Benefits of Indoor Tanning
I have gained a great deal of information on the subject, having been employed in a tanning salon for over two years. Part of the responsibility of working in such an environment is having the knowledge and poise to address any concern a customer may have. Not only are you required to answer their questions, you must also make them feel comfortable and confident. This brings us to our next point: Why people tan.
The reason an individual walks into a tanning salon varies from person to person. For most it is merely a cosmetic desire to become more beautiful or confident with one's outward appearance. Tanning can reduce the appearance of scars by blending shades and darkening of the actual scar. It also helps to clear up acne by drying up oil on the skin. Acne isn't the only skin condition improved by tanning. It also cures Psoriasis, Eczema, and Jaundice. Tanning can even help you lose weight! Ultraviolet light stimulates the thyroid gland, which boosts your metabolism. Increase in metabolism means added weight lose. But there is much more to tanning than what meets the eye.
A little known fact about indoor tanning is that it raises the levels of vitamin D and bone mineral density. It is produced when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This is an easy alternative to finding this rare vitamin in your diet. Indoor tanning essentially builds stronger bones and eventually aids in the prevention of osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps prevent many other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.
I have found that for a large number of people tanning is their time of relaxation. The warming effect you feel from the tanning lamps releases endorphins and decreases levels of adrenaline. This assists in soothing muscles and minor aches and pains. The ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the joints and help release tension and strain, aiding people suffering from arthritis. It increases the oxygen capacity of blood, helps to resist infections, increases muscle strength, and boosts tolerance to stress. Tanners look forward to the 20 minutes of freedom and comfort as an escape from stress and worry of everyday life.
Another plus side to tanning is that it helps prevent depression, especially seasonal depression. Seasonal depression, sometimes called SAD, is caused by lack of sunlight and affects more than 6% of the population. This type of depression causes moodiness, weaker immune systems, lack of motivation and focus. It can eventually lead to eating and sleeping disorders or withdrawing from others. When the body is exposed to less sunlight throughout the day its production of serotonin decreases. Tanning indoors offers more exposure to sunlight which can help fend off depression.
Still not convinced that tanning is safe? Unlike the natural sun, the light you receive from indoor tanning is all regulated and specifically controlled to prevent burning. For this reason tanning year round is safer than a two week vacation spent in the hot sun. American research claims that regular tanning helps to prevent the dangerous form of cancer called Melanoma. And there is no proof that using sun beds has ever caused skin cancer. In fact getting a good base tan indoors actually helps shield skin from burning in the natural sun. That is still no excuse to not use sunscreen. Over exposure to sun can be dangerous but there are plenty of benefits to tanning besides a beautifully bronzed body. Sunlight is an essential part of life.
Published by Mandy Kaye
Looks to me like we've got a classic case of...writer's block! View profile
- Possible Connections Between Seasonal Depression and Less Exposure to SunlightThe precise way in which fewer hours of and more angular sunlight cause depression in SAD sufferers is still deputed by doctors and health researchers.
- Am I at Risk for Skin Cancer?Skin cancer is a scary condition that can impact anyone. Identifying the specific risk factors and individuals at risk is important so preventive measures can be taken.
Melanoma Skin Cancer: Does Changing Mole Always Mean Trouble? Part IIDoes changing mole always mean melanoma or skin cancer? Part II- How to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer Twelve Months Out of the YearSkin cancer is one of the most dangerous, widespread cancers affecting people today. Three months out of the year isn't enough to stay protected.
Melanoma Skin Cancer: When Changing Moles Are Benign: Part ISkin cancer: When changing moles don't mean melanoma
- 10% Tax on Indoor Tanning Isn't Really a Helpful Tax
- Common Misconceptions About Indoor Tanning and Tanning Beds
- The Truth About Indoor Tanning
- How to Prevent Skin Cancer
- Seasonal Depression
- Tanning Lotions for Less
- Tanning Beds and Vitamin D
- Tanning helps prevent depression.
- Tanning raises the level of vitamin D.
- Tanning can even help you lose weight!
25 Comments
Post a CommentVery interesting insight. I am low on Vitamin D, and my doc has said this is an OK option to get a little more when we have endless overcast days. Everything in moderation...Thanks for starting a good discussion!
Tanning equipment has come a long way. The beds I use now are much better and more controlled than the old ones of years ago. I think that education and moderation are key. I am a SAHM and enjoy the few minutes I spend every week or so in the tanning salon. It's a treat to do something for myself and get away from the kids for a little while!
I'm not really one for tanning of any sort- I have very fair skin + I HATE lying still doing nothing so tanning was never really my thing. :p Interesting points you've brought up, however. Thanks!
people with lighter skin are at such a higher risk for skin cancer that i would never suggest a tanning bed over the sun. my dermatologist has forbidden me from indoor tanning.
I also believe that moderation is key on the subject of tanning. Tanning can help psoriasis, depression, appearance and can be very soothing as well. However, I think people should brush up on their tanning knowledge before beginning the process and remember to start out slow to help prevent burning. One also needs to remember that to get your daily dose of vitamin D from sun exposure is a mere 15 minutes is required - This is 15 minutes of just being outside (not necessarily sitting in the sun), and is not to be mistaken with 15 minutes in a tanning bed, which would be the equivelant of several hours!
I know it's bad - but it feels so good!! Should switch to meditation....aahhhhmmmmmm :)
I think this is one of those things where moderation is the key.
I ended up in the hospital with a severe burn the first time I went to a tanning bed. It was my fault for not researching more into it first; however, the rays from the bed burned my body severely.
I have to disagree with a previous commentor who said this article is irresponsible. It's no more irresponsible than board-certified MDs telling you to use sunscreen, but then not mention that most mainstream sunscreen brands contain questionable carcinogenic ingredients. At least pay a bit more money and use chemical-free sunscreens. Aubrey Organics and Alba make mineral sunscreens that are free of carcinogenic ingredients. Also, vitamin D deficiency is a contributing factor to prostate cancer, breast cancer, Alzheimer's, and many more serious health conditions.
I completely understand the points you are trying to make. While I don't go to tanning beds, I do get pure exposure to the sun without using sunscreen each day in the summer. I absolutely have to! I have psoriasis, and using sunscreen blocks the important UV rays that cause me to produce enough vitamin D. It was using sunscreen that led to me getting dangerously low levels of vitamin D in the first place, which can actually CAUSE other forms of cancer. It's a risks/benefits analysis. I'd rather deal with an increase in skin cancer risk if it means my risk of breast cancer goes down (which it will once my vitamin D levels rebound and reach a higher level). And to Martha, 40% of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient. It's impossible to get enough just by going outdoors if you're slathering on tons of sunscreen.