"The information that is swirling around the media these days in regards to sun exposure can be confusing. On the one hand, you're supposed to wear sun block so that you don't get the negative effects of sun exposure including skin cancer, premature aging and wrinkling. On the other hand, sun block does that it says it does; it blocks out the sun, taking away your exposure to important vitamins like Vitamin D. A deficiency in this area can cause problems ranging from depression to cancer. So are you supposed to spend time in the sun or not?

Well, there's no clear cut answer, but one answer that's creeping up in popularity is finding a safe alternative to sunlight where you can obtain the benefits of the sun that you need while diminishing the risks from the rays that you don't want. And one of the most obvious choices for a sunlight alternative is to spend time in a tanning bed on a regular basis. But are tanning beds really a safe alternative to sunlight?

Here are some things to consider about the safety of tanning beds:

• Tanning beds allow for moderate and controlled exposure to UV rays. You can limit the time and amount of exposure that you receive, which isn't entirely true of when you're out in the natural sun.

• Tanning beds are located at salons where industry professionals can educate you about safe use. They can supply information on the right indoor (and outdoor) tanning lotions and the best tanning procedures to keep yourself safe while still enjoying the benefits of a tan.

• Tanning beds provide you with a tan which will help keep you safe from the sun when you do go out to be exposed. Instead of needing a sun block, your tanning bed tan will provide the protection you need.

• Tanning beds have been around since the '70s. The first tanning bed (similar to those used now) was created in the 1970's which means that they have been in active use for over thirty years. Throughout this time, they have been improved upon with safety in mind.

Despite this information, many people are still concerned about the safety of tanning beds as a sunlight alternative, due primarily to the confusion of information that is out there today. If you want to enjoy the benefits of indoor tanning but aren't yet sure about the risks, here are some things that you can do to increase the safety of using a tanning bed:

• Know your sun self. Be aware of what skin tone you have and think about how easily you burn. By avoiding burning in a tanning bed, you avoid many of the problems associated with their misuse.

• Ask questions. The professionals at tanning salons are able to assist you in all areas of the tanning process. They're the ones that have been doing this long enough to know how to do it safely. So ask them your questions and share your concerns.

• Use the right products. It is very important that you use tanning lotions when enjoying the benefits of a tanning bed. Make sure that you're using the right lotions for indoor tanning as well as any additional lotions or moisturizers that are right for your situation.

• Be patient. You might not get your indoor tan as fast as you'd get your outdoor tan. But by taking a moderate approach to using a tanning bed, you make it safe to do so.

It's difficult to know what the truth is about sunlight exposure. After all, one week they say that the sun gives you cancer and the next it's sun block that is cancer-causing. But tanning beds provide much of the same benefits that sunlight does in a controlled environment. By taking precautions to make their use safer, you can use them as an alternative to sunlight with reduced risk or reason for concern."