Indoor Tanning Beds and Their Pro’s and Con’s
Indoor tanning beds – Are there any benefits? Many people resort to tanning because they are not content with their fair skin. While some prefer a day at the beach, others have taken to sunless means such as sunless tanning products and indoor tanning beds.
As you may already know, a tanning bed is a device that allows you to tan without being in the sun. Tanning beds are made of Plexiglas, and the client lies on this bed and gets tanned by the ultraviolet rays emitted by the bulbs in the bed. Since this caused burning on many clients, most salons will say that they have switched to tanning beds that emit ultraviolet rays that are considered safe. Many others, however, claim that although these longer UV rays do not cause burning, they do damage the immune system, which results in a condition called malignant melanoma.
Experts claim that just like the suns rays, tanning beds can be just as harmful to the body. Tanning is a process where the body is trying to protect itself from more UV exposure. With prolonged exposure, wrinkling and eye injuries can be a common problem. By far the wost side effect is cancer.
While there is more emphasis placed on the risk of skin cancer, there is also a risk of retina and cornea damage for the frequent tanner. This can even cause blindness if gone without treatment. The risk of damaging the eyes is even greater when constantly exposed to tanning beds, than with the rays of the sun.
If you are a tanning enthusiast, it is best to protect yourself from these health hazards and follow all safety measures. It is also important to note that the sooner a person starts the tanning habit, the more the chance of injury to the skin increases. This can be minimized by always setting a timer and making sure you do not expose yourself longer than what is customary.
Despite what a salon operator will tell you about tanning bed safety, always wear tanning bed goggles to protect the eyes. Another great option is to buy your own, as there is a risk of bacterial infection if public goggles go without being sanitized.
If you have lupus or diabetes, exposure to UV radiation can worsen these diseases. In this case, when exposure to sunlight can not be avoided, it is best to wear sunscreen if you plan to be outside. Always check the SPF to make sure you get the right sunscreen for your skin.
Despite the dangers, many people love the benefits tanning offers them. Owning your own tanning bed can be even more convenient as there are no lines and waiting. If you already enjoy using tanning beds, make sure that you tan in a responsible and healthy manner.
Tanning Salon and Using a Tanning Bed
