Which tan is safer – in the sun or in a solarium? Skin Types and When to Tan Safely

However, being fond of solar procedures, it is important to follow the rules of safe tanning: this is the only way to protect your skin from burns, the development of melanoma and other diseases.

Which tan is safer and healthier to tan? The answers to these questions are unambiguous: all methods are acceptable, but everything is good in moderation.

Rules for safe tanning in the sun

If you are going south, do not forget that the solar radiation regime there is completely different. If you do not follow the rules of safe tanning in the sun. you can easily burn out without noticing in time that you have had enough. Sunburns are very insidious: they appear only after a few hours. Therefore, in advance, purchase not only a sunscreen with a high degree of protection, but also a remedy for treating burns.

1 In the early days, wear long sleeves and take them off only briefly so that the skin tans gradually.

2 For a safe tan, try to stay in the shade more and be sure to wear a hat.

3 And remember that it is best to sunbathe on the move: while swimming, walking or playing on the beach.

Lying in the sun, especially near water, is easy to get sunburned.

How to choose the right solarium for tanning

In the absence of solar heat, many prefer a safe tan in the solarium: this method is available at any time of the year.

Benefits of ultraviolet radiation:

• stimulates the immune system, which is especially important in autumn and winter;
• in the dark season, it awakens our brain from hibernation;
• activates the process of producing vitamin D3, normalizes the exchange of calcium and phosphorus, which helps to strengthen muscles and skin tissue.

How to choose the right tanning bed to protect yourself from negative consequences:

• The safest are tunnel-shaped solariums equipped with low-pressure lamps: there the risk of skin burns is minimal.
• The choice between horizontal and vertical solarium is a matter of taste. The quality of the tan does not depend on the position in which you tan. Much more important is the ability of staff to choose the right mode.
• An additional bonus is the presence of a doctor in the solarium, who will draw up an individual schedule of procedures for you.
• Some models of upright tanning beds have special heavy-duty face tanning lamps, but short visitors cannot use them unless the tanning bed is equipped with an elevator. In horizontal solariums, special lamps are also needed for tanning the face, otherwise there is a risk of burning the skin of the nose. Expensive solariums are equipped with air conditioners, stereo systems and aromatherapy devices.

Rules for safe tanning in a solarium and contraindications

Safe tanning rules:

• You should choose the optimal tanning mode in the solarium and carefully observe it.
• Before visiting the solarium, it is necessary to completely remove makeup, apply a protective balm on the lips, remove all jewelry and contact lenses.
• Eyes should be protected with dark glasses, hair with a cap, and chest with special pads or a bra.
• Remember that eating certain foods (citrus fruits, celery, coriander, parsley, fennel, dill, mustard, figs), as well as water treatments and hair removal, increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, be sure to warn the solarium staff so that a gentle regimen is selected for you.
• If you feel unwell, do not hesitate to stop the session immediately and contact your doctor.
• After the session , the skin will need additional hydration. Use moisturizers with antioxidants.

If you are taking medication, carefully read the annotations before visiting the solarium: many drugs increase the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet light, so that you can get burned even with the mildest tanning regimen.

Solarium contraindications:

• dark spots;
• vitiligo;
• numerous and large moles;
• purulent rash;
• tuberculosis;
• hypertension;
• severe diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys;
• benign tumors of any localization.

Time and mode for safe tanning in a solarium by skin type

The tanning regimen depends on your skin type:

• Type I (Celtic): very fair skin, reddish hair, green eyes. There are a lot of freckles, and the breast nipples are very light. Since such skin is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, tanning in a solarium is contraindicated for these people.
• Type II (light-skinned European): the skin and breast nipples are light, there are few or no freckles at all. The eyes are gray, blue or green, the hair is blond or brown. This type of tanning skin is also very sensitive, people burn easily. Initial safe tanning time: sessions of 3-5 minutes, at intervals of 2-3 days. In the future, the duration of the procedure should not exceed 10 minutes.
• Type III (dark-skinned European): the skin is light or slightly dark, the breast nipples are dark. The hair is dark blond or chestnut, the eyes are gray or brown, freckles are usually absent. Sessions of 15 minutes are recommended (the first one is 10 minutes) at intervals of 1-2 days.
• Type IV (Mediterranean): skin is swarthy, olive, breast nipples are dark. Hair and eyes are dark, freckles are absent. This type of skin for tanning in a solarium is best suited, people are not prone to burns. They can immediately start with sessions lasting 20 minutes.

In pursuit of beauty, do not forget about common sense. Recently, psychologists are increasingly faced with tanorexia – a painful passion for tanning. Young girls living in countries with a cold climate are especially susceptible to it. People suffering from tanorexia become real fanatics of solariums and spend all their free time there, causing considerable damage to their health.

So remember: it is very important to stop on time!