Beauty

Indoor Versus Outdoor Tanning By Angela Maroevich

The benefits of indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning are widely discussed in the cosmetic and health industries, It is ultimately up to you to decide which method is healthy and convenient for you.

When you visit an indoor tanning facility, your skin produces a tan in the same way that it does when you bask in the sun -- through the absorption of ultraviolet light.

However, one of the dangers of outdoor tanning is exposing yourself to too much ultraviolet light. Climate changes in the atmosphere that has many of us slathering on sunblock and sunscreen before we step outside in the hot sun.

One of the benefits of indoor tanning is that it allows you to control the amount of UV light that you are exposed to, so that you do not get a sunburn or prepare your epidermis for a predisposition to skin cancer.

You cannot control harmful UV rays from the sun anymore than you can control the weather.

Compared to indoor tanning, outdoor tanning is actually one of the most unreliable ways to achieve that perfect tan. It is, however, a reliable way to achieve a sunburn. Waiting for a reddish burn to fade to a brown accelerates the aging process.

Indoor tanning equipment utilizes the same two kinds of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB rays that are emitted by the sun. Indoor tanning procedures are highly regulated by government agencies in both Canada and the United States and the equipment is designed to mimic the effect of sunlight.

At a professional indoor tanning salon, exposure times are determined by equipment and trained professionals that take into account previous tanning sessions as well as the tanner's skin type. This minimizes the possibility of the kind of skin damage that is common with outdoor tanning.

Convenience may also be a consideration when it comes to deciding whether indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning is best for you. Depending on weather conditions and government warnings that are issued about the strength of harmful UV rays emitted by the sun, it might not be possible for you to achieve that polished bronze look in time for that important meeting.

One of the main benefits of indoor tanning is that safe regular doses of ultraviolet light are prescribed for you in a controlled environment that suits your agenda.

Indoor tanning is also a great help for those suffering from diseases, such as psoriasis or osteoporosis, as UV rays assist the body in manufacturing the Vitamin D it needs to allay such conditions. This is a great benefit to individuals who need to "take their solar vitamins" regularly and are unable to do so on a rainy day.

A session in an indoor tanning facility is an intelligent way to maximize your health while at the same time minimizing your risk of sunburn.

You don't want too much exposure to UV rays, but the many benefits of indoor tanning, which also include prevention against wrinkles, should be carefully considered the next time you are tempted to slather on sunblock and lie out in the sun.

© 2004 Angela Maroevich. All Rights Reserved.

Angie Maroevich (everyone calls her Angie) is a salon owner, athlete, dog lover, and all around nice gal.