The days, when the white and pale skin complexion defines prestige and beauty, are over. While some folks, mostly in Asian countries, are still engaged in using whitening products and procedures to lighten their skin tones, some people in West, like in the U.S., Australia, and Europe, would do anything to have that sun-kissed, bronze glow made possible by either a natural or indoor tanning procedure.
When you skim through magazines or watch a few celebrities walking on the red carpet, it’s pretty evident that tan is a hot trend. In fact, nearly 30 million Americans including 2.3 million teens visit tanning salons frequently each year, FDA claims. The rates in Europe and Australia are similar, JAMA Dermatology says. The sole purpose of going to the beach has also changed, for some people visit the beach not just to unwind but to get a tan.
Well, it’s amazing how health science combined with the latest technological advances cater to different beauty standards. You just have to be careful in exploring your options, especially in tanning where both options, natural and artificial, have their own risks and benefits.
So which procedure is safer? Let’s find out.
Natural Tanning (Outdoor)
Most people believe that nothing beats the natural and old-fashioned way of tanning – sunbathing. You can bask on the beach on your summer getaway or simply expose yourself to the sun when the weather calls for it. Just make sure you don’t skip the sunscreens for protection from burns.
Through moderate sun exposure, the body naturally absorbs vitamin D from the UV rays. Getting sufficient amount of sunlight packed with this essential are proven to improve your overall state by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing oxygen content in human blood, and building the immune system. Vitamin D can also heal various illnesses like cancer, heart disease, immune diseases, influenza, type-2 diabetes, as well as fractures and falls. And besides, having fun in the sun won’t cost you a dime unlike in tanning salons.
However, taking things in excess always has some drawbacks. Overexposure may cause severe damage to the skin due to the excessive UV radiation, a part of the light spectrum from the sun. The U.S. National Toxicology Program have already warned the public in 2003 that UV radiation from any source is known as the carcinogen and is linked to skin cancers and premature aging.
Artificial Tanning (Indoor)
If you want to get a tan all year round, indoor tanning is probably the best choice. This “fake baking” procedure uses indoor tanning equipment such as tanning beds, booths, and sun lamps which emit three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The rays can go deep into the skin to promote tan faster and more effective.
Tanning beds also allow the person to receive more vitamin D by absorbing the UV rays emitted by the equipment. Compared to natural tanning, the indoor tanning facilities are run by professionals who ensure that the machines don’t exceed the recommended maximum exposure levels and their patrons get the best sun-kissed glow they deserve.
But then again, the lack of preventive measures and not taking in moderation deliver deadly effects. While natural sunlight uses a combination of UVA and UVB, average tanning beds use fluorescent bulbs that emit mostly UVA rays whose intensity is three times more than of natural sunlight. According to Dr. Erin Welch of The American Academy of Dermatology, the deeper the UVA rays penetrate the skin, the more collagen and elastic tissue they break down, which may lead to the development of Melanoma and skin cancer. However, despite the evidences and warnings against indoor tanning, millions still patronize tanning salons.
So Which Is A Better Choice?
According to Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson of Harvard Women’s Health Watch, tanning itself is a sign of DNA damage in the skin. Based on the risks presented, we may assume that the artificial one is likely more dangerous since they use concentrated bursts of UVA. But taking all the previous studies into consideration, we can see that both outdoor and indoor tanning end up doing more harm than good.
Are There Healthier Alternatives?
If neither getting a tan from the sun nor from artificial sources are good for your skin health, what can you do to give a little color to your pale skin tone?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding UV radiation exposure from natural and artificial sunlight and choosing sunless tanning products instead for a gorgeous tanned look. These products include wash-off bronzing gels and powders and sunless tanners like spray tans that temporarily stain the skin to give that warm, sun-kissed complexion.
Author Bio:
When she’s not busy mastering face contour, Carmina Natividad spends her time writing articles focused on aesthetics and overall health and wellness. She is one of the daytime writers for The Australasian College of Health and Wellness, a government accredited educational institution specializing in the discipline of health science.