UVA cabins for tanning: benefits and risks

Sometimes, when it is cold because we are in autumn or winter, or for any reason in particular we can not catch sun, many people are left with the desire to get dark. However, alternatives such as UVA and self-tanning booths become an interesting alternative, but not without risks if certain precautions are not taken.

The truth is that many people who use these types of cabins tend to think that it is a harmless aesthetic treatment, but the reality is quite different: did you know that, in truth, its effect on the skin would be quite similar to taking Sun?.

This means that if we spend time we will end up running the risk of our skin burning. In addition, they tend to accumulate radiations which remain recorded in the memory of our skin (with the consequent risk of suffering in the future a possible skin cancer), and also wrinkles more easily.

UVA rays to maintain tanned skin: its main risks

UVA rays are a type of artificial tanning that is carried out by means of lamps that eliminate most of the solar radiation, so that they have UVA radiations that maintain a small proportion of UVB rays, which are beneficial for tanning. formation of melanin granules.

Did you know that it takes 8 minutes alone in a UVA booth to tan our skin?

The tanning machines that we find in UVA cabins have a series of powerful filters that are able to eliminate the radiations that most affect the skin (ultraviolet radiations of type B), so that they only tend to miss the type A, which also helps the tan to be quick.

However, ultraviolet type A radiation, although less dangerous, also tends to accumulate on the skin, producing premature aging in the long term and increasing the risk of precancerous lesions arising. affect the different elastic fibers of the skin.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended against exposure to this type of tanning machines in 2009, precisely because they are not harmless and because of the potential carcinogenicity of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.

According to the regulations currently in force in the European Union, the use of UVA booths is contraindicated in the following conditions:

  • Very clear skin, type 1 or 2.
  • There are many moles or freckles, spread especially throughout the body.
  • There is a predisposition to have spots on the skin.
  • If you were small you burned with some ease.
  • During pregnancy and lactation.
  • He has suffered skin cancer before.
  • If you are under 18 years old.

In addition, if you are following a medical treatment based on drugs or drugs we should consult our doctor if we plan to use a tanning booth. The reason is that certain medications can cause the skin to become more photosensitive for a while, having a greater predisposition to staining.

What benefits do UVA booths offer us?

However, not everything will be contraindications or negative effects on our health, especially when there is nothing that prevents us from using it, and especially when we do it safely and according to the recommended and recommended standards.

And it is that with the tanning booths practically the same as with the sun: the key is not to overdo it, to protect the skin and to be responsible.

Therefore, the benefits offered by artificial tanning are quite similar to those offered by natural tanning (that is, the tan we get from the sun). And which are they?:

  • It helps in the synthesis of vitamin D. That is, it helps the body to be able to produce this vitamin.
  • Improves mood.
  • Increases defenses by improving and increasing the capacity of our immune system.
  • It helps strengthen bones and muscles.
  • It is useful to prepare the skin before exposing ourselves to the natural sun. In this way we will avoid possible burns.
  • You can tan at any time of the year. Even if it's raining or cold.

Self tanners as a safe alternative

Over the years, self tanners have also become an interesting alternative to maintain tan and tanned skin.

They are constituted on the basis of dihydroxyacetone, and they assure us to get a roasted and healthy tone without the different risks of solar radiation.

The Self tanners act by oxidation, which means that, when applied to the skin, it oxidizes on contact with air, and finally gives a brownish tone to the amino acids of the most superficial layers of the epidermis.

Note: If you want to tan through UVA, the best option, besides going to a specialized and approved center. Remember that sometimes the cheap ends up being expensive.And more if it's about our health.

More information | Advantages and disadvantages of UVA rays

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