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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to tanning

Tanning has become a very popular aesthetic luxury for both men and women. People like the natural glow their skin gives when tan. Also, many people think they look better when tanned. Being tanned gives a sense of pride in yourself because you look more attractive. However, when you spend too much time in the natural sun - or in the tanning bed - you can get burned and sometimes burned severely.

Tanning facts

Indoor tanning is big business in the United States, with over 20,000 tanning salons having cropped up since the 1970s, when this concept first emerged. Tanning salons cash in on the growing awareness about the ill effects of overexposure to sunlight. However, the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Medical Association warn against both forms of tanning, sun and sunless.

Tanning concerns

Both the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the American Medical Association have called for a ban on tanning equipment for cosmetic purposes. The American Academy of Dermatology Association urges that minors should not be allowed to use tanning devices and all such devices should display a warning about the hazards involved. It also states that no claims about safe tanning should be made by any person or salon.

The effects of tanning beds

Although research has proven that tanning beds can have detrimental effects on our skin, research is limited, and there are precautionary measures we can all do to lower the risk of side effects. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to limit your tanning sessions, especially if you have sensitive / fair skin. 10-15 minutes is usually enough time for the melanin in our skin to soak up the required energy to darken our skin. Any time spent beyond the recommended limit is unnecessary and can cause burning and greatly increase the risk of side effects.

CONCLUSION

Use a tanning bed lotion or “tan accelerator” to increase tanning speed and quality. Apply tan accelerator all over your body before and after your tanning session, since melanin oxidization and production continues long after you’ve been exposed to UV light. This will keep your skin cool, comfortable, moisturized, and just generally healthier.