Avoiding The Health Risks Of Tanning Beds
- By:Farrel David
With more and more attention being given to the ways in which we can live a healthy lifestyle, doctors continue to weigh in on the hazards of the sun and the ways in which we can protect ourselves from its dangers. For sun worshippers, it’s difficult to leave the lure of the sun’s rays behind. And for many, the end of the summer means the beginning of the tanning salon. But, the truth is that visiting a tanning bed does not necessarily minimize your risks of early aging and skin-related cancers. In order to avoid the health risks of tanning beds, you need to first understand them.
Natural sunlight produces ultraviolet light – made up of UVA rays and UVB rays. UVA – the longer wavelengths of sunlight – causes the skin to tan. Experts agree that excessive and long term exposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer – and other sun-related skin damage. UVB rays – the more dangerous of the two – consist of shorter wavelengths that burn the top layer of the skin.
Tanning beds expose users to nearly 40% less of UVB rays than the natural sun, minimizing some of the danger. But the health risks of tanning beds still exist, as the skin is still exposed to both UVB and UVA rays.
Extremely fair-skinned people – those who burn easily in the sun – should avoid tanning altogether. The health risks of tanning beds for fairer skin is multiplied than for those with a little bit darker skin. However, skin of all colors should be vigilant when examining the health risks of tanning beds. And, if you do decide to use a tanning bed, then be sure to give your skin some protection with lotion made for your particular skin type. Also be sure to cover your eyes at all times during tanning; eye protection is normally offered through the tanning salon.
The health risks of tanning beds – like the health risks of natural sun exposure - can never be completely eradicated. But you can minimize your risks for skin damage – including skin cancer – with responsible exposure.About the author:
Farrel David writes articles on different topics. To get more information visit http://www.squidoo.com/exposedskincare/, http://www.squidoo.com/exposedacnekit/ and http://www.squidoo.com/exposedacnetreatment/