How to tan in a solarium

There are a lot of recommendations and tips on how to tan properly. But it is extremely rare that generalized instructions on the rules for safe tanning in a solarium allow you to take into account individual parameters, such as skin type, type of solarium (vertical, horizontal, turbo), use of special cosmetics, etc.

For example, white-skinned people can visit a solarium no more than twice a week and sessions should not exceed 3-5 minutes in duration. While clients who are dark-skinned from birth can calmly bask in the light of the lamps for up to 20 minutes.

You can, of course, write that before visiting you need to visit a doctor and consult. But how many will actually go to the doctor if suddenly there is no cosmetologist in the solarium? At best, you can ask questions to the girl at the reception; at worst, you will have to take care of your safety on your own.

Determine skin type and frequency of procedures

The type of skin primarily determines how long the tanning sessions can be, how long it will take to get a beautiful skin tone, and how high the risk of getting burns is.

1. Skin type I, also known as “Celtic”.

Owners of the Celtic type of appearance are distinguished by very fair skin. The natural hair color of such people is blond or light red, there are a lot of freckles both on the face and on the chest and shoulders. The skin of people with type 1 quickly turns red and burns in the sun, so they can spend no more than 3 minutes in a solarium for the first time.

Subsequent sessions can be made longer. But sunbathing for more than 10 minutes without the risk of burns is unlikely. Maximum number of sessions 2 per week.

In principle, some experts generally do not recommend visiting a solarium or sunbathing for owners of the Celtic type.

1. Skin type II, which is also known as “fair-skinned European.”

Owners of this type of appearance are distinguished by fair skin, light or brown hair, a small number of freckles, and light eyes. The skin of such people tans, but the risk of getting burns is high. The first session for such people should last 3-5 minutes.

The time of subsequent procedures can be gradually increased to 10-15 minutes. You can sunbathe 2-3 times a week, provided that the procedures are not combined with prolonged exposure to active sun.

1. Skin type III or “dark-skinned European”.

People with the third skin type are distinguished by the presence of dark brown or brown hair, gray or brown eyes. Skin color can range from light to dark. People with the third skin type burn much less often than people with the first and second types. Therefore, there will be noticeably fewer restrictions on visiting the solarium. Owners of the third skin type can start tanning from 7 minutes and then increase the session time to 20 minutes. You can sunbathe 2-3 times a week.

1. Skin type IV, also known as “Mediterranean”.

Owners of type 4 appearance are dark-skinned, dark-haired, and brown-eyed. In this case, you should not take the maximum time for the first procedure. Still, you should give your skin time to get used to it. Then you can safely stay there for 20 minutes and enjoy a deep, “juicy” tan.

Choosing a solarium

Modern solariums have several main characteristics:

1. vertical-horizontal;
2. turbo (lamp power is 160-180 Watts and higher);
3. percentage of ultraviolet B.

In a horizontal tan, it fits well on the upper body. If you choose a device with facial lamps, be sure to ensure that the solarium cabin is additionally equipped with an elevator (a special platform that can rise and fall so that the client’s face is located at the level of the facial lamps, regardless of the client’s height).

Find out what you can replace tanning cream with.

Watch the video at the link: Malysheva About Solariums. Benefits or Harms of Solarium?

Selecting cosmetics

You can go there without special cosmetics. But such instant savings will only lead to big expenses in the near future. Unlike sunscreen cosmetics that we use on the beach, tanning products enhance the effect of ultraviolet radiation and deeply moisturize the skin.

As a result, you can get an even tan much earlier, and it will last for a longer period, since moisturized skin will not peel.

Creams and cosmetics for solarium can be divided into three groups according to their purpose:

Developers and activators stimulate the production of melanin by skin cells. Developers are used at the very beginning of procedures, when the skin needs to adapt to the ultraviolet radiation affecting it.

Activators are good for those who have already received their first tan and want to make it brighter.

They contain bronzers and tingles. Bronzers stimulate the production of melanin, tingles cause short-term blood flow to the skin, which has a positive effect on the process of tanning during a tanning session.

A sealer is essentially a very good moisturizer, often with a cooling effect. Deep hydration of the skin prevents dehydration and flaking, making the skin velvety to the touch. The most common brands of cosmetics for solariums in Russia are Australian Gold, Jamaica Touch, Mega Sun.

Clients with tattoos can use regular sunscreen to protect the tattooed areas. When exposed to ultraviolet light, tattoo inks can fade or become allergenic to the body.

Read here, where is the best place to buy a tanning bed for your face.

Curious to know how much a vertical solarium costs? Follow this link.

Safety regulations

To sunbathe without harm to the body, you must follow a number of simple rules.

1. Eye protection is required.

Among the regulars of the solarium, there are those who do not take this recommendation seriously. But in vain.

To maintain eye health, it is not necessary to refuse to visit the solarium. But one should take into account the fact that the skin of the eyelids is thin and cannot provide sufficient protection of the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the use of glasses to protect the eyes during the procedure is mandatory.

You can use the glasses that tanning salons provide to their clients. Or you can buy your own glasses if you plan to visit the solarium for a long time and regularly.

1. Chest protection is also necessary.

If you don’t want to sunbathe in a swimsuit, you can use special stickers for the areolas. If the tanning studio does not have such stickers, then you can use ordinary cotton pads.

Men are usually not given such recommendations, but in vain. In men, the areola is also pigmented, so its absorption of ultraviolet rays will be higher than that of the light skin around it.

1. We take contraindications into account.

A visit to the solarium is exactly the same physiotherapeutic procedure as many others. Ultraviolet radiation, just like other types of exposure, leads to the development of changes in the functioning of organs and systems of the body.

For a healthy body, such exposure will be beneficial and will lead to increased resistance to various pathogenic environmental factors. In cases where the body is weakened by an acute or chronic illness, a session in a solarium can lead to a deterioration in condition and well-being.

Who should not sunbathe in a solarium:

1. pregnant women;
2. minors;
3. people with the first skin type;
4. people with acute or exacerbation of chronic diseases of internal organs;
5. those who have a tendency to bleed;
6. women during menstruation;
7. people with moles, when these moles are numerous or large in size;
8. clients with skin diseases;
9. anyone who takes medications that increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (these are not only retinoids, they can also include some antibiotics, hormonal medications and other medications).

Separately, it is worth discussing such a point as visiting a solarium for psoriasis. In principle, you can sunbathe with psoriasis, but a number of points should be taken into account.

The first point is the likelihood of an aggravation of the process. The risk is small. According to statistics, only about 5% of patients receive it. Moreover, more than half note improvement in the course of the disease or complete disappearance of plaques. And approximately 30% of clients do not notice any changes.

The second point is the need for additional skin hydration. Ultraviolet rays dry out the skin. Therefore, plaques can crack and bleed.

1. We carry out the required stages of preparation for the procedure.

You should take a shower approximately an hour and a half before your visit. If this is not possible, then you can rinse in the shower immediately before the procedure. In any case, you should not use soap. It is better to replace it with a light shower gel so as not to dry out the skin and completely wash off the protective hydrolipidic mantle from it. Dry, completely degreased skin is a risk of getting burned.

Before the procedure, you should remove all decorative cosmetics from your face. For lips, you must use hygienic lipstick with ultraviolet protection. You should also not apply aromatic oils, eau de toilette and other cosmetics to your skin after a shower, except those specifically intended for solariums.

Hair must be hidden under a thick cap or scarf. This preparation will allow you to avoid surprises such as patchy tan and bleached hair.

Is it possible for a mother to visit a solarium while breastfeeding? Find out about this in our article.

Does tanning help get rid of acne? See here.

How to keep a tan on your face? Read the details here.

Price for 1 minute of tanning in a solarium

Depending on the number of paid minutes (when purchasing a subscription), you can get significant discounts. Therefore, the price of one minute in a subscription can be significantly lower.

Video: Sunscreens

If earlier aristocratic pallor was in fashion, now golden skin is in trend. And it’s great that fashion trends coincide with technological progress - now you don’t have to go to resorts and spend a lot of time near the water. After all, you can go to the solarium!

What is a solarium?

When you are in a solarium, the body is exposed to long-wave radiation, which is why melanin begins to be produced, giving the skin a dark tint.

The intensity of the tan obtained is determined by several factors: the power and number of lamps, the duration of the session.

The effects on the skin of sunlight and radiation in a capsule are essentially the same. The only difference is that in a solarium you can change the intensity of irradiation and there are no dangerous rays.

Types of solariums

Now there are three types of solariums:

1. A vertical solarium is usually equipped with highly powerful lamps. You will have to sunbathe in a standing position. But this does not mean that it is less comfortable. Many people, on the contrary, feel more free in it. For an even tan, you need to move a little and move your limbs.

2. Horizontal is considered classic. Insolation in it is carried out in a comfortable body position. Therefore, you can sunbathe in it after a hard and tiring day. You can relax and think about something good, the main thing is not to doze off!

3. Turbo solarium can be distinguished as a variety. It can be both vertical and horizontal. But its main feature is a specialized air conditioning system. It promotes a comfortable stay for a person inside the flask and prevents burns. The resulting tan is even and intense.

Which solarium is best for sunbathing needs to be decided on an individual basis. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Contraindications

Like any cosmetic procedure, tanning in a solarium has a number of contraindications:

1. Various skin diseases;
2. Asthma;
3. Cardiovascular pathologies;
4. A large number of large moles;
5. Menstruation;
6. Oncological diseases;
7. Thyroid diseases;
8. Pregnancy and lactation;
9. Also, the procedure should not be performed on children who have not reached the age of sixteen (you should not take risks, it is better to do it after adulthood).

For the safety of your body, you must follow the contraindications of solariums and follow the recommendations of a dermatologist.

Benefits and harms

As everyone knows, tanning in a solarium can have both benefits and harm for the body of women and men. The benefits and harms of solariums will be described below:

Beneficial features

Not only is the sun beneficial, but the benefits of a solarium are also great. And it is also able to replace the sun in autumn, winter and spring, when it is so lacking.

How is a solarium beneficial for the body of women and men?

1. An important positive quality of such a tan is the production of vitamin D, which strengthens body tissues and improves general condition. Its synthesis can also take place under artificial ultraviolet light.
2. If you suffer from acne and acne, and their appearance is not associated with hormonal imbalance, a solarium is a great way to improve the condition of your skin.
3. Artificial ultraviolet radiation helps strengthen the immune system and helps overcome colds.
4. If you sunbathe in winter, this action will contribute to the production of the “hormone of happiness” - endorphin, which has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and overall well-being. This is a great way to overcome depression and chronic fatigue, and simply feel joy and lift your spirits during a gloomy and cold period.
5. It can be noted that artificial tanning is more intense and even compared to natural tanning.

The benefits of a solarium are invaluable not only for the body, but also for appearance. A solarium can transform and improve the condition of your skin.

Many people, before trying the artificial tanning procedure, are tormented by the question: is a solarium harmful for women and men? Undoubtedly, if you sunbathe incorrectly (either under the sun or in a beauty salon), you can cause negative effects on the body.

Therefore, before the procedure, it is imperative to consult a specialist!

But why is solarium harmful for women and men? Here are the main points:

1. Ultraviolet rays irritate the upper layers of the skin, partially destroying their structure, which can lead to dehydration and premature aging.
2. Also, such a tan can cause rough skin and clogged pores.
3. If safety rules are not followed, you can get a thermal burn.
4. In addition to your skin, tanning beds can cause damage to your hair.
5. With frequent sessions, intense melanin synthesis can contribute to the development of benign and malignant tumors.
6. Also, such a tan can aggravate chronic diseases.

It is important to remember that sunbathing in a solarium is harmful to health if it is abused and the safety rules are violated. If you go for treatments and sunbathe rarely and moderately, and protect your body, you can minimize the risks.

Rules

How to sunbathe properly in a solarium? To get a healthy and seductive tan, you need to follow a step-by-step series of rules:

Preparing for a solarium

Before going to the solarium, you need to prepare your skin. This preparation includes 4 stages:

1. Cleansing. Often, just a refreshing shower will not be enough. Since for an even tan you need to remove dead skin flakes. It is advisable to do this with a soft scrub one or two days in advance. Otherwise, the tan may peel off in a few days along with the upper keratinized layer of skin. And before the visit you should take a shower 2-3 hours without detergents.
2. Hydration. It is extremely necessary! To prevent your skin from drying out too much, you should use a moisturizer. And don't forget to moisturize your lips with balm so they don't dry out. In addition, the day before you can make a hair mask.
3. Tanning activators. Just like before going to the beach, you need to use a special cream. It is important to purchase a special tanning cream for a solarium; its composition is slightly different from the usual one. But, most importantly, you need to choose not just anything, but a quality product that will not only help you acquire a more saturated shade, but also prepare your skin!
4. Proper nutrition. Include healthy vitamin foods in your diet. This article contains all the most interesting information about vitamins for tanning, as well as recipes for healthy cocktails!

Tanning in a solarium

So, how to go to the solarium correctly and without harm? To do this without harm, you must follow these steps:

1. When tanning in a solarium, you should pay attention to the safety of your eyes. Since simply closing your eyes will not be enough, ultraviolet rays will easily pass through the skin of the eyelids and can negatively affect the retina. Therefore, it is important to use special sunglasses. It is better to remove contact lenses before the session.
2. It is also worth taking care of your hair and hiding it under a cap to prevent it from drying out.
3. And for regular procedures, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing mask to your hair 2 times a week.
4. The procedure cannot be performed while wearing makeup.
5. Before the session, you should not use deodorant, perfumed products or other cosmetics.

Instructions for using the solarium must be given by an employee of the establishment.

Care after solarium

1. After the procedure, the skin becomes drier, so it is important to use special moisturizers.
2. At the end of it, products with vitamin E are recommended, which will help eliminate unwanted redness and neutralize the effects of free radicals activated by ultraviolet radiation.

Video: a doctor talks about contraindications and rules for tanning in a solarium.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

The solarium has become very popular among our compatriots. Such popularity has raised many questions. Below you will find answers to the most important of them.

How often can you go to the solarium?

You cannot often visit and sunbathe in the solarium. This is exactly the beauty procedure that should not be overused, because it is very harmful to the skin and the whole body.

By the way, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the procedure can be carried out no more than once a day. And if you have already sunbathed somewhere in the sun, then on the same day you can no longer pamper yourself with a solarium!

How many minutes can you sunbathe in a solarium?

The duration of one session depends on the following factors: phototype of the tanner’s skin, type of solarium, number and power of lamps. Often the average session length is 5-10 minutes. The first visit should be no longer than three minutes.

Is it possible to go to the solarium every other day?

Theoretically it is possible, but it is not advisable. After all, the main thing is not to achieve the main goal - changing skin tone, but to maintain health! It is better to come to the solarium in a few days (3-4 days).

How many times a week can you go to the solarium?

No more than 3 sessions per week (ideally 2). The course should not exceed more than 10 sessions (the course will take approximately two to three weeks). It is advisable to take no more than two courses per year!

You can go to the solarium with such frequency, but we must not forget about the individual characteristics of the body. Carefully monitor the condition of your skin and its reaction.

The main thing in this matter is not to overdo it. Dried skin the color of overcooked coffee has never graced anyone.

Is it possible to sunbathe in a solarium without protective cream?

You can't sunbathe without using cream. Thanks to the cream, you will get a more uniform and lasting tan, and protect your skin from excessive drying.

What protective cream is best to use in a solarium?

There are special products designed to protect the skin during artificial tanning. They cannot be replaced with conventional cosmetics, which will not provide adequate protection!

By the way, many people are interested in whether base oil is suitable for tanning in a solarium. The answer is clear: you need to use a specific protective agent, not oil.

You should apply a product that suits your phototype.

Is it possible to enter the solarium with a phone?

There is no clear answer here, but there is no need to do this. What's the point of taking it? It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to play snake or solve Sudoku. There you need to relax and enjoy.

Is it possible to sunbathe in a solarium without underwear, that is, without panties and a bra, naked?

In no case, both for hygienic reasons (the booth can be dirty) and for reasons of protection.

How long does a tan last after a solarium?

The tan obtained as a result of the procedure will last about 3 weeks. But with proper care it can be preserved longer.

How long does it take for a tan to appear after a solarium?

The question is extremely individual. In one person, it will appear in an hour, and in another, traces of being in a solarium will appear in eight hours. The time it takes for a tan to develop directly depends on the phototype of the sunbather.

How many sessions can you tan in a solarium?

After the first session, the result is already slightly noticeable. After 3-4 sessions, the result will be obvious and noticeable. But for a more saturated shade you need to take a course. Periodicity was discussed above.

Is it possible to shave before a solarium?

It is better to carry out this procedure a few days before going to the solarium so that the irritation has time to subside. Read more about hair removal and tanning in this article.

How many days after peeling can I go to the solarium?

In about 3 days. If you feel that your skin is still irritated, it is better to postpone the procedure.

Is it possible to take a bath after solarium?

Of course, it is possible, but preferably at least 2-3 hours after the procedure. But after the session, you should not take a too hot bath or use scrubs, as they can speed up the disappearance of the tan.

You can ask many questions to a doctor you trust. He will give specific recommendations based on your health data.

Is it possible to sunbathe in a solarium without glasses?

No, under no circumstances should you enter the booth without glasses. Even if you close your eyes, it will not protect them from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Is it possible to wear lenses to a solarium?

In general, sunbathing while wearing lenses is not prohibited, but it is not advisable. If possible, it is better to remove them. And also, in any case, you need to use special glasses.

Is it possible to open your eyes in a solarium?

Yes, but highly undesirable. At the same time, to protect the eyes, it is necessary to use special glasses to protect the retina from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Is it possible to sunbathe in a solarium without a stickini?

You shouldn't sunbathe without them. They provide indispensable protection.

What can replace stikini in a solarium?

Sunbathing without a sunscreen is highly discouraged; it can cause the development of cancer. They can be replaced by generously smearing the nipple halos with tanning salon lipstick.

Is it possible to sunbathe in the sun after a solarium (for example, at the dacha, on the beach of the sea or river)?

No you can not. It's better to lie down and rest.

Is it possible to exercise after a solarium?

Can. If you have the strength and desire. There are no special contraindications in this regard.

Is it possible to go to a solarium with a fever?

This is not worth doing. The body is already weakened and, thus, you can only worsen your condition.

Is it possible to sunbathe in a solarium with fair skin?

In general, it is possible, but extremely carefully, no more than 3 minutes per session. Light skin is prone to burns.

Can Is it possible to sunbathe in a solarium if you have tattoos on your body?

To prevent the tattoo from discoloring, it must be covered. You can purchase stickers to protect your drawing. They should be in a beauty salon. You can read more about tanning if you have tattoos here.

At what age can you go to a solarium?

Visiting a solarium is not recommended for children under 16 years of age; it is believed that their skin is too delicate and vulnerable, and excessive sunbathing can lead to the development of cancer.

And in some progressive countries there is even a law prohibiting people under 18 from undergoing such a procedure. Therefore, you should not take risks and do such a procedure before adulthood.

Is it possible to sunbathe in a solarium during pregnancy?

No. Since unstable hormonal levels can lead to the appearance of age spots and generally have a negative impact on the health of the expectant mother. Read this article for more details.

Solarium and pregnancy

Is it possible to go to a solarium with various pathologies?

This issue can only be discussed with your doctor! Only he will give you the correct answer. You can't trust anyone but him. Information on forums, from beauty salon employees, or from friends may be unreliable.

Read more about tanning in a solarium at vitiligo, varicose veins, mastopathy, uterine fibroids, chickenpox And psoriasis.

How to sunbathe for the first time in a solarium? Here's what you need to know for the first time:

1. The first time should last no more than two or three minutes.
2. It is necessary to increase the time very smoothly and gradually.
3. You need to choose a high-quality protective cream.
4. If you have any diseases, you must first talk about your intentions with your doctor. When you go to the solarium for the first time (as well as subsequent ones), you must take into account contraindications and follow all recommendations.

Video: blogger talks about the important rules of tanning in a solarium.

Instructions for use

How to use a solarium? Step-by-step instructions:

1. Decide on the choice of salon. And choose the type of solarium that suits you best.
2. Before the actual session, inspect the area for cleanliness. If you see dirt on the booth, you should find another establishment.
3. The cabin employee must show and talk about the buttons in the cabin and their functions.
4. The employee will provide you with safety glasses, you must wear them!
5. Step into (or lie down in) the tanning bed and close the lid.
6. Step out of the solarium and enjoy the golden hue of your skin.
7. After the procedure, you can take a shower only 2-3 hours later.

Thanks to a solarium, anyone can achieve a beautiful skin tone, regardless of the season. Now such a tan is no longer a luxury that is available to a small circle of people. And despite stereotypes, a solarium can bring benefits to the human body. It is only important to adhere to the established rules and doctor’s recommendations.

How to sunbathe in a solarium correctly? What are the benefits of artificial tanning? What risks and dangers does it pose? Is it possible to visit a solarium during pregnancy or during menstruation? What are the features of tanning “in a capsule” according to skin type? Rules for using a solarium without harm to health.

The value of exposure to sunlight on the skin was first stated by the German scientist Friedrich Wolf in the middle of the last century. Conducting experiments on artificial irradiation of athletes, he noted an improvement in their well-being, an increase in immunity and vitality. Already in the seventies, his brother Jörg Wolf founded the Cosmedico company, which began producing the first lamps with a UV spectrum, and then portable cameras for artificial tanning.

Solariums appeared on the market of physiotherapeutic equipment at the right time. Since the mid-twentieth century, there has been a boom in the popularity of tanned skin in the world. If previously a pale face and hands were considered a sign of nobility and aristocracy, then with the advent of bathing suits, a bronze shade of the body became fashionable. Solariums made it possible to maintain it in winter and summer.

Transformation of public opinion

The first solariums were created to solve the problem of lack of sunlight. It is known that only under the influence of ultraviolet rays does the body produce vitamin D. Without it, our body cannot absorb calcium and phosphorus - the main “building elements” of bone tissue.

The lack of sunlight is manifested by systemic disorders in the body: weakness and fragility of bones, the development of rickets. Artificial irradiation has become a modern way to improve the health of children living in cold climates where access to sunlight is limited throughout the year.

Sunbathing has also been proven to have other positive effects.

1. Stimulates the formation of endorphins - hormones of joy. They promote a good mood, excellent emotional and physical tone.
2. Improves skin condition. Ultraviolet light has a disinfecting and drying effect, which is why UV therapy was included in the list of methods for treating skin diseases.
3. Increases immunity. Light rays can activate the body's defenses, which is especially valuable during the period of colds in the cold and off-season.

Potential Risk

In recent years, the dangers of solariums have been talked about much more often than their benefits. The installations perform far from the tasks for which they were created fifty years ago. In addition, it has been proven that the amount of sunlight required to produce vitamin D in the body is much less than previously thought.

For example, to protect your baby from rickets and provide conditions for strong bones, it is enough to be with him outside in direct sunlight for only twenty minutes a day. In this case, only the face and palms can be open.

In the solarium, the whole body remains open. This creates certain risks.

1. Allergy to the sun. Individual reaction to sunlight. May manifest as skin rashes, redness, burning of the epidermis. If you experience similar symptoms in the summer, you should not attend artificial tanning sessions.
2. Increased photosensitivity. When taking certain medications, exposure to ultraviolet radiation is especially dangerous, as it can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin and other unexpected reactions. Women taking contraceptives, tetracycline and sulfacyl antibiotics, antidepressants, and antivirals should be treated with caution.
3. Formation of age spots. The skin during menstruation responds to excessive pigmentation when exposed to sunlight, so you should not spend time in a solarium on menstrual periods. Procedures are prohibited after aggressive effects on the skin of the face: peeling, resurfacing, microdermabrasion, during which the stratum corneum is thinned or removed. Age spots appear in people prone to their formation: fair-skinned people with freckles on their faces.
4. Skin aging. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation dries out the skin, and the longer it lasts, the more pronounced this effect becomes. It has been proven that regular sunbathing causes skin aging, as it stimulates dehydration and reduces the intensity of collagen and elastin production. Aging does not appear immediately, but over the long term.
5. Exacerbation of diseases. The rules for visiting a solarium exclude the possibility of its use in the presence of chronic diseases of the thyroid gland, cardiovascular system, and respiratory tract. There is a high risk of overheating and miscarriage during pregnancy, so you should avoid the procedure in the first trimester.
6. Oncological diseases . The aggressive sun and its “reduced copy” can provoke the development of skin cancer. They are caused by excessive visits to solariums, abuse of time spent in a capsule, and the use of outdated capsules with an uncontrolled level of radiation.

Can visiting a solarium cause cancer? Scientists have come to a consensus - maybe! Currently, public opinion towards this method of tanning has changed dramatically.

The Science of Tanning

In 2013, authorities in a number of states in Australia announced a total ban on the use of solariums. As a result of studies, doctors have found that attending artificial tanning sessions increases the risk of skin cancer by 20%. By the end of 2014, all Australian states without exception refused to use “UV capsules”.

Other negative impact factors have also been identified.

1. Eye hazard. In 2013, specialists from the British College proved that bright ultraviolet light in capsules leads to eye pathology, causing the growth of the conjunctiva on the cornea. The risk does not decrease even when closing the eyes, since the tissues of the eyelids are too thin and ultraviolet radiation passes through them freely.
2. Psychological dependence. The habit of visiting a solarium regularly leads to “drug addiction,” researchers at the American University at Albany warn. A person gets used to seeing his body beautiful, tanned, and if he does not get the next “dose” of tanning, he becomes irritable, experiences depression and apathy.

In Russia, no studies have been conducted on the effects of procedures on the human body. Therefore, the statement of Russian scientists, doctors of medical sciences N.N. Potekaev, V.V. Vladimirov, L.S. Kruglov can be considered significant. According to experts, the need to artificially maintain a tan all year round has become a massive social need, which is promoted in the media.

At the same time, there is very little reliable scientific data on the negative impact of procedures that are positioned as “health of the nation.” Such a statement is not true. In Russia, the industry is practically uncontrolled; there are no official standards, certifications or rules for solariums. It is important to take this into account when deciding for yourself whether it is worth using artificial tanning and how to visit a solarium correctly.

Recommendations for use

Despite the lack of standards for the selection of equipment and its use in Russia, the service of solariums in domestic cosmetology exists. And thousands of women use it regularly. How to minimize the risk and get a beautiful tan without compromising your health? Please adhere to the following guidelines.

1. Don't visit often. It is unacceptable to use the services of a solarium every day. Dermacosmetologist Olga Zabnenkova clarifies that to obtain a rich tan tone, it is enough to carry out the procedure once a week. To get a light, golden skin tone, tan twice a month.
2. Don't use it for a long time. Try not to stay in the capsule for more than seven minutes. Excessive sunbathing leads not only to burns, but also to the formation of age spots, early wrinkles, skin dehydration, menstrual irregularities and swelling.
3. Specify the type of equipment. Tanning capsules manufactured before 2009 are not subject to certification. No one knows what kind of lamps are installed in them, how intense they are, how dangerous they are. The process of improving equipment was actively underway in Europe from 2009 to 2013. Use the services only of those salons that use equipment made in Europe or America after 2013.
4. Check the service life of the lamps. Light elements develop their resource in 400-540 hours. If lamps are used longer, they may emit a dangerous spectrum of rays. The same applies to light elements installed literally the day before. You need to spend less time under the rays of “fresh” lamps than usual.

How long can you sunbathe in a capsule? A table of tanning times in a solarium based on your skin type will help you determine a relatively safe period.

Selection of cosmetics

To protect your skin and get a beautiful, even tone, use special cosmetics for solariums. It is different from beach cosmetics with SPF. The latter contains sun filters that reflect the sun's rays. On the contrary, you need these rays for an even tan.

There are several types of funds.

1. Developers. In the form of a cream or lotion, recommended for beginners. These products enhance the production of melanin, the dark pigment of the skin, causing the body to darken faster. The active production of melanin is also valuable due to the higher level of the body’s natural protection from ultraviolet radiation.
2. Bronzers. Products for those who already use a solarium and have acquired a tan. Bronzers are applied before the procedure, stimulate the production of melanin, but additionally moisturize the skin and improve blood circulation.
3. Fixatives. Products in the form of creams or fluids that are applied after the procedure. They not only help consolidate the results, but also reduce skin stress. Contains moisturizing components, antioxidants, nourishing oils.

Do not use a solarium without appropriate cosmetics! The effect of ultraviolet radiation on unprotected skin is too aggressive. Instead of tanning, you risk getting discomfort, dryness and flaking of the skin.

Memo for a beginner

So, how to go to a solarium if you are going there for the first time? We offer simple rules for visiting a solarium for the first time.

1. Plan for the morning. Such a procedure is stressful for the body, which can disrupt sleep. Plan your first visit in the morning, for example, before work, so that your body returns to normal by the evening.
2. Take a shower. Wash off cosmetics, traces of perfume, and deodorant from your body. All foreign substances can cause burns or allergies during the session.
3. Do not eat before or immediately after the procedure. It is better that at least an hour passes after eating. If you're hungry, drink a glass of milk or yogurt.
4. Use disposable protective equipment. The salon should give you free chest protectors, glasses, slippers, a head cap and a mat. All these protective equipment must be disposable to ensure hygiene requirements. If you are not offered any of this, refuse the salon’s services.
5. Don't sunbathe topless. The mammary glands are extremely susceptible to ultraviolet radiation. Its aggressive effects cause breast cancer. Cover your breasts with disposable breast pads or keep your bra on.
6. Apply before tanning. It will protect the skin from drying out.
7. Control your time. For the first procedure, half the recommended time is enough. In the future, you can increase the duration of sessions.
8. Take a cool shower after the session. This will help cool your skin and make you feel better.
9. Apply after sun product. It will protect the skin and maintain the results obtained.
10. Use a tanning bed regularly, but not often. Tanning quickly means losing your spectacular skin tone just as quickly. A lasting effect is achieved by regularity, short procedures 3-4 times a month.

Listen to your general well-being after the session. Did it cause any discomfort? Schedule the next one in a week. Over the next seventy-two hours, your skin will show the accumulated melanin and become darker.

7 popular questions about solariums

Let's look at popular questions and misconceptions about using a solarium.

1. Are treatments beneficial for psoriasis? “Psoriasis is a pathological skin condition in which physiotherapeutic procedures, including phototherapy, are useful and can be used,” comments Lyudmila Znamenskaya, head of the dermatology department of the State Scientific Center for Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology. - But medical procedures have nothing to do with solariums. Treatment should only be carried out in a medical facility equipped with certified equipment.”
2. Which device to choose - vertical or horizontal? There is no difference between the capsules. Only in the vertical one you will stand without touching the walls, and in the horizontal one you can lie down and relax. The only point is sanitary cleaning of horizontal capsules. Ask the salon staff to perform it with you, immediately before the procedure.
3. What do you need for a solarium to get the healthiest tan? Tanning in itself is not only not useful, but also harmful. Darkening of the skin is its protective reaction from ultraviolet radiation. Tanning salons use UVA rays, an element of the solar spectrum that causes premature aging of the skin. Their excessive doses cause catastrophic consequences. “The result may appear in 10 years,” warns dermacosmetologist Olga Zabnenkova, “when at forty you look sixty.” Also, with a special love for the artificial “sun,” persistent pigment spots form on the bridge of the nose, cheekbones, and above the upper lip, pores expand, and viral diseases worsen.
4. Is tanning in a solarium safer than in the regular sun? No tanning can be considered completely safe. But if you compare a short session of visiting a solarium with a three-hour visit to the beach at lunchtime, a solarium will indeed do less harm.
5. Should I cover moles or tattoos during a session? If there are an abundance of moles, artificial and natural tanning are prohibited. The procedures may cause the growth of malignant tumors. A tattoo is a place where the skin is damaged. In injured areas, melanin usually accumulates more actively, which causes hyperpigmentation or age spots.
6. What to do to tan your legs? The skin of our body is saturated with dark pigment unevenly. When exposed to the sun, the face, shoulders, and arms usually tan faster. But the legs are the last to darken. You don't need to do anything. The tan will become more pronounced after several regular treatments.
7. Is a solarium useful for oily skin and inflammation on the face? Ultraviolet light has an anti-inflammatory effect, but this effect is temporary. Immediately after the procedure, the rashes may dry out, but in the short term the skin will respond with increased oiliness, decreased local immunity and an abundance of rashes. In addition, in areas with inflammation, pigment accumulates more actively, which is why pigment spots form. If you have acne, visiting a solarium is contraindicated.

Solarium is a controversial way to get a tan. In some countries of the world, this procedure is prohibited, as it contributes to the development of severe skin and eye diseases. In Russia it is not prohibited, but there are no legislative standards in the field of certification and use of equipment. Understanding the technique of how to sunbathe correctly in a solarium will help you reduce the risks of dangerous diseases. Follow these guidelines if achieving a darker skin tone is necessary.

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