Avoiding The Harmful Effects Of Tanning Beds

For years we've all been warned of the dangers of the sun. Positioning ourselves on the beach in search of the perfect tan can reap hazardous results and for those of us with fair skin, the dangers are multiplied. Dermatologists continue to expose the peril of sun exposure - everything from early aging to skin cancer - and advocate the consistent use of adequate and appropriate sunblock.

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But this can be difficult to adhere to for those sun worshippers among us. Let's face it, a tan makes us feel healthier, younger...even thinner! This is a temptation that can be hard to ignore. And, so, in many cases, in lieu of the beach or pool, we will flock to tanning beds. Tanning beds are popular year round - while peaking in popularity in the winter. And while there are those tanning bed users who understand the harmful effects of tanning beds, there are those who still think that they are cheating the dangers of the sun by choosing a tanning bed instead.

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In truth, the harmful effects of tanning beds are just the same as the sun. Consequently, like the sun, tanning beds should be approached cautiously. First and foremost, fair-skinned people should avoid tanning beds - and the sun - at all costs. Even if you have darker skin, exposure should be limited. If you find that you just can't stay away, keep exposure time to a minimum and try to visit only periodically. Intense and prolonged exposure - while increasing dangers - also has the unsightly ability to make users look a little "too tan."

But more importantly, the harmful effects of tanning beds include the burning and aging of skin; prolonged exposure can even result in skin cancer. Tanning beds give off UV rays that are just as dangerous as the sun. If you find it necessary to visit a tanning bed then offer your skin just a little bit of covering with protective lotions designed for your skin type. Always be sure to protect your eyes, as well, with special glasses. Most tanning salons include eye protection with your visit.

Tanning is a risk that each one of us must decide upon for ourselves. If you must tan, do it responsibly to minimize the harmful effects of tanning beds on your skin.

Avoiding The Harmful Effects Of Tanning Beds

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Harmful Effects of Tanning Beds - Are They Real?

Tanning beds can be an easy way to get a great tan without spending hours under a hot sun. However, tanning salons are getting a bad rep due to myths and rumors about people cooking their internal organs, and their skin falling off due to too much UV radiation. As scary as it sounds, these beds do have harmful effects associated with them, however they aren't going to cook your insides and make your skin fall off.

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The Ultraviolet rays that tanning emit are considered the most dangerous aspect of tanning beds. There are 2 basic types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the same rays associated with sun rays, which can cause sunburns or skin cancer. Tanning beds mainly emit UVA rays. This type of energy is thought to penetrate the skin much deeper than UVB, and can therefore cause long-term skin damage. People using a tanning bed within the recommended time limited are at much less risk of getting burned - due to the nature of the UVA rays. However, UVA rays are also linked to the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Due to the popularity and sometimes misuse of tanning beds, malignant melanoma is becoming more common.

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Overuse of tanning beds or tanning in general can also cause loss of skin elasticity and premature aging. Many people don't realize these effects until much later in life due to the delay of the damage caused by the harmful rays. Some proponents of tanning beds claim that UV rays are a healthy way to promote the body to produce Vitamin D, but the amount of UV rays needed for it is very minimal.

Fortunately tan beds can be safe and the dangers can be limited with proper use of protective measures. Most tanning salons provide UV protective lotions and eyewear to consumers. Although there really is no completely safe UV ray exposure, tanning beds don't have to be cancer inducing devices if used within their recommended range and limits.

The bottom line is if you use precaution and the proper techniques to protect yourself, these beds can be a great way to improve the look of your tan.

Harmful Effects of Tanning Beds - Are They Real?

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