s spring break nears, students are scrambling to the nearest tanning salon to darken their body images. Some do it so that they don't burn to a crisp at their tropical spring break destinations. Others hit the salons to fool others into thinking they went somewhere over break. Some do it to jump-start the sun's natural effects.
With all of the concerns about skin cancer, it's helpful to know exactly how tanning beds work and it's important to know the risks.
Many users probably don't think about how tanning beds work. The skin darkens the same way in tanning beds as it does in the sun. The tubular bulbs in tanning beds emit ultra-violet radiation. When exposed to these UV rays, the body produces additional melanin, a skin pigment.
According to www.tanningbed.com, Sunlight produces three types of UV rays. UV-C, the shortest wavelength is the most damaging to the skin. UV-B, the medium wavelength, helps to start the tanning process and results in a sunburn. UV-C, the longest wavelength, finishes the tanning process. Tanning beds use light bulbs that mimic the sun by using UV-A and UV-B to provide tanning without overexposure.
Clients usually notice results after a few tanning visits. Most customers achieve their desired darkness within a couple of weeks of tanning twice per week.
Customers can find tips for tanning on tanningbed.com. The site reminds customers to use protective goggles. The goggles protect the eyes because the human eyelid isn't thick enough to protect the eye from the light. Patrons should use moisturizers regularly because tanning removes some of the skin's natural moisture. Customers should ask when the bulbs were changed last. The older the bulbs are the less effective they are.
While the radiation can damage the skin, indoor tanning can also have its benefits. Customers can get a quicker tan from the beds. Plus they don't have to stay out in the sun for an extended period of time to achieve the same tan. Another benefit of going to the salon is the user gets to decide what to wear; it's possible to have no tan lines.
Nicole Bowers, employee of Ultra Image, 409 N. Martin St., said tanning during the winter months can be healthy.
"Tanning produces vitamin D, which you normally get from the sun," she said. "When it's cloudy, you might not be getting enough."
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Web site, vitamin D from sunlight isn't essential - vitamin D found in foods provide sufficient supply. If a person is concerned about a vitamin D deficiency, AAD recommends taking a supplement or eating vitamin D-enriched foods. The longer the user is exposed to sunlight or tanning beds the more it may cause premature aging including wrinkles.
Tanning indoors can be costly. The typical price for tanning in the Muncie area is one visit for $3 or 10 visits for $20. Some establishments offer student discounts.
There are several types of tanning beds that are offered. Ultra Image offers upright or standing tanning beds in addition to the traditional horizontal beds. The upright beds have stronger bulbs and cut down on the tanning time. Users usually tan for ten minutes in upright beds versus 20 minutes in the horizontal ones.
According to Bowers, the stronger light can be dangerous for those who tan excessively. Also, since the tanning process continues for 24 hours after exposure, tanning everyday is risky.
"You can get overexposure if you tan more than once within the 24 hour time frame," Bowers said.
The type of ultraviolet radiation can be an important factor in safety. UV-A penetrates deeper into the skin, while UV-B affects mostly the outer layer according to tanningbed.com. Ultra Image's Ultra Bronze Bed uses all UV-A rays to give the skin a deeper tan that will last longer.
Exposing the skin to ultraviolet rays can always be a risk. Anyone who chooses to tan regularly should do so in moderation to avoid complications.
"If you tan frequently, you shouldn't be coming more than twice a week," Bowers said. "Chances are you're not going to get any darker, and all you need to do is maintain the color."
Because being tan is a popular trend these days, people face the decision of being tan outweighing the risks and costs involved.
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