The Sunbed, This is What You Need to Know.

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

When the summer season is over, we slowly lose our built-up tan. Many people want to maintain their summer complexion and look for ways to stay tanned.Although countless types of self-tanning creams and tanning drops have been brought to the market, the tanning salon is still popular. 

Perhaps you already know that the tanning bed is harmful to the skin, but you find the tanned result more important. Olivida has lined up the facts, with the aim of improving the health of your skin. 

Do you sometimes or regularly go to the tanning bed? Read everything you need to know about it in this article!

Under the tanning bed, it sometimes feels 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 set to emit UV radiation, which is comparable to the midday sun around the Mediterranean region.This results in a discoloration in a short time, depending on your skin type. 

The color may look slightly different than when you are in the outdoor sun. This is because the lamps are adjusted so that you get the optimal tanning result in the shortest time. The brown color lasts just as long.

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

The normal sun consists of 95% UVA radiation, but under the sunbed this percentage is much higher. You get 10-15 times more UVA radiation on your skin than usual. 

UVA radiation does make you tan, but it does not build a protective layer like UVB radiation does. Some people say it's good to go to the tanning bed before going on vacation to build up a protective layer. This is incorrect, it actually damages the skin even more. UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin layers and is harmful because too many free radicals end up in the skin cells. Your skin naturally has antioxidants to counteract free radicals, but not enough to protect against this high amount. This causes oxidative stress, which leads to skin aging and increases the risk of cancer. 

Every time you go to the tanning bed, you increase the chance of a melanoma (skin cancer) by 20%. So even if you only go to the tanning bed occasionally, there is already an increased risk. People under the age of 30 who go regularly even have a 75% higher chance of skin cancer. 

In young people, the tanning bed is the most harmful. Until you are 18 years old, the skin is still in full development. That's why the tanning bed is also legally prohibited under the age of 18. 

A large group of people have a vitamin D deficiency, especially in the winter. It is not necessary to go to the tanning bed for this. Vitamin D can also be obtained by taking extra supplements.

Then follow the advice of the tanning salon. The employee will recommend the maximum strength and duration suitable for your skin type. In the Netherlands, it is mandatory to receive advice before you can use the tanning bed.

Only use products that are specifically developed for use under the tanning bed. </br>

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

Be careful with wearing deodorant, makeup, and perfume. These can cause skin irritation in combination with UV radiation. 

Stop immediately if you feel that you are burning, your skin is irritated, or feels itchy.If you're worried, it's a good idea to consult your general practitioner or dermatologist.  

Limit the number of visits as much as possible. When you feel it's time to go again, try a tanning cream or a tinted day cream. Much less harmful and it also gives you a beautiful bronzed skin.