Tanning Bed Facts

Tanning bed is a new device that produces a cosmetic tan by emitting ultra violet radiation. It’s also referred to as a sun bed. There are several fluorescent lamps consisting of phosphor blends inside the tanning bed that emit ultraviolet radiation which is similar to the sunlight. Usually, home tanning beds contain 12 to 28, 100 watt lamps whereas those used in salons, contain 24 to 60 lamps. It’s said that they have adverse effects on the skin, causing diseases like skin cancer, but it’s a debatable topic. However, World Health Organization (WHO) doesn’t recommend the use of tanning beds for cosmetic purposes.

Tanning Bed Facts

• One of the very quintessential requirement is that you know what type of skin you have. There are five basic types of skin. The lightest being of albino and the darkest of a dark African. Other three lie between the two. You should tan according to the color of your skin. If you have a dark skin, tan less.
• Soft UVB rays are responsible for the production of Vitamin-D (the sunshine vitamin) in the skin. The vitamin is also responsible for strong bones and teeth.
• Always use tanning lotions that are designed for indoor tanning purposes. Keep away from oil as far as possible, because oils block the rays. Each lotion is designed in an unique way, so never mix up like using indoor lotion outside and vice-versa.
• A controlled exposure to sunlight or tanning bed lights, help in invigorating many bodily functions. It benefits the immunity system and increases longevity. But, over-tanning has it’s disadvantages. Avoid a sun burn as far as possible, because they are the main cause responsible for health hazards like skin cancer.
• Always take precautions in choosing the tanning bed. There are beds for beginners as well. Start with lower watt tanning bulb bed. Until you get a base tan, don’t go for stronger tanning bulb beds. Also remember that if you stop tanning and loose your tan, start from the lower watt tanning bulb bed instead of higher watt bulbs.
• You can purchase your own tanning beds for home. Indoor tanning equipments are quite safe as they radiate less regulated amounts of UVA and UVB rays. They are a great way to relax at the end of the day.
• Sunless tanning products, that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), are safe because they use the dead cells from the epidermis to change the skin color. This is the reason why this kind of tan doesn’t stay for long. The dead skin shed off quickly.
• Tanning is a process that occurs in two phases. The first phase is called Immediate Pigment Darkening, which is from direct response to the UV rays. The second phase is Delayed Tanning occurs 48 - 72 hours exposure. Hence, its advisable to keep a gap of 48 – 72 hours between successive tanning sessions.

Most of the time, there are health related issues whenever anything path-breaking is developed. Ditto is the case with tanning beds. Health hazards, like skin cancer, are caused because of regular sunburn and heredity problems. Whereas, some studies suggest that regular sun exposure prevents skin cancer. Whatever the real fact, tanning beds are a real craze and their popularity is rising day by day.