3 Tips for Tanning Bed Safety
In recent years, studies have seemed to indicate that using tanning beds is not as detrimental or dangerous as in the past. Why is this? There are a number of factors that may contribute to the decrease in skin cancer diagnosis associated with tanning, in particular artificial tanning, such as safer beds, increased public awareness of the risks of tanning, and safer tanning practices. If you are considering visiting your local tanning company, continue reading to find out how to get the sun-kissed look you crave without risking your health.
Proponents of safe, artificial tanning argue that beds produce less UVA than regular sunlight. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays and are the leading cause of aging, skin cancer, and other effects of the sun. Because most beds emit less UVA rays that natural sunlight, it seems that using a bed would be safer. But you have to make sure the beds your tanning location uses meet strict requirements. If the bed emits more UVA than natural sunlight, you could be putting your health at risk.
You also want to avoid excessive electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Tanning beds that use magnetic ballasts to produce light are particularly dangerous because the magnetic ballasts have been linked to cancer. You can tell if you are in a bed with magnetic ballasts because you will hear a loud buzzing while in the bed like the sound a bug zapper makes. Restrict your use to beds that use electronic ballasts for a safer tanning experience.
Tanning companies often have guidelines in place for their customers to review to determine the appropriate amount of time they should spend in the tanning bed. These guidelines are based on a person's natural coloring, their sensitivity to UVA rays, and the desired level of darkness they hope to achieve in a certain amount of time. When it comes to tanning, slow and steady wins the race, and it saves your skin. Limiting your exposure to 10-20 minutes at a time is ideal.
Also, do not tan every day. If you want color for a vacation or an event like prom, plan ahead. Visit your local tanning salon once every other day or once every 2-3 days. You'll reduce your exposure to UVA rays and you will also reduce the chances of burning.
Most tanning companies offer alternatives to beds such as spray tanning, customized body cream applications, and gels. The major benefit of achieving a tan in this manner is obvious: UVA rays are not penetrating your skin. While some people avoid spray tans because they are afraid of streaks, and a too orange of an appearance, thanks to customized spray tans and body cream applications you can achieve a beautiful glow that contours and highlights various parts of your body without lying in a bed.
If you do decide to lie in a tanning bed in Overland Park, KS, make sure that the company has strict sanitation rules. The beds should be cleaned on a regular basis, using appropriate cleaning products to prevent the spread of infections or diseases.
Choose Your Bed Wisely
Proponents of safe, artificial tanning argue that beds produce less UVA than regular sunlight. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays and are the leading cause of aging, skin cancer, and other effects of the sun. Because most beds emit less UVA rays that natural sunlight, it seems that using a bed would be safer. But you have to make sure the beds your tanning location uses meet strict requirements. If the bed emits more UVA than natural sunlight, you could be putting your health at risk.
You also want to avoid excessive electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Tanning beds that use magnetic ballasts to produce light are particularly dangerous because the magnetic ballasts have been linked to cancer. You can tell if you are in a bed with magnetic ballasts because you will hear a loud buzzing while in the bed like the sound a bug zapper makes. Restrict your use to beds that use electronic ballasts for a safer tanning experience.
Limit Your Exposure to Artificial Light
Tanning companies often have guidelines in place for their customers to review to determine the appropriate amount of time they should spend in the tanning bed. These guidelines are based on a person's natural coloring, their sensitivity to UVA rays, and the desired level of darkness they hope to achieve in a certain amount of time. When it comes to tanning, slow and steady wins the race, and it saves your skin. Limiting your exposure to 10-20 minutes at a time is ideal.
Also, do not tan every day. If you want color for a vacation or an event like prom, plan ahead. Visit your local tanning salon once every other day or once every 2-3 days. You'll reduce your exposure to UVA rays and you will also reduce the chances of burning.
Consider Spray Tans
Most tanning companies offer alternatives to beds such as spray tanning, customized body cream applications, and gels. The major benefit of achieving a tan in this manner is obvious: UVA rays are not penetrating your skin. While some people avoid spray tans because they are afraid of streaks, and a too orange of an appearance, thanks to customized spray tans and body cream applications you can achieve a beautiful glow that contours and highlights various parts of your body without lying in a bed.
If you do decide to lie in a tanning bed in Overland Park, KS, make sure that the company has strict sanitation rules. The beds should be cleaned on a regular basis, using appropriate cleaning products to prevent the spread of infections or diseases.
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