In February, more than ever, there is a lack of vitamins, sun and joyful moments. And the understanding that there are still a couple of months of dampness and dankness ahead, only more strongly tunes in to a minor tone. How not to succumb to a cloudy mood?
The easiest way is to go to the solarium. Even opponents of the artificial sun admit that sometimes it can be useful. And significant!
Especially in February: to warm up the bones at the first sign of a cold, to give a light tan to pale skin, to saturate the body with vital vitamin D, which, as you know, is synthesized only under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. And enhance the production of calcium and phosphorus – they are best absorbed with vitamin D.
In addition, the solarium is a great way to get rid of blues and even depression. It is no secret that the number of suicides in the Nordic countries increases during the cold season. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains this by the lack of sunlight, because it is they who produce the hormones of pleasure – endorphins.
But at the same time, WHO warns about the dangers of excessive abuse of the solarium. It also reminds you of the need to use sunscreen.
WHO on the dangers of frequent and strong sunburn:
The fashion for artificial tan and its abuse is becoming the main reason for the increase in the incidence of skin cancer worldwide.
High exposure to UV radiation can be a significant risk factor for the development of malignant melanoma.
The most significant risk factor is a large number of atypical birthmarks, especially in people with fair skin types.
What is sunscreen for in a tanning bed?
In general, a solarium is the very case when “you can, if you’re careful.” Caution in this case means the obligatory use of a properly selected suntan cream.
Firstly, it protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (after all, a tanning bed is a dangerous thing, and if you go for a procedure, then protect yourself to the maximum). The cream should be with SPF and certain components in the composition (more about them below).
Secondly, such products contain special moisturizing additives, they help maintain the elasticity and softness of the skin.
Thirdly, thanks to the cream, artificial tan will last longer. This effect is possessed by products with the so-called “tringle” effect – they contain substances that activate the production of melanin in the body.
Well, and fourthly, among all the creams for the solarium, there is a special group, which include “bronze”, they enhance the color of the tan. So you can get the desired tone, spending less time in the solarium (and therefore, you will be less exposed to radiation).
How to choose a cream
Today the choice is huge. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, pay attention to the following points.
Cost. As in the case of any cosmetic product, the price of a sunscreen is determined by three factors:
- components of the base base (a well-chosen base of an expensive cosmetic product, even without the inclusion of active components in it, will work much better);
- assets that are selected depending on the type of skin;
- cosmetic problem that they must solve (in our case, to prevent the harmful effects caused by ultraviolet radiation).
But the design of the packaging is the last thing you should pay attention to. Glass or ceramic containers are the most expensive, but they do not affect the quality of the cream, so look not for beauty, but for functionality.
your skin type. Thick creams are best for sensitive epidermis, but products with a “tringle” effect are contraindicated here – they can cause an allergic reaction.
For oily, products in the consistency of “lotion” or “soufflé” are preferred.
Dry “shown” “creams” and “sour cream”.
But the owners of dehydrated skin should refuse to go to the solarium for a while at all – until the epidermis recovers.
And do not forget about special products for individual sensitive areas – face, décolleté, lips. In these areas, the skin is the thinnest, which means it is most susceptible to ultraviolet radiation; for them, buy products with a maximum index.
Defense later. The cream should be applied not only before sunbathing, but also after. It should be a separate product labeled “after sun”. This contains special moisturizing and regenerating ingredients that will help the skin recover faster. And besides, they can have bronzing particles that help fix the tan and even make it a few tones darker.
Important Components. It is good if special cosmetics for tanning in a solarium contain:
- vitamins A and E, they maintain a protective barrier and prevent dehydration of the skin;
- olive or sesame oil – contribute to rapid tanning;
- dihydroacetone – if you are looking for a cream-autobronzate.
After sun lotion should contain:
- glycerol;
- avocado or grape seed oil;
- and ideally – hyaluronic acid, which will help to avoid peeling.
How to apply a cream
To make the tan appear faster and grab stronger, treat the skin with a scrub at home to exfoliate the upper (dead) layer of the epidermis, and then apply any cosmetic oil to the skin.
In the tanning bed, apply a thin layer of sunscreen and rub into the skin in a circular motion.
Especially carefully rub the cream in the area of the elbows and knees, these are the roughest areas of the skin, and the tan there always lies stronger and often unevenly.
If you applied the cream without gloves, wash your hands and nails thoroughly once again so that there are no streaks left on them.
For the first half an hour after a solarium, try not to wear light-colored clothes, the cream can “appear” on it.
Take a break between treatments in the solarium for two to three days. If your skin turns red after tanning, postpone the next procedure for at least a week.
Five to seven sessions (with good lamps) are enough to recharge your batteries, “soak” in vitamin D and get a light tan. Try not to abuse the solarium further.
Meanwhile
There are a number of products that will prepare the skin for tanning no worse than a cream. As a rule, they stimulate the production of melanin and keep the bronze color of the skin for a longer time. This is achieved due to the content of the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan (stimulate the production of melanin in the skin), beta-carotene (activates the body’s natural defenses), lycopene (increases the skin’s natural defense against free radicals), selenium (prevents dryness and dehydration of the skin) and vitamin E. (protects the skin from premature aging). Most of these components are found in carrots, tomatoes, apricots, grapes, pumpkin, spinach, broccoli.