Tanning Bed Information

Natural sunlight exposure is healthy in moderation. Vitamin D is known as "the sunshine vitamin" and is important for healthy bone growth and calcium absorption. Tanning beds also provide UVA and UVB rays that replicate the sun's light. There are many benefits, as well as misconceptions about indoor tanning units. It is important to be properly educated about your skin and how to get a healthy glow from a tanning bed.

History

In 1956, Dr. Felix Müller created the first tanning units for consumers. His system was called the "Original Dr. Müller Home Unit." The UV lamp was successful and by 1976, the first commercial tanning system was created. High pressure beds were designed after this. High pressure bulbs hold a higher pressure than that of the atmosphere. These are "upgraded" tanning beds because they hold a higher ratio of UVA light. UVA rays brown the melanin in your skin, and UVB rays are stronger and produce reddened skin (like a sunburn),

Types

High pressure, low pressure, upgraded beds and stand-up booths are terms that you may come across at tanning salons. There are many choices and it is critical to make the right one, especially with untanned skin. Low pressure beds are great for beginners. These bulbs contain UVB rays that produce the melanin in your skin. Slowly increasing time in a tanning bed will prevent burning. Once you notice change, move up to the high pressure or upgraded beds. This way, the UVA rays will begin to bronze the melanin that your skin has produced. Standing is always an option, and many salons have UVA and UVB booths. These lights tend to be stronger.

Benefits

Exposure to UVB light, whether indoors or outdoors is healthy for Vitamin D production. According to a recent article on tanningtruth.com, studies show that indoor tanners have higher Vitamin D levels in their blood. This exposure is beneficial, as it helps lower the risk of cancer and other diseases. Do you have psoriasis? Many doctors will not immediately recommend indoor tanning to treat this skin condition, but many tanning customers with psoriasis have noticed improvement in their skin.

Warning

Although tanning beds promote Vitamin D production and are beneficial for psoriasis patients, a warning should be considered. Treat tanning beds as if you were at the beach for the day. UVA and UVB lights in tanning beds are much stronger than the sun because of the pressure levels and proximity to your body. Also, know your skin. If you have red hair and freckles, it's not a good idea to tan at a salon for the maximum time. Skin conditions can be traced back to overexposure to sunlight, so keep this in mind when you're tanning winter-white skin.

Misconceptions

Magazines are full of anti-sun related ads. Skin cancer patients attribute their unfortunate situation to tanning. Some believe it is impossible not to burn first if you're going to tan indoors. These are just a few of many misconceptions that people have about indoor tanning. However, if society had the mindset that it should with eating, many would realize that UV rays, just like dessert is fine in moderation. "Sunburn prevention---not sun avoidance---is the key."

References

• Original Dr. Müller
• Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
• FAQ