Indoor Versus Outdoor Tanning
By Angela Maroevich
The benefits of indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning
are widely discussed in the cosmetic and health industries, It is
ultimately up to you to decide which method is healthy and convenient
for you.
When you visit an indoor tanning facility, your skin
produces a tan in the same way that it does when you bask in the sun
-- through the absorption of ultraviolet light.
However, one of the dangers of outdoor tanning is
exposing yourself to too much ultraviolet light. Climate changes in
the atmosphere that has many of us slathering on sunblock and sunscreen
before we step outside in the hot sun.
One of the benefits of indoor tanning is that
it allows you to control the amount of UV light that you are exposed
to, so that you do not get a sunburn or prepare your epidermis for
a predisposition to skin cancer.
You cannot control harmful UV rays from the sun anymore
than you can control the weather.
Compared to indoor tanning, outdoor tanning is actually
one of the most unreliable ways to achieve that perfect tan. It is,
however, a reliable way to achieve a sunburn. Waiting for a reddish
burn to fade to a brown accelerates the aging process.
Indoor tanning equipment utilizes the same
two kinds of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB rays that are emitted
by the sun. Indoor tanning procedures are highly regulated by government
agencies in both Canada and the United States and the equipment is
designed to mimic the effect of sunlight.
At a professional indoor tanning salon, exposure times
are determined by equipment and trained professionals that take into
account previous tanning sessions as well as the tanner's skin type.
This minimizes the possibility of the kind of skin damage that is
common with outdoor tanning.
Convenience may also be a consideration when it comes
to deciding whether indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning is best
for you. Depending on weather conditions and government warnings that
are issued about the strength of harmful UV rays emitted by the sun,
it might not be possible for you to achieve that polished bronze look
in time for that important meeting.
One of the main benefits of indoor tanning
is that safe regular doses of ultraviolet light are prescribed for
you in a controlled environment that suits your agenda.
Indoor tanning is also a great help for those suffering
from diseases, such as psoriasis or osteoporosis, as UV rays assist
the body in manufacturing the Vitamin D it needs to allay such conditions.
This is a great benefit to individuals who need to "take their solar
vitamins" regularly and are unable to do so on a rainy day.
A session in an indoor tanning facility is an intelligent
way to maximize your health while at the same time minimizing your
risk of sunburn.
You don't want too much exposure to UV rays, but the
many benefits of indoor tanning, which also include prevention against
wrinkles, should be carefully considered the next time you are tempted
to slather on sunblock and lie out in the sun.
© 2004 Angela Maroevich. All Rights Reserved.
About The Author: Angie Maroevich (everyone calls
her Angie) is a salon owner, athlete, dog lover, and all around nice
gal. http://www.Tanning-Advisor.com
