Tanning has become a popular pastime for those who want glowing, tanned skin.
This article will discuss why people tan, its risks, and the right way to lay in a tanning bed.
Why People Still Use Tanning Beds
Despite it not being the safest tanning activity out there, why do people still do it?
Tanned skins are a staple when it comes to beach trips. Whenever you think of going to beaches for a vacation, you normally associate people with tanned skins enjoying their time under the sun.
This is why friends plan beach trips weeks or even months ahead of time. This allowance gives them a chance to work on their tanning sessions since it is not a one-time-big-time thing.
Tanning can take weeks of sessions that involve lying down under the sun or on a tanning bed. Getting the base tan or ideal tan will take a while, so planning beach trips accordingly is part of the process.
There are three ways for people to get a tan: sun tanning, indoor tanning, and self-tanning. Each process varies, but all three get the job done if done right.
Here are some reasons why people prefer indoor tanning over the other options.
More convenient with the schedule
You might have heard about the peak hours of the sun. This refers to when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. This is a time to avoid doing any outdoor activities like tanning.
The best time to go out tanning is before 9 am and after 4 pm. However, not everyone might be free during those times.
At the same time, we can’t guarantee that the sun will be up and about all the time. It could be really cloudy or even rainy when peak hours are done.
Even if you can still get exposure to UV light despite cloudy skies, the process will take a bit longer. Also, there’s no fun tanning on a rainy day, is there?
This is one reason people prefer to do indoor tanning. They are able to work their visits to the tanning salons around their schedule as compared to working their schedule around the sun’s peak hours.
You can now tan at your own leisure if your only free time is during peak hours. There’s no need to worry about getting wet from the rain since you’ll be tanning indoors.
More control
Just as your tanning session depends on the sun’s peak hours, it also depends on the UV light the sun gives off.
Tanning beds are more adjustable and can cater to different skin types and tones. Pairing the right levels with the right tanning lotion is now possible.
You also have someone outside manning the tanning bed to ensure your safety.
The risks
Just because there are more reasons for people to choose this option doesn’t make it safer.
If anything, it still poses the same risks present with sun tanning. Tanning is not a safe activity, after all. The fact that it involves heat can already pose some threats to your health.
So here are some risks you need to pay attention to if you still wish to pursue this.
Skin burn
The first common risk of tanning is skin burns.
Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause your skin to burn. This is why you shouldn’t stay out in the sun for too long, as it can cause sunburn.
Skin burns vary depending on how long your exposure is or how strong the UV light is.
The first kind will mostly just cause pain when stretching or doing any physical activity. However, it can worsen and turn into a skin rash, causing more pain or even greatly damaging your skin.
The worst of them all is that it could lead to skin cancer.
Skin aging
Another risk that tanning poses is skin aging.
Tanning for too much and too long can cause wrinkles to pop up prematurely. It can also cause the skin to lose its elasticity, making it age faster in the process.
Allergic reactions
Everyone’s skin is different, and some might have allergic reactions when it comes to tanning.
This might be a risky process for those of you with such predicaments. Assess whether your skin can handle the process without negative side effects. Allergies can range from minor inconveniences to serious consequences.
How to tan safely
Even with all this, let’s say you still want to tan your skin.
Luckily, you can. It is just important to know the dangers it poses and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin. Since you are familiar with some of them, here are some tanning safety tips.
Prep your skin
Preparing your skin before your tanning session is a must-do in order to get the intended results.
Exfoliating ensures that no dead skin cells are left in your body, which will affect your tan. This will also help reduce the number of times you need to tan, as well as keep the results consistent and appealing.
Moisturizing and hydrating are also important preparation steps so as to keep your skin and yourself hydrated even after the tanning process.
Apply tanning lotion and wear goggles
When it comes to safety preparations, it is crucial that you put on sun lotion. This will limit the negative effects of tanning on your skin.
Remember that a minimum of SPF 30 is the way to go to ensure your skin is protected.
Another thing you need to put on is a pair of goggles. These are to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Take less time in the booth
The best way to avoid the risks of tanning is to reduce the amount of time you take to tan.
The first session should only take about five minutes, with each succeeding session being only a minute longer. Once you reach the session that lasts ten minutes, that should be the cap.
It is also crucial to space your tanning sessions. Don’t go visiting the tanning booth every succeeding day. Space them out a day or two each. This is also done to let your skin rest.
Conclusion
Tanning is a fun activity for a lot of people, but it also has its risks.
Hopefully, you are now more aware of what happens and can practice safety and caution before your next tanning schedule.
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