TANNING CAN ACTUALLY BE GOOD FOR YOU

Tanning has a lot of negative connotations associated with it. Too much tanning can lead to skin cancer, dry, wrinkled, leathery skin, and premature aging. Many people frown on the practice of tanning indoors. Tanning, whether indoors or outdoors, if done in moderation, can actually be good for a person.

The sun is a natural source of vitamin D. Without exposure the sunlight, the body cannot process vitamin D that is stored in the body. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. It also increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Research has shown that people who visit tanning salons frequently have a higher level of vitamin D in the blood than people who do not. While there are supplements available, it has been argued that supplements do not give the body what it needs. It is also thought that sunlight may have a positive effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Sunlight and the light produced by tanning beds help to regulate the body’s systems. Some people even claim that tanning can actually protect the skin against skin cancer due to the larger amount of pigmentation in the skin.

The sun is very effective in relieving depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a condition where people are more depressed in the winter due to reduced exposure to the sun. Some people even choose to move to warmer climates to avoid this disorder. Many tanning salons tout the benefits of tanning in relieving this depression. It is argued though that the light exposure of a tanning bed is not equivalent to the benefits produced by the sun in relieving this condition. The protective goggles worn in the tanning bed reduce the eyes from absorbing the rays, which is a big part of why the sun helps. Still many people claim they have a better sense of well being after visiting a tanning salon.

There are many benefits to tanning indoors versus outdoors. A tanning bed is very controlled. The length of time and the amount of energy emitted can be controlled whereas the sun can be more intense on some days. The amounts of UVA and UVB radiation is also controlled making it easier to prevent sunburn. . A person can tan only certain areas as little or as much as she wants. Tanning indoors is convenient. Where the weather can be volatile, tanning indoors is always consistent. Tanning can be done in any season or climate when done indoors. In addition, tanning indoors can be more comfortable due to the environmental factors outdoors. There may be mosquitoes or bugs outside getting in the way of relaxing. Children running around screaming and playing at the beach can be a distraction from soaking up the sun. A tanning salon offers privacy that the outdoors cannot provide. People who are shy may not want to lie around outdoors in a bathing suit.

There’s no doubt that excessive tanning is not good for the skin. But tanning in moderation can be healthy and beneficial to the body.