Tanning Bed Benefits Over Direct Sunlight

If you are like most people, you want to look your best this summer and that means having a gorgeous tanned physique. The problem is traditional tanning has several hazards. Below you will find many of the things you should avoid and a safe way to achieve the bronzed look you desire without risking your health.

Are you looking for a way to get that all over healthy tanned look for this summer? If so you are not alone, most people love to be prepared for summer!

There are some essential factors you should consider before you head out to find the closest tanning bed or take some sort of tanning pill. There is nothing inherently wrong with tanning provided you know the risks and dangers associated with going about it the wrong way. Each tanning option has at least some risk involved.

When it comes to sun tanning the main problem is with ultra violet rays. When you expose your skin to this type of radiation for an extended amount of time it will age you. The biggest concern however has to do with skin cancer, which can come from solar radiation damage to your skin. Sun tanning has risks that you simply cannot ignore.

As you probably already know, sun tanning also leaves you at risk for sunburns and rashes. What you may not be aware of is that ultraviolet rays can also cause contact dermatitis and fungal infections. These risks are present whether you are using natural sunlight to tan or certain tanning beds. Most beds use these harmful rays to give you a tan. The bottom line is there are no safe ultraviolet rays.

If you tan excessively you can end up with several different skin conditions including actinic keratosis, atypical nevus and melasma, which leaves brown patches on your skin. You should be aware that some medications make you more susceptible to burning and these include oral contraceptive pills. Moreover, if you already have a skin condition you must take more precautions when tanning.

The purpose of this information is not to make you quit tanning. However, you should be on guard against the possible dangers and be aware of the risks you may be taking. Like your grandmother used to say for warned is forearmed!

Women in general usually start tanning to increase their beauty; this is a habit that often starts at a very young age. If you are one of the many people who feel you must tan, there are some precautions you can take to make the process safer.

A safe tan is one that you have developed over a long period of time or gradually if you will. While it may sound counter-intuitive it is important that you use sunscreen while sun tanning and goggles when you are in the tanning bed. These are two rules you should not ignore.

Your sunscreen level will depend greatly on the current condition of your skin, if you have a specific skin condition use at least SPF 15. That being said, it is also important that you speak with your doctor or dermatologist before tanning with a skin condition.

Any skin that is going to be exposed to direct sun or even a tanning bed should receive sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your tanning session begins. When you are planning to be outside in the sunlight for a long period it is important that you carry sunscreen and reapply it approximately every two hours.

There is some good news on the horizon in moderation there are times when sun exposure is actually good for the skin. If you suffer from psoriasis, pruritus, eczema or a few other conditions, you could see some improvement with moderate sun tanning. The key to all of this is moderation and a little common sense.

Sun tanning and tanning beds are not your only alternatives for getting a great bronzed appearance. One recently popular method is sunless tanning. Instead of using the sun to darken your skin there is a chemical, DHA that can be sprayed on your skin. Dihydroxyacetone is an FDA approved chemical that can give you a beautiful tanned appearance, though just recently popular it has been around for over 25 years.

Of course, this type of tanning system is for external use and when you are in the spray booth, you must protect sensitive areas. Your eyes, ears, nose and other areas must be covered adequately.

In the course of your search for the perfect tan you may find tanning pills. Some salons may carry them as well as internet retailers. You should know that these are not approved for use in the United States. These pills have been linked to specific eye disorders and so have gotten the thumbs down from the FDA. Other problems with tanning pills include liver damage and uticaria a very itchy skin condition. A better option is a safe tanning bed that provides both UVA and UVB rays, the UVB rays are ones your body requires to produce vitamin D, who knew getting a tan could actually have other health benefits.

When it is all said and done, you want healthy skin and a great tanned body for summertime fun. Tanning is not the enemy if you do it wisely and watch how long you expose your body to UVA radiation. Examine all your options carefully, including safe tanning beds that offer UVB rays that produce vitamun D. Remember these guidelines while seeking the perfect tan and you will avoid many common skin problems associated with tanning.