Solarium – benefits, disadvantages, contraindications [WE EXPLAIN]

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Even though a few hundred years ago the ideal skin tone was fair, porcelain skin, the current beauty canons are diverse. The desired complexion has a dark caramel shade, and an even tan is synonymous with beauty today. Unfortunately, in our latitude, it is difficult to get a year-round tan, which is why many of us choose tanning in a solarium. Is tanning in a solarium safe? How to use a solarium to avoid skin cancer?

A solarium is an electrical device that contains lamps that generate ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the range of UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (280-320 nm) waves, similar to solar radiation. The first device of this type was produced in the 70s.

The visual effect of sunbed radiation, i.e. a tan, is the skin’s natural defensive reaction to UVA and UVB radiation. Shorter radiation (280 – 320 nm), i.e. UVB, penetrates the epidermis and the upper layers of the dermis. Thanks to it, a tan is created, as it supports the multiplication of melanocytes, i.e. skin cells that produce new pigment. The second radiation, UVA, which is longer penetrates the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

As a result of UVB radiation, skin erythema occurs, and UVA causes irreversible changes in the structure of the dermis, resulting in premature skin aging (damage to the collagen fibers and small blood vessels). Moreover, UVB directly influences and UVA indirectly causes irreversible mutations in cellular DNA.

Prolonged and improper tanning in the solarium can cause a number of negative consequences for our health. Until a few years ago, there was a belief that sunbeds are harmless, because the UVA rays emitted by the lamps do not cause skin problems. Only UVB radiation used to be considered harmful. According to the current state of research, it is believed that UVA rays are more dangerous – they penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, are responsible for the destruction of collagen fibers and elastin, increase the formation of free radicals and are the direct cause of a number of skin diseases, including skin cancer. Importantly, numerous studies indicate that UVA radiation is one of the main causes of skin melanoma development.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that tanning in a solarium is a huge public health problem, as it is responsible for nearly half a million new skin cancers worldwide. The Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks determined that the radiation that is emitted by tanning equipment is a huge carcinogenic hazard. The latest data show that in people who use tanning beds, the risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma) is 20% higher than in people who do not sunbathe, while in people over 30 – this risk increases by up to 75%. Moreover, in people who use tanning beds more than once a month, the risk increases by 55%. Due to its carcinogenic effect, people over 18 years of age can use the solarium in Poland.

Overall, there is no safe dose of radiation emitted by the solarium. It gives off UV radiation, which is 10 times greater than that of the sunniest day. Sunbathing in a solarium is not recommended in winter and autumn, because at these times of the year our skin is not adapted to a large dose of radiation and it lacks natural protection.

What other negative consequences is caused by UVA radiation:

  1. affects the photoaging of the skin – it penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, causing damage to collagen fibers. Symptoms do not appear until several or several years after exposure,
  2. is responsible for acute and chronic dermatoses,
  3. causes phototoxic and photoallergic reactions (according to data in the literature, 70% of phototoxins and photoallergens are activated by UVA radiation),
  4. causes irreversible eye damage,
  5. plays an important role in skin carcinogenesis,
  6. affects the appearance of skin discoloration that cannot be removed later,
  7. thanks to it, an immediate tan appears, which “fades” after a long moment,
  8. causes skin burns.

Of particular importance, especially in the case of women, is the appearance of their skin. Therefore, despite the fact that tan after the solarium it will be satisfactory, long-lasting and beautiful, it will cause photoaging of the skin. The clinical symptoms of this phenomenon are:

  1. roughness and thickening of the skin,
  2. widening of pores on the skin,
  3. deepening folds and wrinkles,
  4. the appearance of skin changes,
  5. problems with healing wounds and various skin lesions,
  6. uneven distribution of skin pigment cells (melanocytes), leading to hyper- and hypopigmentation,
  7. in the process of photoaging of the skin, specific skin lesions, called solar elastosis, may develop at a later stage.

A wide group of supporters of tanning in solariums emphasizes that sessions in a solarium improve the mood, and the light of the lamps itself supports production of vitamin D3 in the body (remember that vitamin D is formed under the influence of shorter UVB waves, which are few in the solarium). Sunbathing in the solarium helps with the autumn and winter blues, and satisfaction with the appearance of the body contributes to the improvement of self-esteem.

So it seems that despite certain dangers of tanning in a solarium, skilful use of this invention may bring us some benefits. However, it is worth knowing how to use a solarium to minimize the risk of undesirable side effects.

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Before deciding to use the solarium, it is worth consulting a doctor. Sometimes some medications or cosmetics that we use are a contraindication to sunbathing in the solarium. If you have pigmented moles or other disturbing skin changes, it is worth visiting a dermatologist to decide whether you should use a tanning bed.

It is also a good idea to check the quality of the lamps in the solarium you are going to. The solarium staff should show a counter showing how long the lamps have been in use. Lamps that work more than 800 hours are definitely too old and you need to look for another tanning bed. It is worth using tanning beds offering tanning in the beds of reputable companies (Philips, Ergoline, Golf) – such equipment is subject to maintenance. Before going to bed, always check that it has been properly disinfected and that the equipment you are using is fully functional.

About that how to use the solarium clients should be informed before making a decision about tanning. Such information should be placed in every premises that provides artificial tanning services. It is worth knowing if there is information in the solarium on how to use each tanning device in a safe way – it proves the quality of a given point.

How often we should use the solarium depends largely on the phototype of our skin. For example, people with very fair skin, red or very fair hair, lots of freckles and very light nipples should not sunbathe at all. The darker the complexion, it is safer to sunbathe.

Here’s how the skin phototype looks like and tanning in a solarium:

  1. phototype I (Celtic) – characterized by light blond or red hair. The skin is very light here, with freckles. People of such beauty should not sunbathe in a solarium at all, as they may experience severe skin burns. It is not recommended that they also tan naturally,
  2. phototype II (European light) – light or dark blonde hair, light skin, quite sensitive, sometimes freckles may appear. Sunbathing in the solarium is not recommended due to burns. However, if a person of such beauty decides, they should remember that the best for them is the use of 100 W lamps with a low UVB coefficient. It is necessary to use protective cosmetics,
  3. phototype III (European dark) – dark blonde to brown hair. People with such a skin phototype have high resistance to burns. Even a small dose of radiation causes browning of the skin. There are no major contraindications to using the solarium,
  4. phototype IV (Mediterranean) – dark hair, swarthy skin, light brown. Tanning in the solarium without any major contraindications. The skin is very resistant to burns, it tans quickly and intensively, with minimal UV radiation,
  5. phototype V – dark brown skin. With this complexion, there is almost no risk of sunburn,
  6. phototype VI – this type of phototype is characteristic of the black race.

It is worth starting your solarium adventure with 5-minute sessions, systematically extending the tanning time. However, you must remember not to exceed 20 minutes during one session, and the total time of tanning a year (including hours spent in the sun) should not exceed a total of 10 hours.

Initially, the solarium sessions should be repeated every 2-3 days, not exceeding 10 days. After that, you should not use the solarium more than once a week. It is worth remembering that sunbathing in a solarium should not be combined with sunbathing in the sun, because the combination of these two methods of tanning significantly accelerates the aging process of the skin. It is not advisable to visit the solarium as often as possible. Moderation and common sense should be used with sunbathing so as not to cause skin burns.

Preparation for tanning in the solarium

Before the solarium, you should prepare yourself properly. However, first of all, the condition of the tanning beds should be checked if they are properly disinfected (after each disinfection, stands are placed on the bed to prove that the activities have been performed). In addition, the solarium staff, at your request, can provide the meter reading of a given bed – lamps should not shine for more than 800 hours.

For safe tanning, you need to thoroughly wash off your makeup, remove any jewelry, as well as cosmetics such as deodorants and perfumes from your body. The presence of deodorants and perfumes may cause allergic reactions. Before sunbathing in the solarium, apply SPF cream on the lips. Before sunbathing, it is recommended to apply special tanning cosmetics to the body, which activate the effects of UV rays and thus shorten the tanning time. Before the day of visiting the solarium, you can perform a body scrub to get rid of dead skin cells.

After sunbathing in the solarium, you can go to the shower at home without any contraindications. Bath after the solarium it is even recommended as it will moisturize the body. Then apply a moisturizing cream on your body and drink about 1 liter of water to maintain electrolyte balance.

Solarium and pregnancy

Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication to using this form of tanning. Pregnant tanning beds may endanger the health and life of the fetus. Lesions can occur that damage the neural tube, nervous system, urinary system, and lesions that cause spina bifida. In later pregnancy, it may even result in premature birth. Tanning salons and pregnancy – this is a topic that appears on many internet forums and some women say that they were pregnant in tanning beds and nothing happened. However, you should not risk your and your baby’s health. The solarium should also be abandoned by women within 2 months after childbirth.

Solarium contraindications – general

There are many contraindications to using the solarium. People with very fair complexion should not use the solarium, as well as people who are allergic to the sun. The solarium should not be attended by people diagnosed with heart, kidney, thyroid diseases, as well as arterial hypertension, psoriasis, herpes, acne or diabetes. A break from the solarium should be taken in the case of extensive wounds and injuries, as well as recent depilation treatments, peelings performed in beauty salons or closing vessels.

You should not use the solarium when taking photosensitive drugs, i.e. contraceptives, antidepressants, diuretics, some antibiotics and heart medications, as well as preparations containing St. John’s wort extract. Cracking blood vessels, as well as the use of cosmetics with retinol and AHA acids are also a contraindication to using the solarium.

Solarium and the period

Use is a contraindication, but not an absolute prohibition solarium during the period. Women who have menstruation should refrain from sunbathing in the solarium, as it may adversely affect their health. If you are about to sunbathe, it should be done on the last day of your period, when bleeding is minimal. However, even in this case, doctors advise against sunbathing, arguing it with health effects.

The period and the solarium – health consequences:

  1. haemorrhage,
  2. fainting with loss of consciousness
  3. fainting,
  4. spots in front of the eyes,
  5. heat stroke – manifested by high body temperature, nausea, vomiting and a rapid pulse.
  6. Viral and bacterial infections of intimate parts.

In addition, tanning beds are not recommended during menstrual bleeding due to hygienic aspects.

It has become quite fashionable recently collagen solarium, referred to as collagen light therapy. Such a solarium is equipped with collagen lamps. These devices emit soft, visible light with a wavelength of 550 – 700 nm. Their main purpose is to stimulate the body’s cells to produce collagen and elastin. Regular sessions in such a solarium rejuvenate the skin, improve its hydration, elasticity and firmness. They are also effective in regenerating the skin, reducing wrinkles and cellulite, lightening discoloration, reducing scars, and improving skin tone.

The treatment with collagen lamps is most effective when it is preceded by the use of cosmetics containing hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. In order to obtain the best results, there should be 3 sessions a week (initially 10 minutes of exposure, then 20 minutes) for about 6 – 8 weeks.

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