Tanning
Guide
Through its light, warmth
and radiant energy, the sun provides the basis for all life
on our planet. The sun stimulates the mind and soul. It
provides a sense of inner-peace and well-being that both
comforts and energizes. When the sun is shining, spirits
are lifted and rejuvenated – and there is not a lot
that can get us down.
The degree to which you are able to
tan is determined by your body’s ability to produce
melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is found in the skin –
except for the palms of the hands, souls of the feet and lips.
Melanin is produced through cells called melanocytes. Differences
in skin color and degrees of tanning are attributed to the
amount of melanin the cells can produce. The actual tanning
process, whether using indoor tanning equipment or tanning
outdoors in the sun, begins when the melanocytes are stimulated
by ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UVB stimulates the
melanocytes and leads to the formation of pigment granules.
Exposure to UVA oxidizes the pigment causing the skin to tan.
Tanning occurs in two phases. The first
phase is IPD or Immediate Pigment Darkening. This is most
noticeable in darker skinned individuals who have a higher
degree of melanin already present in their skin. IPD may fade
quickly after the first tanning sessions. As exposure times
increase, the IPD will last longer. (Not all skin types experience
IPD.) The actual biosynthesis of melanin in the skin requires
3 to 8 days to develop. Accordingly, phase two of the tanning
process is known as Delayed Tanning. As your tanning sessions
continue in accordance with the schedule for your skin type,
a steady migration to the skin’s surface of newly formed,
darkened pigment begins. This allows you to maintain your
tan with just one to two sessions per week. The calculated
combination of UVA and UVB administered in accordance with
the exposure schedule for your skin type allows the tanning
process to occur within the controlled environment of the
tanning system.
There is little doubt that
having a tan can positively influence your entire outlook on
life. For example, many people realize that having a tan makes
them feel and appear slimmer. Why? Because dark skin, like dark
clothing, absorbs light. Light colors (especially white) actually
reflect light and make you appear larger.In fact, many health
clubs and weight loss centers observe that people
who tan in conjunction with a fitness program are more apt to
stay with the program longer than those who do not tan.
The reason? People who tan may begin to see a noticeable change
in their appearance faster than those who do not tan. For years
you have been told “if you want to look slimmer wear something
dark” – now you know why. Having a tan can also
be a real confidence builder. For example, having a tan before
you vacation at a tropical resort allows you to blend in with
the crowd – and not stand out like tourist. At the same
time having a tan in the middle of winter draws positive attention
and is an indication of an active, energetic and successful
lifestyle. Indoor tanning allows you to change your appearance,
look good and feel great by doing virtually…Nothing!
|
