the type generally used in tanning beds, release the melanin, which causes tanning, Kozminsky said.

"There's no advantages (to indoor tanning) that I can think of," Kozminsky said, adding that he would not recommend tanning beds even to people with fair skin who want to build up some color before vacationing.

Like natural sunlight, tanning beds increase the risks of skin cancer, premature skin aging, skin and eye burns, allergic reactions, cataracts, reduced immunity and blood vessel damage.

People should not use tanning beds if they burn easily, get cold sores frequently or have immune diseases. Certain medications are also aggravated by ultraviolet light, Kozminsky said.

People use tanning beds for different reasons, Hanslovan said, adding that in the winter, most people use tanning beds to rid themselves of their pale skin tone. They also go to get a base before vacationing to avoid burning, he said.

"In the winter, people get down and depressed and sunshine picks their spirits up," Hanslovan said. "If they look better, they feel better. A little color goes a long way."

Most sun bed users do not use the facilities to stay tan all year, Justice said.

"I call the people who are hellbent on staying tan all year 'saddles' because they tan so much they get leathery," he said. "I think it's ridiculous."

People with light skin, hair and eyes who freckle easily need to exercise the most caution in tanning beds because they burn easily, Justice said.

"I think anything can be harmful in excess," Justice said. "In moderation, in a professional salon that takes precautions and explains everything, I don't see it as being harmful. There are other things that are more dangerous. I mean, someone could walk right out of the salon and get hit by the Loop."