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Sunless tanning has become a very popular alternative to the conventional sun tanning methods, with this comes the rise in popularity of indoor tanning beds. Tanning beds come in two basic designs with the most common design being the tanning bed that comes in a clam shaped form or capsule. The other kind is more of a booth than a bed, also commonly known as a “stand up.” The clam shaped design requires the client to lie down on a sheet made of Plexiglas where bright UVA or UVB bulbs shine ultraviolet rays through. The stand up booth has the same basic concepts as that of a clam shaped tanning bed, except the machine itself does not require the client to lie down but instead step into a vertical compartment. Both designs are made for the same purpose, and that is to mimic the effects of the sun and supply the client with a spectrum of ultraviolet rays to help tan the skin. Indoor tanning beds come in two different “strengths”. More traditional tanning beds or the older types of tanning beds both have UVA and UVB light bulbs. However, since research has shown that UVB rays are harmful and can cause cancer, many tanning beds that feature more UVA rays and less UVB rays have been manufactured. Tanning beds work in such a way that when they emit the UVA and UVB rays, they allow the body to manufacture Vitamin D. This benefit if improving and maintaining a person’s health is another reason why people use tanning beds, aside from the obvious reason of getting a glowing tan. Tanning sessions using a tanning bed can also be very helpful for people who suffer from osteoporosis or psoriasis. Tanning bed temperatures often reach about 100 degrees Fahrenheit and people who use tanning beds are required to not exceed twenty minutes when undergoing a session. For this, some tanning beds are designed with built in timers. Tanning sessions in salons are regulated and controlled by some government agencies, these salons also house state of the art equipment to aid their employees in determining the amount of time you are allowed to stay in the tanning bed. The salon’s employees will normally ask the client regarding the shade of tan they want and will normally give suggestions pertaining to the number of treatments needed to achieve and maintain the client’s desired results. Well established tanning salons will also go to lengths to protect their clients. These salons will typically provide protective eye wear, health assessments, lotions for sun tan preparation and for soothing the skin after the tanning session, and a specially designed and personalized program for their individual clients. However, there are a number of proven harmful effects caused by using tanning beds. Exposure to UVB rays can cause serious damage to the skin that might lead to burns and even cancer. It can also damage the individual’s immune system. Aside from this, over exposure to these harmful rays are also known to wrinkle the cataracts and damage the retina of the eyes. Though a tanning bed helps limit the exposure to this type of radiation as compared to the amount you get when undergoing a tanning session under the sun, the risks of getting cancer are still increased dramatically. The light from a tanning bed multiplies the amount of radiation and UVA radiation has been classified as a cancer causing agent in humans. Cases of skin cancer has been steadily rising over the past few years and experts say that this is because of the people’s increased exposure to the sun, sun lamps and tanning beds. The number of melanoma cases has also been increasing. Individuals who use tanning beds before reaching the age of 35 increases their chances of getting melanoma eight times as compared to people who never use tanning beds. The use of commercial lights more than doubles an individual’s risk for melanoma, which can be fatal if not detected early. With these facts, everyone should realize that there is no “safe tan.” If you really intend to get a tan, please read up, gather all the information you can and consult professionals before undergoing a session. Know all the risks and be informed!!
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