Taking into account the risks due to overexposure to the sun, I think it is necessary that we periodically review the ideas we have about tanning. Even though it is but a skin response to protect itself from radiation (the so-called UV rays), to which a hormone called melanin contributes, are still attributed to 'being brown / or' characteristics related to beauty or health. And I am not saying that a woman is not beautiful if she is brown, what I am saying is that that skin tone is a wake-up call from the body.
It turns out that, without reaching the extreme of tanorexia, there is a certain tendency to exaggerating the supposed benefits of tanning, to the point that (as you know) you can wear it at any time of the year if you go to a beauty salon with cabins that will allow you to brown your skin even without being under the sun. The first myth to dismantle would be: 'it is not dangerous to acquire skin color in a tanning booth', because its harmful effects have been proven.
It is said that we can attribute 5,4 percent of skin cancers to these tanning systems, all of them completely preventable, just by not using the tanning booths. Of course, of the sun's rays, UVAs (they cause deep and lasting skin damage) are a very low percentage, around 0,05 percent. And it is this type of radiation that beauty centers specializing in tanning offer you. That is, for example beds do not generate UVBs that cause a lot of side effects, such as ulcerations, burns, etc.
It seems that young women are the main users of the canned 'sun', and also (although it is prohibited for those under 18 in some countries). It is just before most of the sun when 80 percent of the damage caused by sun exposure or artificial tanning accumulates, because the skin is still immature ... in fact it is said that 'the skin has memory', which translated comes To be: don't risk it because today's excesses can take their toll tomorrow.
Artificial tanning is not health
In addition to the skin, and risk of contracting any of the cancers of this largest organ of the body (it covers us completely); Tanning beds, it turns out, cause much higher levels of UV rays than we get from the sun. We have said that they only emit UVA, but very intensely. These damages translate into catratas, uveal cancer or macular degeneration.
Much more individual and collective awareness is necessary, since according to information from the American Academy of Dermatology, within the percentage of 'sun users' who know the risks, a good part prefers to assume them, in exchange for being more 'attractive'. I sincerely believe that beauty stereotypes are affecting us a lot, and I am concerned that this will happen after adolescence, because it makes little sense that adults still express that desire to be accepted.
This is what you should know
That I'm explaining all of this to you probably won't make you want to lie down in one of those closed beds to get a little radiation. In that case, and without the intention of getting too heavy, I also have to say that the benefits of the sun for people are various, among others, the contribution of Vitamin D, But it is the light that brings us this nutrient, so forget about it if you tan in the cabin. And now yes, never forget these tips.
- Make sure that the beauty center has authorization to carry out the activity.
- Know your skin type, and based on it, assume the limits recommended by the manufacturer of the artificial tanning equipment.
- Before exposure, remove all cosmetic products that you have applied to your skin.
- If you are taking antibiotics, antiseptics, sleeping pills or antidepressants, do not use tanning booths.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations also regarding the distance from the lamp, and the duration / frequency of the sessions.
- Use approved and specific glasses to absorb radiation.
- If at any time in your life you have suffered skin lesions (wounds, blisters, or a simple redness ...) ask your doctor if he or she recommends artificial tanning.
After the session, follow the instructions of the center staff, and take care of your skin by hydrating it.
In no case do you use these services if you burn easily, Nor if you have lesions on the lips, or a specific medical condition such as lupus and vitiligo. People with diagnosed immune suppression are contraindicated in solar cabinets. And those that habitually use cosmetics or photosensitive drugs, too. In special cases, it is always better to ask the doctor.
I am sure that as an adult woman you can make the best decision for your health.