Looking forward to a session of indoor UV tanning for a rich, golden brown tan? Then going through the UV tanning tips in this article, might be of considerable help.
Tanning is a mechanism by which the body protects itself from the harmful effects of the sun. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays which are of three types; UVA, UVB and UVC. Among these three types of rays, UVC is harmful for our skin and causes sunburns or even cancer of the skin. The other two rays cause no harm and a moderate amount of exposure to these rays is used for indoor UV tanning. But what causes tanning?
Our skin has three layers epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis contains cells termed as melanocytes which, on exposure to UV rays of the sun release a pigment known as melanin. The number of melanocytes in the skin varies among people from different parts of the world. The more the number of melanocytes in your skin, the deeper the tan you get. While you can always bathe in the sun for a natural sun tan, there are certain benefits of a tanning bed. On a tanning bed, you are exposed to a controlled amount of UV radiation and what’s more, you can even adjust the temperature as per your comfort. Moreover, an indoor UV tanning bed filters out the harmful UVC rays and hence are safer than tanning in the sun.
Useful Tips for UV Tanning
Here are some useful tips that will make the process of getting a tan, easier for you. Just have a look!
Tip 1: Grab a Great Deal!
Indoor UV tanning being very expensive, you may not feel like giving it a try. But sometimes you find some attractive deals at your local salon that might even offer you a free session. First timers can grab such opportunities and get to know what exactly does indoor UV tanning feel like. Not only this, offers like these sometimes include freebies as well. Once you are at the salon, ask for discounts on the package. You’re sure to get good deals if you agree to have several sessions at the same spa or salon. What’s more, if you go along with a few of your friends, chances are you’ll get a better deal.
Tip 2: Use a Tanning Lotion
If you wish to get a proper tan within a short time, then you should use indoor tanning lotions on a regular interval. Indoor tanning lotions are nothing but safe and gentle lotions that help your skin tan more quickly. These lotions are available in tanning salons and spas. However, the catch is that tanning salons sell them at a higher price, almost for around $60. If you wish to get a better bargain, then you should get them from online shopping portals such as eBay. Remember not to use ordinary outdoor sun protection lotions as they do not serve the purpose.
Tip 3: Prepare for the Tan
Before you lie down on the UV tanning bed, you should follow a few steps to make your skin ready for a proper tan. You should use a gentle soap on your skin and use a mild exfoliation scrub to remove the dead cells. Removing dead skin ensures a smooth and even tan. Once you are done with the exfoliation, apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Another point worth mentioning here, is the use of proper protective gear. Protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation by wearing protective goggles. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before stepping on the tanning bed. Also, you should cover tattoos on your body, if any, to prevent them from fading. Keep your lips from drying out by applying lip balm.
Tip 4: Avoid Overexposure
You should speak to experts at the tanning salon to find out how long on the UV tanning bed is too long. Generally, for beginners, it should not exceed 10 minutes but gradually you can extend your tanning session for as long as 20-25 minutes. If at any point during the session, you experience a burning sensation on your skin, stop the session immediately.
Tip 5: Allow the Tan to Settle In
Whenever you sit through a tanning session, you are advised not to take a shower within 4 hours after the completion of the session. This is because taking a shower soon after might reduce the extent of the tan.
Risk Factors of UV Tanning
Even though indoor tanning beds are preferred by many, to reap the benefits of UV tanning, there are several risk factors involved with this process, due to the exposure to radiation. Some of these are as under.
- Excessive exposure may cause melanoma or skin cancer.
- The high temperatures might be harmful for pregnant women.
- Exposure of the eyes to the radiation might cause damage to the cornea.
Every time you plan to get a tan, remember these tips. Following these simple tips will help you get a rich and safe tan every time. However, it is best advised that you consult your doctor before getting a UV tan.