More than half a century ago, the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel said that a pale face is like an aspirin. Hearing the verdict from a well-known expert, fashionistas and fashionistas of the last century began to actively enjoy the scorching rays of the sun and visit warm countries.
Today you don't need to buy an expensive vacation package if your skin tone is close to the color of winter snow: a solarium can easily fix this problem. However, a person who decides to go into a cabin with an artificial sun for the first time often asks questions about how to visit and how much to go to a solarium in order to tan without harm and he alth consequences.
In the article we will get acquainted with all the pitfalls of modern solariums; find out how to save the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation; learn about the reviews of sunbathers; weigh the pros and cons.
How does it work?
Sunbed is a closed cabin, inside of which ultraviolet lamps are located around the entire perimeter. Unlike the sun, they give a more aggressive dose of UV rays, which darkens the skin.literally in minutes.
The design of most modern solariums is aimed at minimizing the harmful effects on the skin. Special filters prevent the harmful effects of pathogenic UV-C (UVC) rays. UVC is 0% of the total amount of natural solar radiation reaching the Earth: the rays are absorbed by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. In the solarium, this figure also tends to zero.
UV B-band (UVB) rays help to get an instant tan. UVB make up no more than 0.16% of natural sunlight, and in a solarium this figure increases up to 25 times and reaches 3.6%. UVBs are not as dangerous as UVCs, but they can also cause burns, so they are combined with UVA (UVA) rays in the right proportion.
In Russia, solarium lamps with UVB range from 0.1% to 3.6% are used. It is logical that the higher the percentage, the faster the tan is formed. However, no one has canceled the harmful effect of such UV rays on the skin.
Contraindications
Nature made sure that all living organisms on the planet received a limited portion of ultraviolet radiation. As already mentioned, in the tanning booth, the dose of UV rays is increased up to 25 times compared to natural solar radiation. This is the main reason for the danger and harm of the solarium.
The body of each person individually perceives an increased dose of ultraviolet radiation. Some indulge in artificial tanning every year and do not complain about their he alth, while others may end up in intensive care after the firstsession.
To avoid bad consequences, before the first trip to the solarium, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications, and they are:
- Abundance of moles. Doctors say that under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, moles can degenerate into a cancerous tumor.
- Photodermatitis. This concept refers to an allergy to the sun. After using the solarium, blisters and redness may form.
- Skin diseases. A tanning bed will increase inflammation and/or itching.
- Pregnancy and lactation. The action of ultraviolet radiation increases the load on the body, which can affect the he alth of mother and baby.
- Hormonal failures. There is a risk of a critical increase / decrease in hormone levels.
- Chronic diseases. Solarium exacerbates the disease.
Don't rush to get upset if you have one or more contraindications. To get started, make an appointment with your doctor. Perhaps he will allow the use of the solarium subject to special recommendations.
On the dangers of ultraviolet light
If contraindications have bypassed you, then this does not mean at all that tanning with the help of intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a completely safe procedure.
Doctors often remind about the dangers of solariums. Most of the medical community is convinced that express tanning can provoke the development of skin cancer even in a completely he althy person. True, such a belief is a hypothetical assumption of doctors that does not have one hundred percent confirmation. One thing is knownfor sure: if your relatives have ever suffered serious diseases, then exposure to ultraviolet radiation can increase your genetic predisposition to disease, if any.
But avid lovers of express tanning are convinced that a rare visit to the solarium (no more than 2 times a week) cannot provoke the development of serious diseases: the dose of radiation received is too low.
Both doctors and visitors assure that the action of UV rays adversely affects the general condition of the skin. Deterioration of elasticity, dryness, acceleration of the aging process - this is what you should be wary of in the first place. However, side effects can be avoided with tanning protection products, which we will learn about in a moment.
About the benefits of solarium
Both natural and artificial sunbathing must be taken in a very dosed manner. Then ultraviolet irradiation will not cause harm to he alth, but on the contrary, it will bring a lot of pleasure and even benefit.
In winter, our body, more than ever, needs a portion of sunlight. The solarium not only compensates for the lack, but also gives additional strength and increases vitality.
Sunbed benefits:
- production of endorphins, the so-called "hormones of happiness", due to which mood improves and depression disappears;
- improving immunity, weakened in the winter season;
- production of vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones;
- help fight pimples and acne.
How to choose the "right" solarium
Responsibleconsider the choice of artificial sun source. It can be either a specialized studio or a beauty salon.
In choosing, do not be tempted by the low price or walking distance from home. It is advisable to take advantage of the positive experience of your friends or relatives, read their reviews. A solarium should not only be famous for its good reputation, but also have regular customers. If your friends are among them, this is a very auspicious sign.
You should not believe everything that is written on the Internet about a particular solarium: reviews can be left by the owners or employees of the salon. This technique is often used to increase the number of visitors and, consequently, profits.
If you don't have friends who like to pamper themselves with artificial sun, then don't rush to get upset. Try a little trick. Call the administrator and ask your questions. If at the other end of the tube they talked to you reluctantly in order to quickly end the conversation, then forget about visiting this place. The culture of communication, even by phone, is a guarantee that the company will take care of the comfort and safety of each client.
About important details
Why is it so important to choose the right solarium? After all, at first glance it seems that the tanning booths are the same everywhere. But this is not so at all. Here's why.
Hygiene
Not all solarium owners care about cleanliness. About 50 people can visit the sunbathing cabin in one day. And disinfection andsolarium cleaning is the care of the administrator. If he didn’t give a damn about talking to you on the phone, then there is a chance that he has the same conniving attitude towards cleanliness. However, you always have the right to ask for the cab to be removed in your presence. If you hear a refusal, immediately go to another solarium.
Timely replacement of lamps
This pleasure is very expensive, because unscrupulous owners of solariums hide the fact of the problem. Faulty lamps are a lack of results and a waste of money. You have the right to request a log that records the date of the last replacement. The average lamp life in a solarium is 500-800 hours (2-4 months). If the last time the replacement took place, for example, six months ago, ask a clarifying question to the administrator.
Caution
Courteous staff is required to notify every visitor to the solarium about the recent replacement of lamps. The new luminaries are working at full power, which means that the chance of getting burned increases dramatically. The kind administrator will tell you that with new lamps you need to reduce the time of tanning. Again, unhelpful personnel will not even think about such a warning, therefore, you risk getting burned.
Instruction
If you don't know anything about the solarium and the rules of tanning, it's not your problem. The administrator is obliged to take care of you and give answers to all your questions. From him should not be heard the phrases "I do not know", "I am not sure", "I cannot say." Ask about everything that worries you: how long can you sunbathe in a solarium for the first time, howprotect yourself from burns, is it possible to read Mayakovsky's poetry in the cockpit. A professional in his field is obliged to answer even the most awkward questions.
Horizontal or vertical solarium? Which is better?
The horizontal solarium appeared in the beauty industry much earlier than the vertical one. However, the first option is still in demand, as it has a number of advantages over the second. Let's weigh the pros and cons and figure out which solarium is better: horizontal or vertical.
Horizontal solarium:
- The lamps are as close to the body as possible, therefore they work weaker and pose the least danger to the skin. By the way, a horizontal solarium is chosen by those who do not pursue a quick tan and care about their he alth.
- Separate face lights are available and can be adjusted.
- UV radiation is evenly distributed throughout the body.
- In the cabin you can lie down and relax.
- Difficult to disinfect. Therefore, there is a chance to catch some kind of disease from a previous visitor.
Vertical solarium:
- lamps work at full power, so that the tan appears after the first session;
- you can dance and move freely in the booth;
- easy to disinfect.
- legs tan worse than in a horizontal solarium;
- the face receives the same dose of UV as the body.
Conclusion: if for youfast results are important, then choose a vertical solarium, if the he alth and youth of the skin is horizontal. However, remember that a horizontal solarium is extremely difficult to keep sterile clean.
Is five minutes too much or too little?
How many minutes do you need to spend in the solarium to get a deep tan? Every newbie faces this question. Let's answer it.
First of all, you need to find out what phototype your skin belongs to.
Owners of the first phototype are the least fortunate, because instead of tanning they will get burned. A visit to the solarium is not recommended.
People with the second type of skin should be extremely careful. The first tanning session should be limited to three minutes.
Four to six minutes of intensive tanning in the solarium is allowed for owners of the third and fourth skin phototype.
Important to know:
- If there is no redness or burns after a tanning session, then after two or three days feel free to go for a second procedure.
- Increase your tan time by one minute with each visit.
- After ten sessions, take a break for two to three months.
- Take care of your overall skin condition. If it develops burns, redness, rashes, or irritation, stop using the tanning bed and consult a doctor immediately.
- Don't abuse express tan. Doctors do not recommend visiting the solarium more than fifty times a year.
Preparing for a tanning session
Preparation for tanning in the solarium is necessarystart a few hours before the session, namely:
- do not shower 4 hours before going to the solarium;
- do not use creams and perfumes;
- remove makeup;
- remove jewelry and bijouterie;
- prepare a scarf made of thick material;
- prepare a change of underwear (underpants) and a small towel;
- buy a special tanning cream in the solarium and test it on a separate area of the skin, make sure there are no allergies.
A tanning session needs to be postponed if:
- the day before you did a chemical peel or hair removal (skin burn guaranteed);
- menstruation started;
- there is a suspicion of pregnancy;
- you feel unwell;
- have symptoms of a cold or other illness.
Don't forget to buy cream
It is recommended for a beginner to buy a sunblock in a solarium in advance. Firstly, this way you can save money: the administration of the studio or salon sells products at inflated prices. Secondly, a consultant in the store will help you make a smart purchase.
Visitors to the solarium sometimes use regular sunscreen. Do not follow their example if you care about your he alth. Solarium cream reduces the risk of premature aging and protects the skin from high doses of UV rays. Sunscreen cannot boast of such an effect: its protective function is only enough for a safe tan in natural conditions.
How to visit the solarium
You already know about all underwatersolarium stones. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed. Now you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for visiting the solarium.
Before your tanning session, don't forget to pack a bag with the necessary items mentioned above. Upon arrival at the solarium, buy stikini (stickers to protect the nipples) from the administrator and take safety glasses. Please contact the staff with any questions, including what functions the buttons in the cab do.
Before sunbathing, apply plenty of cream, paying special attention to the face and delicate areas of the skin. Put on a scarf and change of underwear, stick stikini on the nipples. Put on your tanning goggles last.
Important to know:
- If you feel unwell while tanning, then stop the session ahead of time.
- Never take off your goggles while tanning. This threatens to burn the retina.
- Check periodically for stikini on nipples. Sometimes they come off.
- Don't shower immediately after your session.
What visitors are saying
Millions of women around the world have achieved a chocolate tan with the help of a solarium. Reviews among them are both positive and negative, however, there are an order of magnitude more of the former.
The main reason for negative reviews is dry skin and the rapid appearance of wrinkles. However, in fairness, it is worth noting the following: visitors who use special creams do not complain about the rapid fadingleather.
Quite often, fans of express tanning complain about burns. But in this case, it all depends on the phototype of a person and the number of minutes that he spent in the cabin. Sunbathing is necessary in moderate and limited doses. Those who visit the solarium wisely are not afraid of burns and redness.
The last reason for negative reviews - the solarium is addictive and addictive. It is difficult to argue with such a statement. Quite often, visitors begin to feel that their tan is not dark enough, so they come to the solarium more and more often, putting their he alth at risk. To avoid this, remember: a rich and beautiful tan appears after seven to ten sessions.
Positive feedback from visitors to the solarium can be listed indefinitely:
- gives you the opportunity to get a beautiful tan in a short period of time;
- helps hide some skin imperfections;
- uplifts mood;
- reduces pimples and acne, etc.
Sunbathe in the solarium in compliance with all safety rules, and then your feedback will definitely be positive.
