Sunbed Safety

More and more these days it is proven that sunbed use is safer than sun-use, or receiving rays from the sun directly. Scientific research and tests are continually being carried out by the professionals, both scientists and manufacturers alike, worldwide. Their integrity and reputations are at stake. The popularity of this Tanning industry has made these tests and continual research inevitable.

Without getting technical, the safety element of sunbed tanning has to do with the measured amount of time and energy received from the lamps whilst tanning on the sunbed , this being called in the industry ;’ a dose.’ Providing that sunbed -use is taken seriously, sensibly and responsibly, sunbed tanning, or just for use for relaxation purposes and for skin problems, can become an advantageous way of life.

Concerning the actual use of the sun, as in sunbathing, this is quite a ‘hit and miss’ affair for most people if we’re honest. The fluctuating extreme of the sun’s ability to change shows that it is not something which is easily measured. We cannot measure the exact amount of rays obtained from the sun easily.

By recognising our skin-type and acting accordingly, choosing safe exposure times on the sunbed and by leaving the appropriate times for skin to rest between sessions, we will minimize any risks of damage to our skin.[don’t forget about the premature aging effects!!]

Trying to overdo your sunbed sessions is pointless and actually serious. By this I mean, don’t think `longer` or `more` is better, on the sunbed. We’re talking here about safety and health. Health for your skin. Health and feel good factors from just using totally appropriate times in the session to expose our selves to the rays. This way, maintaining the kind of tan that we want can be done throughout the year.

The exposure to the amount of rays from the sunbed lamps can be predicted exactly. That’s why the time, the exposure time you ask for at the salon is important. That’s why taking rest time in between sessions is vital. You waste your time, money, and skin’s health by tanning each day. Your biology takes time to work. It’s never instant. When you’re developing a tan , your skin only needs a small dose every few days to start off. Then increase slowly. Your melanin production can only work with rest day periods. When you’ve got a tan, your skin can only use so much of the sunbeds’ rays to make and brown more melanin. The rest is just wasted and the rays will damage your skin unnecessarily. So ---- the rest days are vital to building your tan--------ALWAYS You can work out the times of sessions you require for yourself. Say to start with; for a beginner, perhaps 4x4 minutes with rest days for your skin. Then say 4x6 mins., with rest days for your skin. Then say 4x8 mins., with rest days for your skin. Then work up as you feel ready and with your own reaction you have with your skin. Slower is better. It’s irresponsible to move too quickly, and you’ll be more satisfied with a deeper tan eventually which you will have acquired more comfortably and safely, without the dangers of overexposure and all that that entails.

It goes without saying now that good moisturization of your body is always vital as is using the correct accelerator tanning creams. You can always check with your salon staff, who should be trained and ready to help and advise you. If you do get stuck you can email us here or leave a message on freephone 0 8008 60 01 98 . Someone will get back to you, although when we’re really busy , it just takes a little time.

Once a tanning peak has been achieved------------ whichever tanning colour you feel appropriate for yourself, and is maintainable------ following the rules of course-----------, you can experiment with sessions, with the time-the dose----, the days, the weeks etc. Also experiment with all the different creams and lotions available on the market. Don’t forget ---quality is better than quantity and you want the best for your skin. Al l the good creams consist of natural ingredients, plus special ingredients which help the tanning process, protect, moisturize, cool etc, etc.

A couple of technical terms for you now:
MINIMUM ERYTHEMAL DOSE: This is the maximum RECEIVED dose BEFORE you burn.
MINIMAL MELANOGENETIC DOSE: This is the MAXIMUM received dose BEFORE you start getting any pigment formation,[which gives you your tan colour].

It has been proven that some people ‘burn’ before showing a tan on their skin. So it’s worth taking into consideration your skin type, exposure to rays time and rest times.

Outdoor sunbathing is difficult to asses as you know. That’s why the salon is great. The MINIMUM ERYTHEMAL DOSE just confirms the slower tanning process as opposed to always taking the 12-15min slot. Skin types 2-3 have a tendency to ‘burn’ before getting the tan desired so it makes sense to slow down. Skin types 4---5 are naturally darker, but still need to look after ther need to overexpose The scientific jargon above just proves the need always for caution and care. [If you keep reading the names -it will sink in!] Little and often is the key and of course the feel good factor works wonders too.

[In the previous newsletter the procedure for obtaining a quick, fast tan is only to be used as an absolute last resort. It’s much better to plan your tanning experience well ahead of time so you’re ready for any important event.] Don’t forget ----burning is a sign of damaged skin..

Quote: Forget the resolutions. Forget control and discipline...too much work. Instead try experimenting. Go in search of something to fall in love with...something about yourself, your career, your spouse. Dale Dauten Source: 'Charming the brain may allow changes' by Dale Dauten (Arizona Republic 1/7/99)