Tanning beds have been in use for many years, and the controversy continues over whether they should be allowed or they should be banned. There are many pros and cons to using tanning beds, and consumers need to arm themselves with the facts before they decide to use one or to avoid them all together. Making an informed decision can be difficult because many time the information you find in regards to them are contradictory. Of course, it depends on who is doing the reporting. Tanning bed manufacturers want you to think that they are very safe and only offer a minimal risk. What are Tanning Beds Pros and Cons? Tanning beds offer our society a means of maintaining beauty by having skin that has a beautiful color to it. Ask anyone who has ever gone to the pool with pale, pasty white skin how self conscious they felt. Tanning beds are also very fast and convenient. You can get a deep golden color by spending 10 or 15 minutes of your lunch hour at the local tanning salon. You