-Solarium/ Tanning (Ultraviolet) light
Like any ultraviolet radiation, the tanning light lamps can cause the same (if not worst) harm, as the sun; skin cancer, freckles and premature skin aging. Although solarium gives a nice radiant and healthy skin color and is very tempting to use prior to your summer holidays or through the winter, it is nevertheless very harmful for your skin. Although Australia is known for it’s pretty extreme rules and regulations, in this instance, it makes one wonder the danger and impact of solarium light, as this method of tanning is banned in Australia since (Australian) Winter 2015. Keeping this in mind, non-Australians should use the tanning lamps in moderation, taking the following factors into account;
You shouldn’t suntan on the same day you have used or are considering using a fake tanning lamp system. There are good chances you might burn your skin. Either this is visible or not, it still damages the skin with visible signs in the long run. As much or as little as your solarium session lasts, you still need to wear a high degree in sun block.
Prior to going under the lap, it’s advised you take a shower. The makeup and fragrances and eau de toilette can cause skin burns or other possible reactions, often resulting to skin freckles. Same can be the results of using tan block consisting of bergamot oil.
If taking medication, you should advice a doctor before using the lamp. Some medicine may cause great sensitivity to ultra light causing to injuries.
Do not use the lamp if sensitive to daylight. In many occasions it results to rashes or lumps on exposed to the light areas. These side effects can last from a few hours to a few days after the sun treatment and can resolve to more serious issues.
If pregnant or ‘under the pill’ melasma, otherwise known chloasma. It is a dark completion of the upper lip, on the cheeks below the eyes, on the forehead, on and around the breast nipple and below the armpits. This can appear suddenly, even though you may have been under the contraceptive pill for many years, or have been pregnant in the past without any problem of such. Because this situation can get worst under the sun, it is essential that you protect your skin from this and the lamps.
Be sure to wear the special glasses especially designed for ultraviolet exposure. Although evidence showed the cause of cataract to animals, there is no confirmation for the humankind. It is known however that the ‘pro cataract’ condition is more frequent to people under high sun exposure, throughout their lifetime.
By Irene Plesti
