The key
difference between indoor and outdoor sun exposure is that indoor tanning
takes place in a highly controlled environment-the lamp’s spectrum
produces a carefully balanced amount of ultraviolet light. In a tanning
unit, the amount and characteristics of the energy you receive are
consistent. Unlike outdoor sun, you always know how much ultraviolet light
you receive.
The tanning process and the energy
produced from indoor and outdoor tanning are the same, but the light
spectra are different. In most U.S. made equipment, indoor tanning relies
on lamps that emulate a light spectrum similar to that of the sun.
Other benefits that differentiate
indoor tanning from outdoor exposure are convenience, privacy, relaxation,
and control of environment (i.e., elimination of the dust, chemicals, and
other particles present in the outdoor air). Indoor tanning eliminates
variables such as season, time of day, reflection, and atmospheric
conditions. Another difference between indoor and outdoor tanning is that
indoor exposure programs can be tailored to individual needs with regard
to skin type and previous exposure experience.
Tanning Recommendations
You should not tan every day. You
should have at least a 48-hour time interval between indoor tanning
sessions and also between outdoor exposures. It takes as long as 24 hours
for pigmentation and any skin reddening to become fully visible, and the
responsible tanner should observe his/her skin’s reaction after exposure
in order to determine if subsequent exposure is advisable. Generally, two
to three regular weekly sessions of indoor exposure are recommended to
maintain a tan.
Indoor and outdoor tanning must be
done in moderation. A beautiful tan is achievable without overexposure.
Reddening is the body’s warning that the skin has been overexposed to
ultraviolet light. Do not ignore this warning. If you continue to expose
red skin to ultraviolet rays, the skin’s natural repair mechanism
becomes overloaded. This may lead to chronic light-induced skin damage
such as pre-cancer or elastosis, in which the resilient fibers of the
lower skin layers are harmed, causing them to sag. If you experience
reddening of the skin, do not tan again until it has subsided-usually 48
hours. The skin must be allowed enough time to repair itself before the
next exposure.
One of the best ways to help protect
the skin before exposure to a sun-intensive environment is to build a base
tan by tanning indoors. A tan is considered to be the body’s internal
protection against harm and damage from overexposure.
