Tanning is usually done through the use of tanning chambers that exist in aesthetic clinics.
Tanning chambers, also known as the solarium, are devices that emit UV radiation and lead to the production of melanin that is responsible for giving color to the skin, making it darker and golden in color, as if it had been sunbathed.
Although using tanning chambers helps to give a beautiful color to the skin, its use is dangerous and can cause skin aging, dark spots, skin cancer or cataracts, for example. Read more about tanning in: Artificial Tanning.
Step by step
In order for tanning in the tanning chamber to be less harmful to health, the following steps must be followed:
- Take a shower and dry your skin very well at home;
- Remove clothing, contact lenses, costume jewelry, makeup or any other cosmetic with soap and water;
- Protect the body from lightning: Put the goggles on the eyes, always keeping them closed during the session; apply cream to the lips and, if you have painted hair, put on a cap to avoid changing the color. In addition, it should cover the nipples, the male genital organ and apply sunscreen and a band-aid in signs, tattoos and scars.
- Lie on your belly up inside the camera. You should stay in this position all the time, not turning upside down. However, you can place the arms and legs along the body slightly separating them so that the color of the skin is uniform;
- Close the door of the tanning machine and stay inside the machine for the time indicated for the type of skin and respect the distance of the bars that emit the radiations;
- Clean the body with a towel as it is normal to sweat.
At home, you should take a bath of warm water and apply a moisturizing cream to keep your skin moisturized and fresh, in addition to drinking at least 50 ml of water after each session.
When to return to tanning?
After each tanning session, it is important to give the skin rest, so the next session should only be done 48 hours later. In addition, the individual should avoid sun exposure on the same day as the solarium, avoiding going to the beach.
In addition, to keep the skin tanned, it is necessary to have a session of solarium at least once a week, because after three or four weeks the color will disappear. However, you should not exceed 50 sessions per year.
However, the best way to keep your skin tanned without damaging the skin is by applying self-tanner. See more in: How to use self-tanner without staining the skin.
How long can one do tanning?
The tanning time varies with the type of skin, and generally the lighter skin should be less time, however, varies with the power of the machine.
Normally, each session of the solarium varies between 6 to 25 minutes, and it should be gradual increasing its duration so as not to burn the skin.
Who can not do
Tanning chambers are absolutely contraindicated for those under 18 years of age, with very white and sensitive skin, which burn without ever sunbathing after sunbathing in case of cancer in the family, and people taking medicines such as anxiolytics, antibiotics and antidepressants as it increases the sensitivity of the skin.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
The individual should go to the doctor when they appear:
- Lumps that do not disappear;
- Sores on the skin after going to the solarium;
- Very red or burnt skin;
- Visually impaired or very severe headache after the session.
Tanning increases the exposure to radiation that is harmful to the skin and therefore increases the risk of skin cancer.
