FDA Backs Off Tanning Bed Rules Amid Kennedy’s ‘Sunshine’ Views

The Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have prohibited Americans under 18 from using indoor tanning beds, a move that reverses a policy effort dating back to 2015. The decision, announced this week, comes after years of debate over the risks of ultraviolet radiation exposure from sunlamps and tanning beds, and raises questions about the balance between public health concerns and individual access.

The proposed rule, first put forward in late 2015, aimed to prevent minors from using indoor tanning facilities and required anyone over 18 to sign a waiver acknowledging the potential dangers, including skin cancer and severe burns. Dozens of states already have some form of restriction on tanning bed use for minors, but a federal rule would have created a uniform standard across the country. The withdrawal of the proposal was signed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has publicly expressed views questioning the dangers of sun exposure. The Atlantic reported on Kennedy’s views on the topic last year.

The Science on Tanning and Cancer Risk

The decision to abandon the rule has drawn criticism from medical organizations, who point to a substantial body of evidence linking indoor tanning to an increased risk of skin cancer. The World Health Organization classifies UV-emitting indoor tanning devices in the same category as tobacco and asbestos as carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, concluded in 2009 that tanning devices are more dangerous than previously thought.

Research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between tanning bed use and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. A 2025 study found that melanoma rates among people who used tanning beds were more than double those who did not – about 5% compared to about 2%. Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase the risk of developing melanoma by nearly 50%, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The FDA itself recognizes sunlamp products as hazardous, estimating they contribute to over 3,000 hospital emergency room cases annually, though this number is likely an underestimate as it only includes cases reported to a central database. The FDA details these risks on its website.

Experts emphasize that the damage caused by UV radiation is cumulative, meaning that exposure earlier in life carries a greater long-term risk. “The damage that you see in the skin cells of these tanning bed users is alarming,” says Hunter Shain, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. “The argument against the usage of tanning beds is at least as strong as tobacco use.”

Balancing Risk and Access

In a memo explaining the decision, the FDA cited “scientific and technical concerns” and “possible unintended consequences” as reasons for withdrawing the proposed rule. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services stated that the agency is reassessing “how to balance public health considerations with consumer access and choice.” This suggests a shift in focus towards allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their own health, even if those decisions carry inherent risks.

The FDA received over 9,000 public comments on the proposed rule, reflecting a range of opinions. While medical groups and public health advocates strongly supported the restrictions, industry groups like the Indoor Tanning Association and the American Suntanning Association argued against them, citing concerns about personal freedom and the potential economic impact on tanning businesses. These groups also dispute the scientific consensus on the dangers of UV radiation exposure from tanning beds. Comments submitted to the FDA detail these arguments.

A Potential Resurgence in Tanning?

The withdrawal of the proposed rule comes at a time when We find indications that indoor tanning may be regaining popularity among young people. Influenced by health and wellness trends on social media platforms like TikTok, some teens and young adults are embracing tanning as a way to achieve a certain aesthetic or boost their confidence. This trend is particularly concerning given the heightened vulnerability of younger skin to UV damage.

Susan Mayne, an adjunct professor at the Yale School of Public Health and a former FDA official, notes that the current administration’s approach appears to prioritize deregulation over proactive public health measures. “The Make America Healthy Again movement talks about reducing risk for our kids,” she says. “The actual actions that we see from the administration tend to be deregulatory, taking down regulations that would be in place to help protect our children.”

What Comes Next: Surveillance and Guidance

While the FDA has withdrawn the proposed rule, the agency maintains that exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer and encourages individuals to discuss the potential risks with their physician before using sunlamp products. The FDA continues to monitor adverse event reports related to sunlamp products and will likely reassess its regulatory approach based on emerging scientific evidence and public health data. Ongoing surveillance of skin cancer incidence rates and tanning bed usage patterns will be crucial in informing future policy decisions. Individuals concerned about their risk of skin cancer should consult with a dermatologist for regular skin exams and guidance on sun protection measures.