It is becoming a well known fact now that sun bed use is by far the safest way of getting a tan than by outdoor sun tanning. 20-30 years ago people so mismanaged their time on the sun bed and became sun burned. This was very common, as was getting sun burned out in the sun, especially on holiday.

Now we know that sun burn itself sets the cancer process off which can reveal itself even years later, although people who are pale skinned and go into the sun or UV light even on a sun bed are prone to getting burned and must take care to introduce themselves to the effects of UV slowly and be patient. Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light [UV] and taking a little and often is a good way to get your skin used to the UV light in a more gentle way, providing the desired tan over a period of time which is safer for the skin to accomodate. You should never go in the UV every day. On holiday it is best to use the shade to tan as it is just as obtainable, only taking longer that's all. But it is far more preferable than risking the over-exposure symptoms of constant sun bathing, or UV exposure which include premature aging, wrinkles and dry and sagging skin over time. The creams and lotions available for sun bed users are aimed at providing the best possible care for the skin with all the nutrients and vitamins and natural ingredients included. These creams and lotions are just as good to use after being in the UV on holiday even -- as the skin just soaks up the goodness and is re-vitalised after the de-hydrating effects of the sun.

Most people believe falsely that not taking any UV light on the sun bed or from sun exposure eliminates the risks of damage to the skin. In actual fact this leaves you more susceptible to damage Some important studies consider that malignant melanoma skin cancer is most common in people who do not receive regular sun exposure; its appearance usually developing on parts of the body which do not receive regular UV exposure. Studies also show that cancers are more prevalent too in countries with our climate whereas in the Mediteranean say, the statisitcs show far less cancers amongst people..Studies suggest too that cancers such as breast, colon, prostrate, and ovarian are actually slowed by increased exposure to sunlight from their ordinary life style. In the USA more than 138,000 Americans die each year from these diseases. 2,200 die of non-melanoma skin-cancer. Quite a statistic.

The advantages of using a controlled environment which is what the sun bed gives you, using the sun bed, may minimize some health risks.which just can't be controlled b y sun bathing outdoors. Many documented medical studies provide information and support the fact that moderate exposure to UV light is therapeutic for the body and it's organs and of course for the mind as well showing some effects which may b e derived from exposure to UV light.

• Decreased blood pressure
• Lower resting heart rate
• Increased cardiac output
• Lower blood chloresterol
• Increased muscular strength
• Increased resistance to stress
• Increased adrenaline in tissue
• Increased sex hormones

UV light is also our primary source of Vitamin D which assimilates naturally through the UV rays being absor bed in our body and building up our immune system for winter months of sunless days. It also helps in the absorbtion of calcium helping form and maintain b one structure. Vttamin D is also said to help reduce the risks of some cancers including bone and breast. These diseases are more prominent in climates such as ours in the UK which have much less natural sunlight than those who live in sunnier climates.

It is a fact that we as nation tend to 'go mad' once we get off that aeroplane and feel that sun. We love it. We can't get enough of it. But knowing the facts as they present themselves and our continued awareness of the danger --yes --of continued sun exposure, we should make informed choices for our long term health --now. The sun bed is a good, safe and controlled environment in which to tan and should be used to start the process of acclimatizing your skin to the UV light b efore the holiday. It will help. Little and often is always the key --and plenty nourishment from the creams.

It has to be said that using the sun bed in winter months in UK is a good way to keep the 'feel good factor'. Just a few minutes once or twice week will keep you healthy. I use it myself in winter. Not to get a tan --purely for the health benefits it gives me and my skin is always so good because of the creams.