The winter can be a difficult time for many of us—it brings with it rainy days, cold temperatures, and reduced sunlight. The tanning bed is one of mankind’s best weapons against winter’s inconveniences. Although much stigma is attached to the tanning bed, most of it is due to a minority of users which insist on over-tanning.
The tanning bed functions as follows: several fluorescent light bulbs emit UV (ultraviolet) rays in a spectrum similar to the sun’s. These UV rays are then absorbed by the skin, allowing the user to become tanned—as if he or she were on a beach.
One of the major upsides of the tanning bed is its relationship to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.) By creating artificial sunlight, those who experience depression during the winter (when exposure to the sun decreases) are able to compensate for the seasonal lack—the tanning bed is a form of therapy. It is theorized that exposure to UV rays causes an increase in the body’s production of endorphins—this is probably the reason why the tanning bed is beneficial for people who suffer from SAD.
The release of vitamin D by our skin is another reaction to the UV rays emitted by the tanning bed. Vitamin D has numerous health benefits like improving bone development, regulating the levels of calcium in our blood stream, and improving our immune system. People who suffer from Acne and Psoriasis can also sometimes be helped by time in a tanning bed—it seems to improve their condition.
It is crucial, however, not to overuse the tanning bed. Just like over-exposure to the sun, there are health risks involved. It is important to ask your doctor how long you should spend in the tanning bed—staying within the recommended exposure times is very much recommended.
You will love what the tanning bed can do for your looks—and life.