A beautiful tan with no health risks - what should you know about tanning?

The tanning mechanism - why does the skin turn brown when exposed to the sun?

The formation of tan is a natural process which results from the body’s response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, or generated by lamps in solariums and professional aesthetic-medicine salons. Melanocytes contained in the skin (including the epidermis and basal layer), when under the influence of sun rays, begin to increase the intensity of melanin production - a substance which is a responsible for protecting the body against burns. The increasing degree of pigmentation causes our skin to slowly take on a darker colour.

The benefits of the sun not only for the skin

It is also worth mentioning that the sun is the main stimulus for the synthesis of vitamin D₃! It is the skin which is the place of the formation of one of the most-essential components of the daily diet, whose action corresponds to, among others, maintaining healthy bone and teeth condition, the optimal use of calcium and phosphorus from food, the regulation of proper muscle working, and the beneficial functioning of the immune system. What’s more, heating the body in the sun allows you to relieve pain in the muscles and joints, including those caused by rheumatic disorders.

What is healthy and safe tanning?

It is widely known that excess generates deficits, which is why solar radiation should be dosed properly. Too-long exposure to UV rays increases the risk of sunburn, which can be equally dangerous to health. It is worth noting here that the sun emits three types of radiation.

• UVA - radiation which can be described as all the year round, and affects people regardless of weather conditions. It readily reaches the body through clouds, and even then through your clothing, and can penetrate deep enough to affect the dermis, and accelerate its ageing process.
• UVB - this type of radiation is partly limited by the planet’s ozone layer, but a large amount still reaches the Earth. Glass and excessive cloudiness are barriers to UVB radiation, which is mainly responsible for tanning and dangerous burns.
• UVC - these waves are so short that they do not reach the Earth’s surface.

What are some ways to protect your body while tanning?

There are several methods which allow you to take advantage the sun’s rays safely. First of all, you should control the dose of sunshine, and refrain from sunbathing during the hours of intense emissions. Initially, it is worth starting with a few minutes in the morning or evening, which will gradually acclimatise the body to UV radiation. The exposure time to the sun can be slowly increased, which will also ensure an even tan. Between the hours of 11.00 and 15.00 it is worth avoiding the sun and going into the shade – between these times the sun releases the highest level of radiation, which can cause body burn, even in a few minutes. Especially if it is your first time tanning.

Another important aspect is the selection of the appropriate cosmetics – i.e. those containing UVA and UVB filters. This provides fundamental protection for the skin, which will minimise the risk of damage. Although everyone should choose their cream individually to suit their needs, dermatology doctors recommend using products with a sun-protective factor of at least SPF 15 (for people with tattoos, SPF 50, for complete safety), which should be applied regularly during the day, e.g. every 3 hours. As a general rule, the brighter the complexion, the more filter is needed. However, the belief that people with a dark complexion do not have to use protective cosmetics is extremely wrong - solar radiation knows no mercy, and will cause damage to every skin type.

It should not be forgotten that some parts of the body are extremely sensitive, and require more protection during tanning. Areas such as the head, face, neckline, ears, and back, have a much-thinner and more-delicate layer of skin, which is why these areas should be given special attention. What’s more, it is imperative to observe and take care of moles, which, depending on the degree and length of intense exposure to sunlight, can lead to the development of dangerous melanomas. The appearance of a red rim around them, any change in their colour, or increase in size, should be consulted on with a specialist to dispel any doubts and to react properly if necessary. Another element worth protecting is your eyes – wear sunglasses equipped with a sun filter.

In addition to the above, remember about photosensitisers - these are active substances which can increase the skin’s susceptibility to tanning, and thus lead to an increased risk of burns (e.g. St. John’s wort, parsley, contraceptives, some antidepressants). It is also worth noting that before tanning you should not use deodorants or perfumes. The ingredients contained in them can enter into undesirable reactions with sunlight, which might lead to discolouration, or the appearance of unsightly dermal patches. While tanning, do not forget to hydrate, and provide the body with the right amount of minerals which we lose with sweat. After returning home, you need to properly care for your skin, and treat it. Cold water in combination with preparations with regenerative properties will help alleviate the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to the sun.

What are the negative effects of tanning?

• The acceleration of skin ageing due to the increased impact of free oxygen radicals, the destruction of collagen fibres by UVA radiation, and hyaluronic-acid losses;
• Sunburn, which is the result of incorrect and excessive tanning;
• Unaesthetic discolouration in the form of varyingly extensive patches on the body;
• Increased sebum production, comedone creation, and acne exacerbation;
• Possible breakage of small capillaries in skin prone to rosacea.

Are there dietary supplements for a better tan?

Olimp Labs presents a unique preparation in the form of easy-to-swallow capsules, which will enrich your daily nutrition with a number of essential active ingredients. The Beta Solar supplement is a product addressed to sunbathing enthusiasts who want to provide the skin with not only optimal protection against the effects of the sun and solarium; it also provides valuable support against harmful oxygen free radicals and oxidative stress, which contribute to the deterioration of the skin’s condition, e.g. by reducing its elasticity and firmness. The Beta Solar composition contains three valuable complexes of ingredients:

• Pro Tan Blend - copper in the form of Albion® amino-acid chelate, and L-tyrosine with carotenoids such as ß-carotene, astaxanthin, lycopene, and lutein;
• Antiox protect-skin Blend - manganese in the form of Albion® amino-acid chelate, vitamin E, cystine, selenium, and green-tea extract (standardised to 98% polyphenols);
• Beauty-skin Blend - zinc in the form of Albion® amino-acid chelate, a patented complex of vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids (PureWay-C®), and hyaluronic acid.

These products should be used once a day between meals. Its universal formula is designed the same for women and men. The Beta Solar preparation, in combination with a balanced diet and compliance with the principles of safe tanning, will help you to achieve a beautiful sun tan, which will certainly be a wonderful souvenir of a great holiday!