A nice tan or subtle glow can make someone both appear and feel more
healthy, but some methods of obtaining this tan are dangerous and there
are some methods that are safer than others.
Sun Beds
Sun beds are used frequently by lots of modern men and women, and
worryingly more and more children. They can be very dangerous if not
used correctly as they expose the skin to extremely damaging rays.Try to avoid the use of sun beds entirely, but if you must use one do
not exceed more than 20 exposures in any 12 month period and ensure you
have correctly selected the safe length of time and exposure for your
skin type. The tanning salon staff should be training to assess your
skin and recommend time constraints.Sun beds should not be used by those with extremely pale skin, those
with moles on their body, those with a history of cancers, people with
disorders of the heart or circulatory system, pregnant women or under
16's.
Sunbathing
The dangers of sun bathing are well documented
and most people are aware that sun bathing or sunburn can lead to
cancer but many people do not know that some people are more at risk
than others and there are approaches to sun bathing that can minimise
the risk.
Being in the sun is good for you and provides an excellent source of
vitamin D that sometimes cannot be gained from dietary sources alone,
but it is important to note that whilst being in the sun can provide
some benefits, it is essential to protect the skin from long periods of
exposure to the suns harmful rays.
If you are planning to sunbathe always remember to wear a suitable form
of sunscreen with approved ingredients that protect from the harmful
rays. When you are on holiday, take a selection of products and start
the holiday using the highest factor of sunscreen and use for a few
days before changing to a lower one.
This guide is not suggesting that this is the healthiest approach, but
it is far safer than by simply using a low sunscreen nor tanning oil
alone.
Never use pure oils as a lotion as this will encourage burning which
can be sore and lead to permanent damage.
Fake Tans
The use of fake tans is thankfully on the
increase as the public become more aware of the dangers of sunbathing
and tanning booths.
Most fake tans work slowly and can be built up by regular application
and come in a variety of shades allowing the user to choose a suitable
tone for their skin.
They may occasionally cause a reaction to the skin so a small discreet
test area should be undertaken first before all-over courage is sought.
Staying Pal.
The best way to avoid the dangers of cancers
of other illnesses is to not use any product at all. This will also
help to prevent signs of aging, keep skin looking clean and fresh and
set and example to the younger generations and may help to change the
culture of having unnaturally tanned skin.
To have a tan can make some people feel better about themselves and
more confident, but it is the methods in which the tan is obtained that
causes concern. Skin cancer incidence is on the increase in the UK,
largely down to the pressures of gaining a tan, usually from excessive
sun bed use.Always make sure you protect your skin when out in direct sunlight, do
not exceed the time recommendations when using a sun bed and
familiarise yourself with the early warning signs of skin cancers
developing and seek advice immediately.