Tanning and it's different forms

Tanning is the skin's reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When skin is exposed to UV rays, cells called melanocytes produce the brown pigment melanin, which darkens the cells of the epidermis. This darkening of the skin cells is the skin's natural - if imperfect - defense against further damage from UV radiation. Now a days tan skin is a fashion statement. However we must know is tanning safe for health? Let's check out what experts has to stay about this.

Different Forms of Tanning

outdoor tanning

Outdoor Tanning: Sun-tanning outdoors is obviously the most common path to getting a tan. It's natural, relatively free. To achieve a nice bronzed healthy tan, keep safe by not over doing the amount of time you spend in the sun. However this is the most uncontrolled method of tanning. Even when sunscreen is applied, no one can be sure how strong the sun's rays are on any given day and whether the right sunscreen protection level is being used.

Tips:

Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow it to penetrate the skin. By using self-tanning products instead of lying out in the sun, you will save your self a lifetime of skin damage, and help to prevent skin cancer.
You need to use the right amount. If you do not apply enough you are more likely to burn which is a very common mistake. It is recommended to use 2mg. sunscreen per square cm skin.
Be sure to reapply every 2 hours while outside. The term water resistant means you must reapply every 40 minutes when swimming.
Make sure that you are aware of your skin type and what it takes to get a tan.

Indoor Tanning: Many people prefer the method of indoor tanning to acquire a tan. It is easy, convenient and private. Tanning salons have become an integral part of our lives. They are a boon for all the sun seekers who do want the much in demand tan.

Sunless Tanning: Sunless tanning (also known as self tanning, or UV-free tanning) refers to applying chemicals on the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a more traditional suntan.

Different types of Sunless Tanning.

Horizontal tanning implies when the person lies down on a tanning bed and then receives the rays.
Vertical tanning, on the other hand, is when the tanner is made to stand in a tanning booth and is bombarded with rays from all sides. Here tanning bulbs are mounted behind a Plexiglas. They swathe the body with UV rays.

Spray Tanning: Many tanning salons today offer spray-tanning booths. This method coats your body evenly and dries quickly. You'll see full results within a few hours. Spray-tanning booths work by delivering an even coating of the chemical DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to your skin using spraying machines located inside enclosed booths. DHA works by interacting with dead cells on the surface of your skin to darken skin color, simulating a tan.

spray tanning method

Airbrush Tanning: Some salons offer a foolproof sunless tanning option - airbrush tanning. During an airbrush tan, a salon technician covers your eyes and lips and sprays a coat of DHA onto your skin using a spray compressor. A natural-looking tan will appear within a few hours and usually lasts for a few days. The benefit of airbrushing is that it results in an even tan, while reducing the risk of inhalation and eye and lip exposure.

Self-Tanning: Today's self-tanning options include lotions, foams, sprays and creams. Like spray-booth and airbrush tanning, self-tanners contain DHA. Self-tanners are theoretically safer than spray tans since the risks of inhalation are dramatically reduced. Before opting Tanning you must be aware of your skin type:

The six types are:

I - White skin, easily burns, never tans.
II - Sensitive light skin, rarely tans, burns more often
III - Light skin, tans more, burns equally
IV - Light dark skin, tans more than burns
V - Darker skin, rarely burns, tans darkly
VI - Dark skin, never burns, dark even tans The risks involved in tanning:

Sunburn is one of the most obvious signs of UV exposure and skin damage. Often marked by redness and peeling (usually after a few days), sunburn is a form of short-term skin damage. Premature Aging is the result of unprotected UV exposure. It takes the form of leathery, wrinkled skin, and dark spots. Although the causes of premature aging are not always clear, unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays break down the collagen and elastin fibers in healthy young skin, and cause wrinkles and loosened folds. Frequent sunburns or hours spent tanning can result in a permanent darkening of the skin, dark spots, and a leathery texture.

Skin Cancer: UV radiation may promote skin cancer in two different ways;

By damaging the DNA in skin cells, causing the skin to grow abnormally and develop benign or malignant growths.
By weakening the immune system and compromising the body's natural defenses against aggressive cancer cells.

Eye Damage: Eye damage can be of two types, Photokeratitis, this can be thought of as a sunburn of the cornea. It is caused by intense UVC/UVB exposure of the eye. Cataracts, these are one form of eye damage that research has shown may increase with UV exposure. Clouding of the natural lens of the eye causing decreased vision and possible blindness are all effects of cataracts.

Immune System Suppression: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all people, regardless of skin color, are vulnerable to the effects of immune suppression. Overexposure to UV radiation may suppress proper functioning of the body's immune system and the skin's natural defenses, increasing sensitivity to sunlight, diminishing the effects of immunizations or causing reactions to certain medications.

Safest way of tanning: Finding a convenient, uncomplicated and safe way to get a beautiful tan is as easy as using a sunless tanning product. You can use a cream rub-on, a spray tanning booth or the best method, airbrush tanning. While the sun can cause skin cancers, lesions or discomfort from sunburn, DHA-based sunless tanning products eliminate all of this. Using an airbrush tanning system will also give you an even, realistic looking and smooth finish. You are able to control the depth of the solution over different areas of your body. Airbrush tanning equipment and kits are easily available over the Internet, through various manufacturers and retail websites. A regular airbrush tanning will serve many benefits; primarily giving you a beautiful golden bronze tan, protection from harmful UV rays and softer skin.