Indoor as well as Outdoor tanning has its pros and cons. But most people are made to believe that indoor tanning is much better and safer than outdoor tanning. A sunless tan as it is called by a number of people is as harmful as the suntan. If indoor tanning is not used properly then the risks of developing skin cancer are doubled otherwise also it is no less safe than the outdoor tanning. If you take a deeper insight on the issue then you will realize that tanning outdoors for a couple of minutes is much safer than indoor tanning. This is because in sunless tanning, the person is bombarded with UV rays for about 15-30 minutes at a stretch.
According to statistics, about 30 million people visit indoor tanning saloons in pursuit of a golden skin. This accounts to about 1 million people visiting the saloon each day. The research also pointed out that about 25% of teenage girls have already used indoor tanning atleast 3-4 times in their lives. Indoor tanning as such are not safe at all and they are specifically used for cosmetic reasons. Those who are using tanning beds and other source of indoor tanning are deliberately putting their health on risk. Just as sun tanning, indoor tanning are also associated with a large number of skin disorders and health risks namely:
1) Sunburn, eye damage, early aging etc.
2) Dry patches, Darkened skin
3) Skin Damage that could possible lead to skin cancer.
4) Immediate effects such as nausea, dizziness, feeling sickly etc
5) It can even cause adverse reaction to the use of soaps, shampoo, cosmetics and even medications as well.
Other than these there are also certain conditions such as Actinic Keratosis, cataracts and other skin ailments like development of cancer around the eye area, growth of tissue on the white part of the eye and damage on the retina.
Inorder to popularize the indoor tanning, saloons have made certain marketing strategies giving false promises. As an educated and health conscious individual one must be aware of the false claim these saloons are making. Achieving year round tan with gentle and safe UVA radiations, no harsh glare, no danger in exposure and burning etc are some of the common claims that these saloons make which are completely false. In fact it is not proper to use the word safe whether UV rays are concerned.
