More than half a century ago, the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel said that a pale face looks like an aspirin pill. Having heard the verdict from a well-known expert, fashionistas and women of fashion of the last century began to actively enjoy the scorching rays of the sun and visit warm countries.
Today you do not need to buy an expensive ticket to the resort if the shade of your skin is close to the color of winter snow: a solarium will easily fix this problem. However, a person who decides to go into a cabin with an artificial sun for the first time often asks questions about how to visit correctly and how much to go to a solarium to sunbathe without harm and health consequences.
In the article we will get acquainted with all the pitfalls of modern tanning salons; find out how to save the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation; learn about the reviews of sunbathers; Weigh the pros and cons.
How it works?
A solarium is a closed cabin, inside which UV lamps are located around the perimeter. Unlike the sun, they give a more aggressive dose of UV rays, so the skin darkens in literally minutes.
The design of most modern tanning salons is aimed at minimizing the harmful effects on the skin. Special filters suppress the harmful effects of pathogenic UV rays of range C (UVC). UVCs make up 0% of the total amount of natural solar radiation that has reached the Earth: the rays are absorbed by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. In the solarium, this figure also tends to zero.
Helps to get instant tan UV rays of range B (UVB). UVBs make up no more than 0.16% of natural sunlight, and in the solarium this figure increases up to 25 times and reaches 3.6%. UVBs are not as dangerous as UVCs, but they can also cause burns, so they are combined with the UV rays of range A (UVA) in the correct proportion.
In Russia, lamps for tanning beds with a UVB range from 0.1% to 3.6% are used. It is logical that the higher the percentage, the faster the tan. However, the harmful effect of such UV rays on the skin has not been canceled.
Contraindications
Nature made sure that all living organisms on the planet receive a limited portion of ultraviolet radiation. As already mentioned, in a tanning booth, the dose of UV rays is increased up to 25 times compared with natural sunlight. This is the main reason for the danger and harm of the tanning bed.
The body of each person individually perceives an increased dose of ultraviolet radiation. Some indulge in an artificial tan every year and do not complain about their health, while others may end up in intensive care after the first session.
To avoid bad consequences, before the first trip to the solarium, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications, and they are:
- The abundance of moles. Doctors say that under the influence of ultraviolet, moles can degenerate into a cancerous tumor.
- Photodermatitis. By this concept is meant an allergy to the sun. After visiting the tanning bed, blisters and redness may form.
- Skin diseases. A tanning bed will increase inflammation and / or itching.
- Pregnancy and lactation. The effect of ultraviolet radiation increases the load on the body, which can affect the health of the mother and baby.
- Hormonal disruptions. There is a risk of a critical increase / decrease in hormone levels.
- Chronic diseases Solarium contributes to the exacerbation of the disease.
Do not rush to be upset if you have one or more contraindications. To get started, sign up for a consultation with a doctor. Perhaps he will allow a visit to the solarium subject to special recommendations.
About the dangers of ultraviolet radiation
If contraindications have bypassed you, this does not mean that tanning with the help of intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a completely safe procedure.
Doctors often recall the dangers of tanning beds. Most of the medical community is convinced that express tanning can trigger the development of skin cancer even in a completely healthy person. True, such a conviction is a hypothetical assumption by doctors that does not have one hundred percent confirmation. One thing is certain: if your relatives have ever suffered a serious illness, then the effect of ultraviolet radiation can strengthen your genetic predisposition to the disease, if any.
But avid fans of express tanning are convinced that a rare visit to the solarium (no more than 2 times a week) can not provoke the development of serious diseases: the dose of radiation received is too small.
Both doctors and visitors claim that the effect of UV rays adversely affects the general condition of the skin. Deterioration of elasticity, dryness, acceleration of aging processes - these are the first things to fear. However, side effects can be avoided with the help of protective products for tanning beds, which we will learn about later.
About the benefits of tanning
Both natural and artificial sun baths must be taken in a very metered way. Then ultraviolet irradiation will not cause harm to health, but rather, it will bring a lot of pleasure and even benefit.
In winter, our body, more than ever, needs a portion of sunlight. The solarium will not only compensate for the deficiency, but will also give additional strength and increase vitality.
Use of a sunbed:
- the production of endorphins, the so-called "hormones of happiness", due to which the mood improves and depression disappears;
- increased immunity weakened in the winter season;
- the production of vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones;
- help in the fight against acne and acne.
How to choose the "right" solarium
Responsibly choose the source of the artificial sun. It can be either a specialized studio or a beauty salon.
The choice should not be tempted by the low price or walking distance from home. It is advisable to take advantage of the positive experience of your friends or relatives, to read their reviews. The solarium should not only be famous for its good reputation, but also have regular customers. If your friends are among them - this is a very favorable sign.
Do not believe everything that is written on the Internet about a particular solarium: reviews can be left by the owners or employees of the salon. This technique is often used to increase the number of visitors and, consequently, profit.
If you did not have friends who like to treat themselves to an artificial sun, then do not rush to be upset. Try a little trick. Call the administrator and ask your questions. If you were unwillingly talking to you at the other end of the phone in order to quickly end the conversation, then forget about visiting this place. The culture of communication, even by telephone, is a guarantee that the company will take care of the comfort and safety of each client.
About important details
Why is it so important to choose the right tanning bed? Indeed, at first glance it seems that the tanning booths are the same everywhere. But this is not at all true. And that's why.
Hygiene
Not all owners of tanning salons care about cleanliness. About 50 people can visit the tanning booth in one day. And disinfection and cleaning of tanning salons is the administrator’s concern. If he didn’t give a damn about the phone, then it’s likely that he has the same connivance towards cleanliness. However, you always have the right to ask to clean the cabin in your presence. If you hear a refusal, immediately go to another solarium.
Timely lamp replacement
Such a pleasure is very expensive, because unscrupulous owners of tanning salons hide the fact of a problem. Faulty lamps are a lack of result and a waste of money. You have the right to request a journal in which the date of the last replacement is recorded. The average lamp life in a solarium is 500-800 hours (2-4 months). If the last time replacement occurred, for example, six months ago, ask the administrator a clarifying question.
Courtesy
Courteous staff are required to notify each visitor to a tanning bed about a recent lamp replacement. New luminaries are working at full power, which means that the chance of getting a burn is sharply increased. A kind administrator will tell you that with new lamps you need to reduce tanning time. Again, inappropriate staff will not even think about such a warning, therefore, you risk a burn.
Briefing
If you do not know anything about tanning beds and the rules of tanning, this is not your problem. The administrator is obliged to take care of you and give answers to all your questions. The phrases “I don’t know”, “I am not sure”, “I can’t say” should not be heard from him. Ask about everything that worries you: how much you can sunbathe in the solarium for the first time, how to protect yourself from burns, whether it is possible to read Mayakovsky’s poems in the cockpit. A professional is required to answer even the most absurd questions.
Horizontal or vertical tanning bed? Which is better?
Horizontal tanning beds appeared in the beauty industry much earlier than vertical tanning beds . However, the first option is still in demand, as it has several advantages over the second. Let's weigh the pros and cons and figure out which tanning bed is better: horizontal or vertical.
Horizontal tanning bed:
- The lamps are as close to the body as possible, because they work weaker and pose the least danger to the skin. By the way, a horizontal tanning bed is chosen by those who do not chase a quick tan and care about their health.
- There are separate lamps for the face, the power of which can be adjusted.
- Ultraviolet radiation is evenly distributed throughout the body.
- In the cab you can lie down and relax.
- Difficult to disinfect. Therefore, there is a chance to catch any disease from a previous visitor.
Vertical tanning bed:
- the lamps work at full power, so that the tan appears after the first session;
- in the cockpit you can dance and move freely;
- easy to disinfect.
- legs tan worse than in a horizontal tanning bed;
- the face receives the same dose of ultraviolet radiation as the body.
Conclusion: if a quick result is important to you, then choose a vertical tanning bed, if the health and youth of the skin is horizontal. However, remember that a horizontal tanning bed is extremely difficult to keep in sterile cleanliness.
Five minutes is a lot or a little?
How many minutes do you need to spend in a tanning bed to get a rich tan? This question is faced by every beginner. Let's answer it.
First of all, you need to find out which phototype your skin belongs to.
The owners of the first phototype were the least fortunate, since instead of tanning they would get a burn. A visit to the solarium is not recommended.
People with a second skin type should be extremely careful. At the first tanning session, you need to limit yourself to three minutes.
Four to six minutes of intense tanning in a tanning bed are allowed to owners of the third and fourth skin phototypes.
It's important to know:
- If after a tanning session there are no redness or burns, then after two or three days feel free to go for a second procedure.
- With each visit, increase the tanning time by one minute.
- After ten sessions, take a break for two to three months.
- Keep track of your general skin condition. If burns, redness, rashes or irritation appear on it, stop visiting the tanning bed and consult a doctor immediately.
- Do not abuse express tanning. Doctors do not recommend visiting the solarium more than fifty times a year.
Preparing for a tanning session
Preparation for tanning in the solarium must begin a few hours before the session, namely:
- do not take a shower 4 hours before going to the solarium;
- do not use creams and perfumes;
- remove makeup;
- remove jewelry and bijouterie;
- prepare a scarf from dense material;
- prepare removable underwear (underpants) and a small towel;
- buy a special tanning cream in a solarium and test it on a separate area of the skin, make sure there is no allergy.
A tanning session must be postponed if:
- the day before you did chemical peeling or hair removal (skin burn guaranteed);
- menstruation begins;
- there is a suspicion of pregnancy;
- you feel unwell;
- Symptoms of a cold or other illness are present.
Do not forget to buy a cream
A beginner is advised to buy a sunblock in a tanning bed in advance. Firstly, it’s possible to save money: the administration of a studio or salon sells products at inflated prices. Secondly, a consultant in the store will help to make a competent purchase.
Visitors to the tanning bed sometimes use regular sunscreen. Do not follow their example if you protect your health. Tanning cream reduces the risk of premature aging and protects the skin from a high dose of UV rays. Sunscreen cannot boast of such an effect: its protective function is sufficient only for safe tanning in natural conditions.
How to visit the solarium
You already know about all the pitfalls of tanning salons. As they say, forewarned means armed. Now you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for visiting the solarium.
Before a tanning session, do not forget to pack a bag with the necessary items mentioned above. Upon arrival at the tanning bed, buy a stikini from the administrator (stickers to protect the nipples) and take safety glasses. Contact the staff with any questions, including specify what functions the buttons in the cab perform.
Before tanning, sprinkle generously with cream, paying special attention to the face and delicate areas of the skin. Put on a scarf and removable underwear, stick a stikini on your nipples. Lastly, wear safety glasses for the tanning bed.
It's important to know:
- If during tanning you feel unwell, then stop the session before the scheduled time.
- Never take off your goggles while tanning. It threatens a retinal burn.
- Periodically check for stikini on your nipples. Sometimes they come off.
- Do not take a shower immediately after the session.
What visitors say
Millions of women around the world have achieved chocolate tanning with the help of a solarium. Reviews among them are found both positive and negative, however, the first ones are an order of magnitude larger.
The main reason for negative reviews is dry skin and the rapid appearance of wrinkles. However, in fairness, it is worth noting the following: visitors who use special creams do not complain about the rapid withering of the skin.
Quite often, fans of express tanning complain of burns. But in this case, it all depends on the person’s phototype and the number of minutes that he spent in the cabin. Take sunbathing is necessary in moderate and limited doses. Those who visit the solarium wisely are not afraid of burns and redness.
The last reason for the negative reviews is that the tanning bed is addictive and addictive. It is difficult to argue with such a statement. Quite often, visitors begin to think that their tan is not dark enough, because they are increasingly coming to the solarium, putting their health in danger. To avoid this, remember: a rich and beautiful tan appears after seven to ten sessions.
Positive feedback from visitors to the tanning bed can be listed indefinitely:
- makes it possible to get a beautiful tan in a short period of time;
- helps to hide some skin defects;
- improves mood;
- Eliminates acne and acne, etc.
Sunbathe in the solarium in compliance with all safety rules, and then your review will certainly be positive.