Pros And Cons of Tanning Indoors

Indoor and spray tanning are popular methods of achieving a sun-kissed glow year-round. Tanning beds can be either horizontal or vertical and vary in intensity. Spray tans can be entirely customized. The pros are many and the cons center around cost and medical precautions.

Pros of indoor tanning

Indoor tanning can be done year-round, at any time of day and enables the client to achieve a rich tan in as little as 10-20 minutes a day, a few times a week. Most tanning salons offer discounts for multi-session deals. Additionally, tanning beds can marginally increase the body’s vitamin D levels. Those with skin conditions such as psoriasis may find the UV rays from tanning beds more comfortable than natural sunlight. People suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) often see great benefit from tanning indoors while limits chances of burning.

Cons of indoor tanning

The risk of falling asleep in a tanning bed is always a potential. UV light in tanning beds is more concentrated. Those who tan indoors are more likely to develop melanoma than those who tan outdoors. Individuals with fair skin are more likely to burn in a tanning bed than natural sunlight. Over time UV rays from tanning beds can reduce skin elasticity, irritate eye problems, and affect the immune system.

Pros of spray tanning

Spray tanning can be done at home or a salon, and can be entirely customized. There is also no risk of UV light exposure. Models and bodybuilders use spray tanning to create the effect of a more slimmed down physique. Spray tanning provides instant results in as little as 15 minutes. A tanning bed can take repeat appointments over several weeks.

Cons of spray tanning

There are very few cons of spray tans with the exception of the fact that none of the positive effects of regular tanning are present. A spray tan will not help the body produce vitamin D nor will the pain relief often experienced by people with fibromyalgia and arthritis experience. A recent concern has been with the active ingredient Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is only approved for external use and inhaling the spray can cause problems with people who have asthma and COPD.

Benefits of tanning in a pill

For people who are not worried about skin tone but would like to get the pain relieving benefits of tanning, taking vitamin D as a supplement may produce some similar results. Many people who have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency and fibromyalgia have received high doses of vitamin D that provide great relief with body aches and helps with a overall sense of well-being.