Tanning
Tanning, or sun tanning, refers to darkening the skin by applying oils and lotions and sitting in the sun for a period of time. Excess exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can result in sunburn, which is very painful and often requires medical treatment. The body naturally contains melanin, which is the coloring pigment in the skin. The ultraviolet rays of the sun darken this pigment and actually cause the body to create more. The combination of these two reactions is what causes the skin to turn a darker color.
There are two types of ultraviolet rays responsible for sun tanning - UVB and UVA, each of which has a different effect on the skin. UVB rays triggers increased melanin production, which will most likely cause sunburn. It is this that causes moles and some types of skin cancer, as well as skin aging. However, it does speed up the production of Vitamin D in the skin. UVA rays cause the melanin to interact with the oxygen in the air, which in turn causes the skin to darken. These rays cause melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. They are also present throughout most of the day. Sunscreen helps to prevent UVB rays from reaching the skin, but does little to prevent UVA rays.
Even though there are health benefits to sun tanning, it only requires about 10 – 15 minutes twice a week for the body to produce the amounts of Vitamin D it needs. If you plan to suntan by lying in the sun, the best way to do so is to spend only 5 to 10 minutes the first day and then increase the amount of time you spend outdoors to about 15 minutes a day to avoid being badly burned by the sun. Even when you have a deep tan, you should never spend more than this amount of time in the direct sunlight without applying sunscreen. When swimming, always reapply the sunscreen when you get out of the water because being in the pool will wash it off.
Tanning salons offer an alternative to lying in the sun. Here you lie on a solar bed and tan for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. When beginning tanning in this way, it is best to start off with lower time limits and gradually work up. Two or three times a week is considered sufficient time to spend tanning in a salon.
You can also obtain a deep tan without being exposed to the rays of the sun by using sunless tanning lotion. This lotion colors the skin to give the appearance of having a tan. You do need to be careful in the application and apply it evenly. If not your skin will be streaky and it will be evident that you have used this lotion. You should also wear gloves, such as surgical gloves, when applying the lotion because it will discolor the palms of your hand. Since this lotion has to wear off and doesn’t wash off easily, you may be embarrassed at this discoloration.