If you want to have a tan, then you have two choices: indoor or outdoor tanning. Indoor tanning involves the use of a tanning bed with bulbs that emit ultraviolet light. Your other option is to tan outdoors, exposing your skin to natural sunlight.
Types
The type of UV rays you are exposed to differs between indoor and outdoor tanning. Outdoor tanning exposes you to a mixture of UVA and UVB rays while indoor tanning facilities typically emit only UVA radiation. UVB rays cause the skin to sunburn, and UVA rays affect the pigment that causes the skin to tan. UVA radiation has been linked to causing the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.
Features
One of the drawbacks of outdoor tanning is that there are numerous variables that affect how much ultraviolet radiation you are exposed to. For instance, during the summer months at noon, the sun's intensity is the highest. Clouds can decrease the intensity of the sun, and a cloudless day will emit the strongest UV radiation. Ground reflection can also elevate your amount of UV exposure.
Considerations
Tanning indoors allows for more control over the way that you tan. You can typically set the time frame and level of intensity that you desire while using the tanning bed. Protective eyewear and hair covering is usually provided as well.
Warning
Whether you tan indoors using a tanning bed or outdoors using natural sunlight, you are still exposing your skin to harmful ultraviolet rays. UV exposure has been linked with an increased risk of skin cancer as well as causing premature signs of aging, like wrinkles. Your best protection will be to wear sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher when exposed to UV rays.
Potential
Indoor tanning may include the use of topical solutions to give the skin the look of a tan. This is a safer alternative to using tanning beds or sunbathing outdoors. Since you are not exposed to UV rays, there is not an increased risk of skin cancer. Tanning salons perform these treatments, and retailers sell over-the-counter sunless tanning products.
Posted in: Fitness Workouts