Exposure to UV rays can be a brilliant booster for your immune system. Research suggests that controlled exposure to UV light prompts the production of Vitamin D in the body, which plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system.
Tanning beds use ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation , which can damage the DNA in your skin cells and increase your risk of skin cancer . Additionally , tanning beds can also cause premature aging , eye damage , and weaken your immune system .
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].
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.
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.
It doesn't. The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D. To get vitamin D safely, board-certified dermatologists recommend that healthy adults get vitamin D from their diet.
Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.
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.
Tanning Differences in Stand up and Lay down Sunbeds
Stand up sunbeds can give your skin a deeper colour, which is due to the bulbs in stand up beds being more intense than the bulbs in a lay down sunbed. So if you are aiming to achieve a very dark tan then a stand up may be the sunbed for you!
These benefits were attributed to mechanisms such as: Vitamin D Synthesis: UVB rays stimulate vitamin D production in the skin, which is linked to improved immune function and reduced inflammation.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is critical in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Low serotonin levels are associated with conditions like depression and anxiety. Tanning helps stimulate the production of serotonin, promoting a more positive and stable mental state.
Using sunbeds, especially later in the day, can seriously mess with your body's natural rhythm. The UV rays trick your brain into thinking it's still daylight, delaying melatonin production. This can make it harder to fall asleep and lead to disrupted sleep patterns.
Immune System Suppression
But overexposure to UV radiation can weaken the immune system, reducing the skin's ability to protect against these invaders.
Use short exposure times when you start. Don't use the most intense exposure when you start. After you have a tan, don't use the device more than once a week.
Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit. Pale skin is often associated with sickness (e.g. anaemia) which is another, indirect reason why a tan makes people seem healthier.
Vitamin D is important to help maintain a healthy immune system, but using a sunbed isn't the way to achieve a boost. In fact, UV radiation from sunbeds can actually suppress your immune system and lead to health problems.
Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours for skin type 2. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.
It is well known that exposure to sunlight and UV radiation causes the body to react by releasing endorphins that make people feel good. Conversely, lack of this stimulus can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder in people who are prone to it. Sunbeds have been shown to alleviate this condition in some patients.
No, you don't need to flip over in a tanning bed. In fact, many people tan stomach-down because it's more comfortable that way. However, if you want an evenly distributed tan, then you should flip over halfway through your session so that both sides of your body get equal exposure to the UV rays.
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.
Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.
One of the benefits of spending time in a tanning bed is that controlled UV exposure can help increase your body's melatonin levels. Melatonin is the hormone your body needs to get a good night's sleep.
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.