Not only does the use of sunbeds during winter months increase Vitamin D levels and combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Exposure to UV can aid in a healthy sleep cycle. Sunbeds help the body regulate the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which aid in healthy sleep cycles.
People may think that tanning beds are a safe alternative to sun exposure during the winter months, but they are not. The harmful UV radiation is still present, and significantly increases risk of developing skin cancer, especially melanoma.
Like UV irradiation, which generates vitamin D(3) in the skin, the hormonally active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), boosts innate immunity against viruses and bacteria. Epidemiologic studies have found high vitamin D levels to be associated with lower risk of infections of the upper respiratory tract (colds).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of Americans, but hopping into a tanning bed won't help. Here's why visible light therapy is a safer, more effective way to ease symptoms.
Both UVA and UVB have health benefits, and man has evolved to take advantage of both. Examples to follow. Active Sun Exposure: Lower Risk of Venous Thrombotic Events (Blood Clots)? summer, on winter vacations, or when abroad, or used a tanning bed, were at 30% lower risk of VTE than those who did not.
Ten minutes in a sunbed can be roughly equivalent to 1-2 hours in natural sunlight, depending on factors like sunbed intensity and skin type. However, this varies widely based on geographical location, time of day, and weather conditions. Always adhere to recommended exposure times to minimise skin damage risks.
Indoor tanning is more addictive than you might think. The allure lies in the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals triggered by exposure to UV rays. When you're basking under those warm lights, your brain gets a surge of these mood-enhancing chemicals, creating a euphoric sensation.
In general, an improved feeling of well-being is associated with tanning. Sunbeds emitting UVB have been demonstrated to stimulate vitamin D production. Further, sunbeds may confer the benefits associated with obtaining optimal vitamin D status.
Results. We found studies validating the use of tanning facilities for psoriasis treatment. Use as a treatment option for atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, acne, scleroderma, vitiligo, and pruritus, as well as other UV sensitive dermatoses, may also be beneficial.
Exposure to sunlight has been linked to improve your energy and elevate your mood! Light actually boosts your serotonin levels, which is the happy hormone. When you've had a bad week, spending 10 to 15 minutes in a sunbed can help more than just your tan – it's the endorphins you get that make you feel better!
Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.
“I encourage all my models to avoid sunbeds as they dry out your skin, cause premature ageing and wrinkles, can often burn, and are extremely carcinogenic.
But think twice before using tanning beds if you suffer from cold sores. The main trigger for cold sore outbreaks is UV light. UV light damages the immune system in the skin, which is why it often triggers a cold sore outbreak. So a sun bed can trigger a cold sore.
Dr. Piliang said even just one trip to the tanning bed increases your risk for melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer. And, the more you go, the higher the risk. She said if you do want to stay tan for winter, consider a self-tanner instead.
To produce vitamin D, the body needs UV-B rays in the range of 290 – 315 nm, which also occur in natural sunlight. However, modern solariums are mostly designed for cosmetic tanning and mainly use UV-A rays. Although these promote tanning of the skin, they do not contribute to vitamin D synthesis.
You can use a disposable paper face mask or a reusable cloth face mask to cover your face while tanning. Make sure whatever you're using is clean and free of any makeup or oils, as these can create a barrier between your skin and the UV rays.
Although using sunbeds can initially dry out the skin and reduce pimple production, this excessive drying may stimulate the skin to actually produce more oil to compensate. As the sebaceous glands in the skin develop more oil, pores are more likely to become clogged, leading to breakouts later down the line.
Don't use tanning beds to treat SAD. Tanning beds do generate enough light, but they can cause other harm.
The positive effect of a tan could be attributed to the fact that it provides a uniform light reflection with a continuous blend of light and shadow, in contrast to pale skin that is commonly associated with pigmentation differences and sharp shadows.
Several health benefit claims such as improved appearance, enhanced mood, and increased vitamin D levels have been attributed to tanning. Furthermore, the Indoor Tanning Association claims that “catching some rays may lengthen your life” [5].
Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging
Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.
Similarly to how dark clothes can help you look slim, a tan can bring definition to the body, helping you look and feel thinner. Areas of the body that you tend to worry over and feel self-conscious of can become more defined with a spray tan and help you to look your very best.
Tanning Sessions Can Reduce Weight
Being exposed to sources of UV-light ensures that the metabolism in a person's body is increasing. This is done so by nudging the thyroid gland for being even more active. This increase in the metabolism more often than not reflects in a substantial weight loss for you.
The initial exposure to UV light can leave your skin a bit shocked, so it's crucial to give it some extra TLC. Hydrate your skin with a good quality, fragrance-free moisturizer right after your session and throughout the next few days. Also, remember to drink plenty of water to hydrate from the inside out.