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Why should I tan? [top]
Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. There are various
reasons, both biological and psychological, why exposure to light is
desirable. In addition, many people believe they look better with a tan.
Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some.
Why does a tan fade an go away?
[top]
The "tan," or pigmentation process, occurs in the epidermis, the top skin
layer. The epidermis replaces all its skin cells every 28-30 days.
Cells in the inner portion of the top skin layer divide themselves,
migrate to the surface, gradually die and slough off. Skin cells contain
melanin, and as a result of UV exposure, rise to the surface and flake
off. Therefore, a tan can be maintained only by repeated exposure to UV
light.
How often is a person
allowed to tan? [top]
Since 1986, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48
hour should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or erythema
(sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours. Thus two
tanning sessions within this 24 hour period could cause an unintentional
burn. In general, maximum pigmentation can be build up gradually,
following the exposure schedule, in 8-10 tanning sessions.
How many hours of natural sun does a 20 minute indoor tanning session
equal? [top]
It is difficult to make a simple comparison between the sun and modern
indoor tanning equipment. Just as various kinds of indoor tanning lamps
and equipment differ in spectral output and energy emitted, the sun's
strength is dependent on server factors as well, such as the time of day
or year, the latitude, cloud cover, pollution and reflection.
Consequently, there is no formula for relating indoor tanning exposure
times to outdoor exposure times.
Can the UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps pass through the skin and
affect internal organs? [top]
The UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps do not emit sufficient energy
to penetrate past the skin layers. Thus, despite claims and rumors to the
contrary, internal organs are not directly impacted by longer wave UV
light.
Is it
harmful to wear contact lenses when tanning indoors?
[top]
There exists no known why contact lenses may not be worn while tanning
indoors. When the eyes are kept closed and proper protective eyewear
worn, UV light is blocked from penetrating the eye or lens. However, the
heat generated by indoor tanning equipment could cause the eye to dry a
bit, thereby making the lens uncomfortable. Just as one should moisturize
the skin after tanning, contact lens wearers may also use the eyedrops
recommended by his/her optometrist.
Why
do some dermatologists warn people against sun exposure?
[top]
While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of all sun
exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists
and others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for
moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.
Why do some people itch
after tanning? [top]
Itching and/or rashes may be linked to several unrelated causes, so it is
important to obtain a tanning history on each customer. Some people are
naturally photosensitive upon exposure to UV. Others are susceptible to
heat rashes, a cause totally unrelated to UV light.
Certain
chemicals or ingredients found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and even
the acrylic cleaner may cause itching as well. Rashes caused by these
products generally occur in localized areas on which the products were
applied. Customers should be advised to tan with the skin as clean as
possible. If discontinued use of a suspected product does not inhibit the
rash, a person should discontinue any exposure to UV light until the
condition subsides or see a physician.
What causes white spots?
[top]
There are several reasons why white spots become noticeable on the body
once the tanning process begins.
-
Patches
of skin which do not tan could be the result of genetic determination.
The melanocytes in that certain area may simply not be efficient at
producing melanin.
-
White
spots could also appear due to the presence of a fungus which lives on
the skin's surface. While the fungus is harmless, it does absorb UV
light which would normally penetrate the skin. This fungus did not
appear as a result of tanning; it merely becomes noticeable once tanning
occurs. It can be remedied through the use of prescription drugs or some
other topical lotions.
Can indoor tanning cure acne?
[top]
Phototherapy (or use of UV light) has been effective in easing the skin
problems common to this condition. There are also many drugs, including
tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also widely used for treatment of
acne. Because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must
avoid UV exposure when medicated. Furthermore, the use of UV light for
acne treatment should only be administered by a qualified physician. The
Food and Drug Administration prohibits indoor tanning equipment operators
from asserting that equipment use is beneficial for any purpose other than
obtaining cosmetic coloring.
Does
tanning cause melanoma (a fatal form of skin cancer)?
[top]
There is no conclusive evidence which substantiates that malignant
melanoma is caused by gradual, moderate UV exposure. However, those who
are predisposed to develop melanoma due to hereditary factors may
intensify this condition with exposure to indoor or outdoor UV.
While some
studies have suggested a link between severe sunburn and malignant
melanoma, there are other studies available that prove an inverse
relationship. In a study published in the International Journal of
Cancer in 1989 (known as the Western Canada Melanoma Study), Canadian
researchers found a significant inverse association between melanoma and
chronic or long-term occupational sun exposure in men, with the lowest
risk in those with maximum occupational exposure. This may suggest that
repeated exposure can be protective. Gradual, moderate exposure is not
believed to be a strong influential factor as melanoma generally develops
on those areas not normally exposed to UV light.
Is it possible to contract aids or other sexually transmitted diseases
from indoor tanning equipment?
[top]
The passing on of some sexually transmitted diseases requires the exchange
of bodily fluids from one person to another. This exchange does not take
place by using indoor tanning equipment. However, this does not mean that
other infectious conditions cannot be passed on by us of unsanitary
equipment and protective eyewear. Therefore, it is absolutely essential
that both the acrylic and reusable protective eyewear be sanitized with
the appropriate disinfectant after each use.
Does tanning help treat depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
[top]
There exists a growing body of scientific evidence which indicates that
some people actually require more light exposure in order to function
properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day
summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone
melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during
the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of
bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life.
Bright light sources emitting only visible light, are now frequently used
to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).
Can
indoor tanning equipment be used to treat psoriasis?
[top]
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission forbid making representations
regarding the benefits of indoor tanning other than its cosmetic effect.
Therefore, one may not make medical claims about indoor tanning equipment.
However,
phototherapy (or UV light treatment) can be used to ease the symptoms of
psoriasis. The treatment is rendered by a trained physician with
equipment specifically designed for such a purpose.
Many salon
operators report that customers who suffer mild forms of psoriasis improve
after indoor tanning, and many psoriatics do purchase indoor tanning beds.
Can tanning cause wrinkles?
[top]
Excessive exposure, particularly to high intensity UVA, can destroy the
resilient fibers of the lower skin layer, thereby causing the top skin
layer to sag. Thus, elastosis or wrinkling appears. UVA, if not blocked
by pigmentation and skin thickening in the outer skin layer, can penetrate
to the dermis and destroy skin elasticity. Thus, if one makes the
decision to tan, it is recommended that a light source which contains both
UVA and UVB is used. Even if a person uses a sunscreen, if it does not
block both UVA and UVB, damage to the lower skin layer can still occur
upon overexposure.
Is it safe for
pregnant women tan indoors?
[top]
There is no current scientific and/or biological reason why a pregnant
woman cannot tan indoors or outdoors. In fact, some researchers believe
the productions of vitamin D caused by exposure to UVB may be beneficial
to both the mother and fetus. However, there is some concern that the
heat build-up which inevitably occurs when tanning indoors and outdoors
may adversely affect some pregnant women, just as a sauna or jacuzzi
might. A pregnant woman may not be comfortable in the tanning
equipment. Furthermore, for liability reasons, it is recommended that
pregnant women consult their physician before tanning indoors or outdoors.
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