TANNING BENEFITS
BENEFITS
OF TANNING
There are many benefits of tanning, but the main benefits are
the tan itself, as well as the feeling of well being that comes from
tanning. Or is that feeling from the 20 minute relaxation break you take
when you tan at Sunsetters Tanning Studio?
Does it matter why tanning feels good?
Controlled exposure to UV may minimize some of the health risks that simply
cannot be controlled when sunbathing outdoors. Tanning beds and booths are
regulated as class 1 medical devices - and many people experience a wide variety
of health benefits from tanning - even though we cannot specifically advertise
these until research provides more conclusive proof. Still, early results
indicate that some of the positive effects of UV exposure are:
- Decreases blood pressure
- Lowers resting heart rate
- Increases cardiac output
- Increases muscular strength
- Lowers blood cholesterol
- Increases resistance to infections
- Increases oxygen capacity of blood
- Increases tolerance to stress
- Increases adrenaline in tissues
- Increases sex hormones
- Increases the skin's resistance to infections
- Reduces the symptoms of PMS
** Source: Dr. Zane Kime's Book,
"Sunlight Can Save Your Life"
UVB is known to be our primary source of Vitamin D which
assists in the absorption of calcium. This in turn helps form and maintain
bone structure. Vitamin D is also believed to reduce the risk of some
cancers including colon cancer and breast cancer. Vitamin D is essential
for proper health and while some other sources as supplements are available, the
main source of Vitamin D for most people is ultra violet light.
Skin disorders have been found to be beneficially effected by
UV treatment along with medicines. Outbreaks of acne seem less severe when
the person is regularly tan.
Now tanning, like most activities in our lives, does have its
hazards. Fortunately, like most other risks we incur, they can be
controlled or minimized. Exposure to ultra violet light can be harmful to
the eyes and over a period of time can create irreversible effects. This
can occur in natural sunlight and of course in the use of indoor tanning
equipment.
Because ultra violet light penetrates the the skin, the
closing of the eyes offers little in the way of protection from the potential
damage that can be incurred. The eyelids are thin membranes and are easily
penetrated by UVA and UVB. When outdoors in bright sunlight or in tanning
equipment, protective eyewear should be worn.
HELIOTHERAPY "The
Positive Effects of the Sun"
Heliotherapy is defined as the treatment of disease and other disorders by
exposing the body to sunlight.
The science of Heliotherapy supports the idea that regular, controlled
exposure to the sun offers many health benefits, including:
- Increases the body's tolerance of Stress
- Increases the body's resistance to infection
- Decreases blood pressure
- Lowers blood cholesterol
Dermatologists prescribe Heliotherapy as treatment of acne, psoriasis and
other skin disorders. Ultraviolet light is necessary for the body to
produce Vitamin D, which prevents osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder caused by sunlight
deprivation, has been successfully treated with Heliotherapy.
Above based on scientific studies from California Tan and the Heliotherapy
Light and Skin Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine.
