Searching for that golden summer tan? Here’s why you should opt for a fake tan over sunbeds!
Well, it’s safe to say Summer has arrived! It’s officially wedding season, beach season, and garden party season; all of our favourite seasons! And it is these important occasions and memories in the making that we want to look our very best for.
But, for many people it’s still so tempting to pop by your local sunbed studio and it’s easy to forget the risks.
Why fake tan over sunbeds?
Are sunbeds really that bad? They pelt your skin with harmful UV rays that increase your risk of developing skin cancer. It is proven that the level of UV rays put out by sunbeds is far higher than a tropical sun at midday. And the risks of fake tan? Zero!
When you look at it like that,with just one fact, fake tan should be a clear choice. And with fake tan formulas more skin-friendly than ever, orange tones and streaky finishes are pretty much a thing of the past.
The dangers of sunbeds
A concentrated blast of UV all over your body – it’s unbelievable that sunbeds are often marketed as a safer alternative to sunbathing. But, unlike laying on a sunny beach, sunbeds expose you to more UV than you’d experience at midday in the middle of a Caribbean Summer. There is NO SUCH THING as a safe tan!
Skin damage
Sunbeds won’t protect your skin from sunburn or help in reducing damage to your skin from sunbathing; in fact one of the most common comments I hear is ‘A sunbed will give me a base tan, so I won’t burn in the sun’ this is such a myth. Surface level damage – hyperpigmentation and burning – will be even more of a risk when you’re in a sunbed and it certainly won’t protect you from the sun …..and don’t forget, the risk to the dermis by UVA is magnified.
Premature ageing
The UVA rays that make up 95% of the light that sunbeams emit are your skin’s worst enemy. They cause the skin to age prematurely, destroying the collagen and elastin in your skin, causing surface-level damage, skin cancers, and deep wrinkles. If you want to help your skin stay as fresh and youthful as possible, it’s best to limit UVA exposure, and when you’re outside in the sun, invest in a good quality SPF, avoid the peak midday sun, and cover up as much as possible. Premature ageing is entirely avoidable.
Immune suppression
UV radiation’s lesser known side effect is its impact on the immune system. UV-induced immunosuppression is a defective immune response triggered by UV radiation, which affects the skin first and eventually the whole body. Essentially your body absorbing UV radiation causes fundamental molecular changes in your body. This means your body can’t fight off infections as easily, and existing underlying infections have been reactivated by the exposure.
Eyesight
Another risk of sunbeds is a kind of eye damage called photokeratitis; it’s a sort of sunburn in the eye caused by the tanning lights. Symptoms are tearing, hazy vision, decreased vision, feeling like there’s sand in the eye, swollen eyelids, and pain. It’s unpleasant and something that can easily be avoided.
Luckily, photokeratitis can be healed, but UV exposure can also cause cataracts, a much more severe kind of eye damage that leads to impaired vision and eventually blindness. Cataract symptoms include pain in and around the eyes and cloudy or spotty vision. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. So ditch the sunbeds and be kind to your eyes; you only get one pair!
Cancer risk
That damage to the dermis can manifest itself in skin cancers: one of the most common types of cancer. And it’s common for a reason; we really don’t take UV as seriously as we should, not just for your skin health but for your overall health too.
One indoor tanning session can increase your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 20%, basal cell carcinoma by 29%, and squamous cell carcinoma by 67%. ……Read more about skin cancer and sunbeds.
Why choose fake tan over sunbeds?
A gorgeous glowing tan without any of those nasty side effects? People are often sceptical about fake tanning, whether they haven’t tried it before or have had a bad experience in the past. Memories of orange streaks and that unique digestive biscuit smell are still painfully fresh for many men and women! But fake tans have come SO far. You can purchase a vast range of fake tans in most high street shops, all with varying levels of shades from light to dark.
Not only do they have no negative side effects associated with sunbeds or the sun, but they’re also a lifesaver for people who don’t tan very easily. So, if you’re off on your holidays, but you haven’t got your legs out since New Year, a good fake tan might be precisely what you need. A lovely golden base that looks like you have spent weeks in the sun while lounging by the pool with a cocktail knowing you are not causing any damage to your skin – perfect. Always remember to use plenty of SPF while you’re there of course; most fake tans won’t prevent you from getting burnt. It is also hugely popular all year round.
Hop on over to my SPF blog post, if you haven’t already, for some popular SPF recommendations.
Applying a fake tan is quick. Obviously, it’s lovely laying out in the sunshine reading a book but fake it instead, and you’re not only protecting your skin, but you can do it in no time at all. Perfect if you need to fit a golden glow into a busy schedule.
Quick fake tan tips
You can follow a few simple steps to ensure your fake tan is indiscernible from the real thing.
- Do a patch test first – it’s always best to check you don’t have a reaction.
- Decide whether you want to use a gradual tanner or an instant. The benefit of a gradual tanner is they’re buildable, so you have complete control over the depth of the tan; the more you apply, the darker the tan.
- Preparation is key! Ensure you exfoliate well 48 hours before tanning to avoid that patchy look.
- Moisturise your skin 24 hours before application; well-hydrated skin is the foundation of any good tan.
- Before applying your tan cleanse your skin to create a smooth, even base that your tan can adhere to evenly.
- Moisturise AGAIN. A top tip is to pop a touch of lotion on drier areas of your skin, like your elbows and knees; this will stop your fake tan from gathering.
- Aftercare is essential too, moisturising thoroughly afterwards will increase the lifespan of your tan.
Fake tans are quite simply the safest way to get the tan you want, without any of the UV risks. So if you’re looking for a natural-looking, glowing tan in time for your holiday, a Summer wedding or a little confidence boost, fake tans are your best friends. So let’s get glowing!