Is it worth going to the solarium?
Every woman dreams of a beautiful skin and complexion, which is undoubtedly the result of a tan. Now, when we have access to a solarium, we can sunbathe all year round, not only when it is hot outside. There are many myths about the solarium, which is why most of us wonder whether the use of the solarium is really safe for our health. If you like to use the solarium, be sure to read this article. We will run through the pros and cons of this method in it.
The solarium is a great way to get a beautiful tan in a short time. There are solariums:
- lying
- standing
- spray
Tanning in the first two options is tanning with UV rays. Spray tanning involves treating the body with a tanning mist.
Tanning in a solarium – what is it about?
Tanning is done with UV (ultraviolet) rays. When you sunbathe in a solarium, your skin produces a tan just as it does in the sun. However, there is a difference between them. It means that when you sunbathe in the sun, you cannot control the amount of light you are exposed to, because it is influenced by changes in the atmosphere. It is one of the ways of regulating the UV radiation we are exposed to while tanning. The solarium is suitable for all skin types, except for hypersensitive skin.
Health benefits of tanning
Sunbathing is associated with many benefits, such as improved appearance, better mood, increased vitamin D levels. Light exposure improves our mood, we are full of energy and more motivated to act. A tan also makes us happy with our appearance, and therefore more confident.
Sunbathing in a solarium before the tanning season can prepare the skin for increased solar radiation, making us less prone to burns.
Vitamin D production
During sunbathing, provitamin D3 is produced in the body under the influence of UV radiation. The level of this vitamin varies depending on the season – in summer there is a lot of it, and in winter it may be deficient, which can lead to the development of serious diseases. These can include heart and bone disease, and even cancer. It also affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Vitamin D is essential for bone health.
Dangers of tanning in a solarium
Sunbathing can also have negative effects, especially if we sunbathe too often
Skin photoaging
As shown by numerous scientific studies, improper tanning accelerates the process of skin photoaging. Tanning lamps emit UVA radiation that penetrates deep into the dermis. Thus, it damages collagen fibers and elastin in the skin. And as you know, these are proteins that give the skin elasticity and firmness.
Moreover, UVA radiation stimulates the formation of free radicals, causes oxidative stress, and disturbs blood circulation in the skin. As a result, the skin becomes dry, prone to irritation and redness. There is also a thickening and disturbed keratosis of the skin, broken capillaries and the formation of discoloration.
Tanning in the solarium increases the risk of cancer
People who use tanning beds too often are at risk of one of the most malignant skin cancers – melanoma. As mentioned before, UVA radiation, like UVB radiation, increases the production of free radicals. Sunbathing increases the risk of developing melanoma by 75%.
Tanning rules
If you use the solarium from time to time, you must remember a few important rules.
- First you need to define your own skin phototype. Determining the type will help you determine the time you can spend in the tanning bed and avoid burns.
We can distinguish the following phototypes:
- Celtic: fair complexion. Hair: light, red. The skin is prone to burns and redness as it does not have sun protection.
- Northern European (light): fair complexion. Hair: light or dark blonde. The skin is often burned. It is necessary to use sunscreen.
- Central European: Slightly swarthy complexion. Hair: dark blonde, light brown. People with this phototype can use the solarium.
- Southern European \ Mediterranean (Dark) – Dark brown hair, dark complexion. There are no contraindications for tanning.
The lighter the complexion, the greater the intervals between visits should be – about 48 hours. It is also worth choosing tanning with norma 0.3 lamps.
- Sunbathing in the solarium, just like sunbathing on the beach, requires the application of sunscreen. The cream protects the skin against burns and the negative effects of UVA radiation.
- Make sure the tanning bed has been properly disinfected.
- When sunbathing, protect your nipples and always wear protective glasses.
- Only use disposable towels and slippers. Because there is a risk of contracting mycosis.
The first tanning session should not last longer than 5-7 minutes. Later, you can gradually extend the tanning time. The maximum duration of one session – 15-20 minutes.
Before the tanning session, remove jewelry, wash off makeup, perfume, deodorant. Also remember to apply SPF lipstick on your lips. After sunbathing in the solarium, it is worth taking a shower and applying a moisturizer to the body. Also, remember to keep your body hydrated.
Contraindications to using the solarium
- pregnancy
- phototype I (Celtic);
- heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, skin disease, cancer;
- taking contraceptive drugs, as it results in the appearance of discoloration;
- taking antibiotics;
- period.
If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to arrange a safe online medical consultation.
