Fast Facts about Indoor and Outdoor Tanning

Women tied up with work no longer need to go to the beach or sun bathe on the roof tops just to get their tan.  For decades now, tanning beds are available to give a controlled level of ultraviolet rays to give people the perfect "bronze" look that is desired.  Now, which is more beneficial, the natural rays of the sun, or the tanning bed that mimics it?

Tanning beds are like shells of clams that has Plexiglass surfaces that has lights on top and underneath so that, unlike outdoor tanning, people will not have to turn upside down to tan their backs.

Sure people are a bit vain about their looks nowadays but do they know what it is they are spending on every time they step into the salon or make a trip to the beach.

This article informs the public about what tanning means.  It is the process of skin darkening after exposure from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.  The rays have two types; namely the UVA, or the longer waves of the ultraviolet rays and the UVB, or the shorter wave of the ultraviolet rays or that which causes sunburn.

Here are some claims as to the advantages of indoor against outdoor tanning.  In outdoor tanning, there is no guarantee as to how much ultraviolet light you are exposed to.  Climate changes, reason why the desired sunburn look may not be attained.  What the tanning salon boasts now is that you can get the perfect sunburn look at a lesser time.

Convenience is one more factor that the salons boast.  Who wouldn't want to just lie around for a few minute and presto, instant sunburn!  With outdoor tanning, one would have to spend hours baking under the sun.

Truth of the matter is, both have the advantages and disadvantages.  Doses of ultraviolet light are recommended by doctors, specially those people who suffer from skin diseases like psoriasis

Government advices the public as to when the sun's rays are harmful or not. 

No matter how safe the the tanning beds are, as claimed by salons, these, like the sun, emit ultraviolet light that can cause skin wrinkling, skin rashes induced by light, and increases chances for skin cancer development.  Squamous cell and basal cell cancer are still curable, however, melanoma is worse and is fatal.

Exposure to ultraviolet light in an extensive amount of time, as studies show, damages the eyes, specifically the retina and the cornea.  Many years of frequent exposure changes the lens structure causing it to cloud and thus form a cataract.  If this is left untreated, it can bring about blindness.

Whether tanning indoors or outdoors, it is most important to protect the skin.

1.  Avoid sunburn by controlling exposure.  Studies have suggested that the younger population are injured more by the UVB rays than the adults.  Skin injury may occur earlier if exposed earlier in life.  Use of sun screening lotion is still advisable even while just walking on the streets.

2.  Wear goggles or eye protectors.  At the salon, make sure that the goggles they provide are snugly fit and are sterilized after use.  When outdoors, sun glasses are recommended.

3.  Check the medical background.  People undergoing treatment for cases such as lupus or diabetes are at risk to develop cold sores.  Such medical conditions are aggravated with overexposure to ultraviolet rays, be it artificial or natural.   Some medications may make the skin more sensitive.

People should be smart enough to choose which is best for their bodies and not just for the sake of vanity.  UV rays have their advantages and disadvantages but bear in mind, too, that too much of anything is bad for the health.