Well, because UVB — which is beamed onto your skin in a tanning bed alongside more harmful UVA rays — is sometimes used as a treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), says Jennifer Holman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Tyler, ...
Dark or tanned skin often has higher melanin content, which provides better natural protection against UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Additionally, darker skin may have advantages in certain environments, as it can help retain moisture and reduce signs of aging.
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.
Some research suggests that low doses of very long ultraviolet light wavelengths, in what is called the ""UVA-1"" range, can improve certain forms of lupus skin disease and mild forms of systemic lupus. However, high doses of UVA have been shown to induce skin lesions in some individuals.
Health Benefits
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].
Tanning — indoors or with the sun — makes your skin age more quickly. Wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin firmness tend to appear years earlier in people who tan. Anyone who tans can also develop leathery skin, which people who never tan don't get.
These fluorescent lamps range anywhere from 100-watt bulbs to 140-watt bulbs. Because of their power – and the fact that they simulate UVA rays vs. UVB rays – they can actually penetrate the skin on a deeper level than the sun. This is why ten minutes in a tanning bed equates to about two hours of direct sun exposure.
Potential Benefits of UV Exposure
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.
Unfortunately, using sunbeds for eczema is no silver bullet either, but research has shown that exposure to UV light may help reduce skin inflammation, thereby alleviating some of the dryness, itching, and rash that characterise eczema.
The classic dermatologic sign of Addison's disease is diffuse hyperpigmentation of the skin with focal hyperpigmentation of scars, nails, and the oral mucosa.
However, some older research suggests that indoor tanning could help improve skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. A 2019 review suggests that low-level light therapy may effectively treat inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
A UV index of 3-5 is considered moderate and is ideal for tanning. During this range, the sun's rays are strong enough to stimulate melanin production in the skin without causing severe damage. It's important to note that even at this level, prolonged exposure without protection can lead to sunburn.
It is scientifically proven that red light with wavelenght close to 630 nm has the effect of stimulating the natural production of collagen by skin fibroblasts'.
The only way to tan safely is by using self-tanning sprays or lotions. Fortunately, self-tanners have come a long way since the days when they left skin streaky and the color of orange cheese-puffs. Self-tanning products are safe and generally don't cause irritation to the skin.
UV ray exposure releases endorphins in your body, which promotes a sense of well-being, a “feel good” emotion. Along with that, you get a healthy dose of vitamin D, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system. It makes sense why tanning makes us feel good!
The Physical Effect of a Tan
When we are exposed to the sun, our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential for our overall health and well-being. A tan can also help to hide imperfections such as blemishes, scars, and uneven skin tone, which can make a guy appear more attractive.
On the other hand, the sun seems to have beneficial effects on skin affected by this condition. In fact, a Swedish study showed that the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, after sun exposure, were improved in 54% of patients(1).
Feldman led a study that found fibromyalgia patients who were exposed to ultraviolet rays in a tanning bed over six weeks felt a decrease in pain compared to those who were in non-ultraviolet beds.
It's a myth that tanning makes dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation less noticeable — the spots get darker as your skin gets darker, so a tan won't actually even out your skin tone.
There is no data to suggest that tanning has a beneficial effect on treating either arthritis pain or the underlying inflammatory cause of any arthritis.
no! A tanning bed will never provide you with the vitamin D that you need, nor is it safer than tanning outdoors. Not understanding the facts can literally mean the difference between life and death. Both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation cause cell damage that can lead to skin cancer.
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.
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.