A good tan can be appealing, attractive, might have a slimming effect on your appearance and can be an enhancing factor to your mood after a long sunless winter.
Sunning can increase the production of vitamin D and natural endorphins, but does this outweigh the damage that can occur following regular usage of tanning beds or booths, such as skin cancer and other diseases?
How does indoor tanning work and what are the risks involved?
Tanning beds and booths both work following the same principle: emitting UV lights that penetrate the skin dermis, inducing an increased production of the skin’s natural pigment, melanin. When exposed to the sun and UV light, the body tries to protect itself from a sunburn by increasing the production of melanin. This hyperpigmentation “side effect” can sometimes trigger skin diseases such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Another risk of indoor tanning is possible eye injury from being exposed to UV rays. The cornea, a sensitive part of the eye, absorbs UV ray wavelengths, which can cause a corneal burn. It can heal on itself, but why take a chance? Exposure to UV light can also cause photo-conjunctivitis and photo-keratitis, which can be quite painful.
In addition, skin aging was noted to accelerate among users of tanning beds and booths, more wrinkles and fine lines can appear with more exposure to sunlight and UV light, especially without the adequate sun protection.
What are some precautions that can be taken to prevent skin damage in summer?
Summer means more exposure to the sun, whether we like it or not. To avoid sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and other side effects of increased exposure to the sun, always make sure to:
,- Wear your sunscreen and reapply it every hour
- Wear a hat if you’re an outdoor fanatic who enjoys hiking, camping or activities at the beach
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid the sun in the middle of the day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the rays are stronger
- Wear sunglasses that filter UV rays
- Avoid tanning beds and booths
Taking care of your health should not be taken for granted, especially when diseases and complications can be avoided by simply taking the right measures to protect yourself. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Our weekly installment from eTobb’s blog featuring health tips, medical information and valuable advice from medical professionals. For previous posts click here .