Solarium...is it true?

Question

O.k, a few naive questions about the solarium. 1) A 'friend' told me you can't swim, shower, go to gym after the solarium? Is this true? It's not like its really going to streak..2)Do red spots after the solarium mean they will turn into freckles?...3) Any after-care for the solarium?

Answer 1

A very Good Question. This has been well researched, and please believe it:

Solarium tans are not safe tans
Many people believe that solariums offer a ‘safe tan’. In fact, research shows that using solariums increases your risk of skin cancer and contributes to the premature ageing of your skin.

Solariums and UV radiation
The difference between the UV radiation emitted by solariums and that generated by the sun is the type and intensity of UV radiation. Solariums produce concentrated doses of UV radiation that can be up to five times the strength of the midday summer sun.

UVA radiation
UVA radiation represents most of the radiation used in a solarium. It penetrates the deepest layer of the skin and causes:

Deterioration of the skin
Premature ageing, wrinkling and loss of elasticity
Reduced collagen levels
Blotchiness and pigmentation.
UVB radiation
UVB radiation is the other part of the radiation used in a solarium. It penetrates the uppermost layer of skin and is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. Use of solariums can also result in minor skin irritations such as rashes, itchiness and dryness.

UVA and UVB can both cause skin cancer
Until recently it was believed that UVB was the sole cause of skin cancer. We now know that both UVA and UVB are responsible for causing skin cancer.

When the eyes are exposed to UVA in a solarium, the cornea and the conjunctiva may become inflamed and sight may be damaged. This may lead to cataracts and temporary blindness.

Certain prescription drugs, like antibiotics and diuretics, and some cosmetics, can increase a person’s sensitivity to UV radiation emitted by solariums.

Solariums are not a safe ‘pre-tan’
Solariums are often advertised as a way to ‘pre-tan’ for the hotter weather, protecting your skin from burning in the sun. On average, a tan from the sun only provides the protection equivalent of an SPF4 sunscreen. A tan developed in a solarium offers even less protection. Tanning in a solarium does not make it any safer to tan in the sun.

Answer 2

1) False
2) Possibly
The rays in the solarium are like magnified sun rays which can lead to sun cancer. Which does not look good on anyone. Why not go with harmless fake tanning lotion.