As summer approaches, everyone starts making plans to have fun at the beach. This is the time to get a good tan from the sun's UV rays. Some might tan in a tanning salon even before hitting the waves. But are the consequences really worth the tan? Is there a way to tan safely? The effects of UV light have both positive and negative consequences on the body. Taking vitamin D and phototherapy are both positive factors. Negatively, UV light can lead to skin cancer and eye damage. While the sun contains a greater amount of UVB, the most harmful “burning” rays, tanning beds still give the skin a direct interaction with UVA rays, which can penetrate deep into the skin, causing other problems. To introduce the topic, tanning is an increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color of the skin to change. It is a sign of damage to our DNA as both natural and artificial tanning can be harmful due to UV radiation. Melanin is released as a defense mechanism in the skin when exposed to the sun to reduce any further damage. Those who have less melanin, on the other hand, tend to burn. Although it may seem that UV light is completely harmful, positive factors include the absorption of vitamin D and phototherapy. Vitamin D is essential for the human body. It maintains a constant level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and preserves correct bone structure. While you can get vitamin D from food, dietary choices can prevent you from getting enough vitamin D as it is highest in seafood and dairy products. Those who don't like seafood or are lactose intolerant may not be able to get close to the daily dose of vitamin D they need. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the name... middle of document......://voices.yahoo.com/positive-negative-tanning-bed-effects-2748605.htmlU.S. Food and drug administration. “The Risks of Tanning.” FDA: US Food and Drug Administration. 26, September 2013. 27, May 2014. http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EspiringProducts/RadiationEspiringProductsandProcedures/Tanning/ucm116432.htmMehmet, Oz, MD. "Why does the sun tan your skin?" Sharecare. (No date found). 27, May 2014. http://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-disorders/why-sun-makes-skin-tanTherapeutic Research Faculty. "Vitamin D." MD Web. 2009. May 27, 2014. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-929-VITAMIN%20D.aspx?activeIngredientId=929&activeIngredientName=VITAMIN%20DEpstein, John H., MD and Wang, Stephen Q., MD. “Understanding UVA and UVB Rays.” Skin Cancer Foundation. 2014. May 27, 2014. http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb