UV Tanning – What It Is and How It Works

Summertime is some months away from now. People would love to look their best. There are several means to achieve this desire, but one stands out – tanning. Tanning has been around for decades. In actuality, this is a fashionable trend that took off in the 1920s. And there was no one better to kickstart this fad than the reputable French designer, Coco Chanel. Once back from a cruise, pictures of her sun-tanned physique circulated far and near and created a sensation people were willing to embrace. As such, tanning became the norm.

Fast forward to today, folks from all walks of life want to have the perfect dark-shaded appearance. And even though Netflix and Chill is a thing, there is nothing as exciting as sunbathing on the beach with tons of passers-by staring in admiration. When the occasion calls for a vacation in Hawaii, Maui, Tahiti, or the Maldives, a UV-tanned body will be ready to grace the experience. But what is UV tanning? Time to dig into this awesome subject.

What Is UV Tanning?

It is worth noting that the sun produces ultraviolet (UV) rays. But this is not the only source. Tanning beds and lamps also produce artificial UV rays. When light from these sources hit the skin, the body produces melanin. This pigmentation can be likened to that of Chlorophyll, which forms when plants receive sunlight. The presence of melanin is associated with a brown glow. In other words, the skin darkens, creating an aesthetically pleasing sight. But is there all there is to melanin effects? Of course, not. It protects the skin from UV damage.

There is more. Sunlight produces two types of UV rays – UVA and UVB. The Earth’s ozone layer mostly absorbs the latter, which is harmful to the skin and can damage an individual’s DNA. The reason for this is that UVB rays contain more energy than their counterparts. Hence, continuous exposure to them can result in skin cancers. But that doesn’t mean that UVA rays are any safer. Apart from light rays from the sun, tanning beds have a combination of UVA and UVB rays.

There are other ways to darken the skin, one of which includes the use of spray tans. These products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA). What are the health benefits of tanning?

Health Benefits of UV Tanning

Some sources claim that there is no medical benefit associated with UV tanning, while others have discussed some upsides to this effect. Here are some of them:

* Enhance appearance
* Potential increase in the vitamin D levels
* Improved mood

According to the Indoor Tanning Association, tanning may enhance one’s lifespan. Enjoying light rays from the sun has been linked to enhanced energy and mood, which can be likened to “walking on sunshine.” As such, people who undergo this process tend to look better than others. Additionally, and as stated before, it serves as an additional layer of protection against sunburn.

Ideal UV Index for Tanning

For some individuals, the UV index may sound extra-terrestrial – foreign. In truth, UV rays can’t be felt. What about the heat felt on a hot afternoon? That is known as infrared. As such, it is easy not to know when the skin is extremely exposed to UV rays, which may lead to sunburn or other skin-related problems. The UV index is a measuring system, created in 1995 by a team of scientists. It shows various categories and intensities of UV rays. As such, people can know the level of exposure that is safe or harmful to the skin.

The UV index starts from 1 and moves up to 11+. UV 1 and 2 are considered low. From UV 3 to UV 5, the category falls within “moderate.” UV 6 and 7 are high, while 8 to 10 are considered “very high.” UV 11+ is known to be “extreme.” The lowest index available during the day is UV1, followed by UV2. Under these categories, there is less need to use sunscreen. As discussed before, UV A and UV B have their downsides. However, they have their merits as well. The former darkens the melanin pigment produced in the skin, while the latter stimulates the production of more pigmented cells.

It is worth noting that UV 3 to 5 is the moderate level to tan one’s skin. Other factors play an essential role as well, including altitude, location, and skin tone. For people with a higher UV index, their skin tends to burn quickly. Hence, they should not expose their bodies to UV rays for long periods.

Are Tanning Beds Safe?

Even though tanning has its “seeming” benefits, there are downsides, especially when the source is different from sunlight. It is vital to note that tanning beds and booths leave questionable effects. For one, the UV A rays generated from these machines are three times more intense than that of the natural source (sunlight). For this reason, people who use these gadgets stand a risk of having cancer. If at all tanning is required, kindly do it the natural way.

Additionally, avoid exposing the skin to direct sunlight or prolonged periods. Side effects of this act may include:

* Heat rash
* Sunburn
* Melanoma
* Dehydration
* Premature ageing
* Eye damage

Is UV Tanning Long-Lasting?

UV tanning from sunlight is expected to last anywhere between 7 to 10 days. After this timeframe, the top layer of the skin exfoliates naturally. There is no news of tanning producing a permanent effect. The reason for this is that the skin naturally exfoliates itself. As such, the tanned skin comes off as new cells grow. However, constant exposure to sunlight can create a seemingly permanent effect, but not without its downsides.

Conclusion

UV tanning has its upsides and downsides. But when managed effectively, it can produce a breath-taking effect. It doesn’t only rejuvenate the body, but it keeps the mind “alive.” Once a tanning session is complete, its effect may take anywhere between 24 and 48 hours to show. Having a shower immediately after a tan may influence its effect. It can cool down the skin quickly. However, allow the body to cool naturally before having a bath (preferably 20 minutes after tanning). This procedure will maximize the effect.