The UVA light used in tanning beds is much stronger than the UVA emitted by the sun &8211; Health and Human Services added tanning beds to their list of known human carcinogens in the year 2000. However, since both tanning beds and direct sunlight increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, neither method is recommended for tanning. Most experts recommend the use of sunless tanning products in order to achieve a &8220;summer glow.&8221;