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The darker side of tanning |
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Thursday, 07 February 2008 |
When it comes to tanning beds, there are really two types of people in this world.
There are those who are simply addicted, and there are those who swear they will never set foot in one, ever.
Yes, burning your skin isn’t healthy.
But totally blocking out the suns rays isn’t too good either.
Lack of sunlight causes a deficiency in vitamin D, which actually increases your risk of developing cancer.
When you expose yourself to sunlight, your skin produces vitamin D.
Studies have found that vitamin D reduces the risk of developing colon, breast, and ovarian cancer.
Research has directly linked sunlight exposure to an increase in
serotonin levels - chemicals produced in the brain that inhibit
feelings of anger and aggression.
This is why we have always heard that a little sunlight is good for us – that it relaxes our nerves and improves our moods.
And it’s true.
It is believed that tanning beds provide an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
A recent study conducted at Rockefeller University found that mice who
modeled symptoms of depression were also found to have low serotonin
levels.
Did you know that serial killers have consistently low serotonin levels, too?
Personally, I would rather be tan and happy.
In the United States, many restrictions and regulations are placed on tanning salons to avoid potential overexposure.
In most beds, the maximum amount of exposure time is 20 minutes, and
every bed is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
have a “Recommended Exposure Schedule,” located in an easy-to-read area.
This allows tanners to take control over the amount of exposure they would like to receive.
There is a big difference between overexposure and moderate, safe exposure.
Tanning beds are designed to maximize tanning and minimize burning.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent a day at the beach, applied
sunscreen after every thirty minutes, and still ended up having to take
a trip to the drug store on an aloe vera run.
When you’re exposed to natural sunlight, it’s hard to tell how much sun you’re actually getting.
When you’re in a tanning bed and you feel like you’re getting too hot, all you have to do is step out.
If you do choose to use a bed to achieve a golden glow, you should always take certain precautions to avoid sunburn.
Before you tan, use salon–regulated tanning lotion to prevent over-drying of your skin.
Dry skin reflects ultraviolet light, and the goal of tanning is to absorb it.
If it’s been awhile since your skin has seen the sun, don’t tan for too
long; gradually increase your exposure time after each session.
And if you do burn, wait until the burn has fully healed until you
decide to try again. Contrary to popular belief, burning before tanning
will not enhance your tan.
Some may see tanning as a fad created by orange-skinned celebrities, but for me, tanning is a way to relax.
As long as it’s done in a healthy way, tanning can actually improve your health and alter your bad mood.
Emily Melton, a sophomore elementary education major from Charlotte , is an intern news reporter.
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