The Tanning Bed, This is What You Need to Know About It.

Do you ever use a tanning bed? You probably know it's harmful. But if you really want to, no one will stop you. However, it's good to know why tanning can be harmful. And how to use it responsibly. We at Olivida will give you all the information. Read on!

Once the summer season is over, we slowly lose our accumulated tan. Many people want to maintain their summer glow and look for ways to stay tanned. Although countless types of self-tanning creams and tanning drops have been released, tanning salons remain popular.

You might already know that tanning beds are harmful to your skin, but perhaps the tan you get is more important to you. Olivida has compiled the facts, with the goal of improving your skin's health.

Do you use tanning beds occasionally or regularly? Read this article to learn everything you need to know!

Under a tanning bed, it can sometimes feel like you're on vacation for 20 minutes. It's nice and warm, your body relaxes, and you tan much faster than in the Dutch sun.

The lamps are configured to emit UV radiation similar to the midday sun in the Mediterranean. This results in a short-term tanning effect, depending on your skin type.

The tan may look slightly different than when you're sitting in the sun outdoors. This is because the lamps are adjusted to give you optimal tanning results in the shortest time. However, the tan will last just as long.

Check out the infographic below to see which skin type (Fitzpatrick scale) you have based on UV sensitivity.

Normal sunlight consists of 95% UVA radiation, but under a tanning bed, this percentage is much higher. You receive 10-15 times more UVA radiation on your skin than normal.

UVA rays do tan you, but they don't build a protective layer like UVB rays do. Some people argue that using a tanning bed before a vacation is beneficial to build a protective layer. This is incorrect; it actually causes additional skin damage. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin's layers and are harmful because they generate too many free radicals in the skin cells. Your skin naturally has antioxidants to combat free radicals, but they don't have enough to protect against this high level. This causes oxidative stress, which contributes to skin aging and increases the risk of cancer.

Every time you use a tanning bed, you increase your risk of melanoma (skin cancer) by 20%. Even occasional tanning already increases your risk. People under 30 who use tanning beds regularly have a 75% higher risk of skin cancer.

Tanning beds are most harmful for young people. Until the age of 18, the skin is still developing. That's why tanning beds are legally prohibited for those under 18.

A large group of people has a vitamin D deficiency, especially in winter. There's no need to use a tanning bed for this. You can also get vitamin D by taking supplements.

Then follow the tanning salon's advice. The tanning salon staff will recommend the maximum strength and duration suitable for your skin type. In the Netherlands, it's mandatory to get advice before using a tanning bed.

Only use products that have been specially developed for use under a sunbed.

Products with an SPF are not necessary in this case. You can ask the staff member for advice.

Be careful when wearing deodorant, makeup, and perfume. These can cause skin irritation when combined with UV rays.

Stop immediately if you feel a burning sensation, irritation, or itching. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor or dermatologist.

Limit your visits as much as possible. When you feel it's time to go again, try a tanning cream or a tinted day cream . It's much less damaging and will also give you a beautiful bronzed complexion.