Tanning Salons
Salon tanning involves the use of tanning booths. A session typically
lasts for about 30 minutes. Tanning booths emulate solar radiation but
attempt to reduce the risks by using only UVB radiation at lower doses.
However, the risks, although reduced, are still present.
Many institutions, such as the British Association of Dermatologists,
warn against over-exposure in the tanning booth. For most people, an
exposure of greater than 10 hours per year is not recommended. For those
with special skin conditions, this allowance is further reduced.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays, whether it be directly from the sun or from a tanning salon,
can be harmful to health.
Tanning salons have become popular recently through people looking for alternate ways to obtain the golden glow of a tan without
risking sunburn or melanomas. Tanning salons provide a convenient,
private and relaxing way to obtain a good tan. In essence, they propose
a controlled atmosphere in which the person no longer needs to worry
about:
• the time of the day—outdoor tanning at midday is usually more harmful
• the UV levels
• wearing adequate sunscreen
• other atmospheric conditions
Here is a summary of what indoor tanning salons propose.
Expert Advice
An indoor tanning facility will typically have trained personnel that
will analyze your requirements and propose tailor-made solutions. It is
clear from research that not all people have the same type of skin. Some
people do not tan at all whilst others tan wonderfully. This is largely
because of genetic factors that result in either the production of
eumelanin (pigment that causes darker skin color) or pheomelanin (which
does not darken) in the skin. People with eumelanin are blessed with the
possibility of obtain golden tans while those with pheomelanin are
cursed with sun burns. Thankfully, in a tanning salon, it is up to the
professionals to decide in which group you are. They will propose the
solution convenient to you.
Controlled UV Exposure
Professionals control the amount of time you spend in the UV booth. It
does not matter if you fall asleep or do not keep track of time. There
will always be someone to watch over you. It must be highlighted here
that moderate UV exposure is desirable as opposed to no exposure at all.
Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a widespread phenomenon and this can be
avoided through controlled UV exposure that the salons provide. With
controlled exposure, there are no harmful effects such as skin damage
and cancer risks are low.
The Right Equipment for You
If you do not tan easily or sunburn rapidly, then UV booths or any type
of exposure to UV will be harmful for you. Your sensitive skin should be
protected and nourished. That does not mean that you will never be able
to sport a tan. Tanning salons have the types of equipment for fake tans
as well. Spray tanning equipment (booths, sprayers…etc.) can give you
nice tans that can last a week. The method is through the application of
dihydroxyacetone solutions to your skin. This causes the outermost skin
layer to oxidize and darken in color. This type of tanning disappears as
the skin is shed. There is no involvement of UV light and is thus
totally healthy way to obtain tans, especially for people with sensitive
skin. |
