Here's Why You Should Avoid the Tanning Bed
By Virginia Laird
Tanning beds seem to be a popular way for achieving and maintaining the perfect tan. For millions, a membership to a favorite tanning salon is imperative. As spring break approaches, the number of those who herd to these establishments increases. While, this can appear to be a harmless way to get your tan on, there is much research to suggest that spending time in a tanning bed can be brutal to your health. Experts have offered a host of reasons you should consider avoiding tanning beds, including:
- Tanning can increase signs of aging
- Tanning is addictive
- Tanning beds can hamper the immune system
Tanning Can increase Signs of Aging
If you are one who is concerned with a beautiful tan, you are likely also concerned with keeping wrinkles at bay. Research suggests that spending time in a tanning bed can increase the signs of early aging. This includes wrinkles, aging spots, and much more. And, these are not limited to any one place on your body, as your whole body is exposed to this UV lighting.
Tanning is Addictive
For those who have never spent time in a tanning bed, do yourself a favor and do not start. Experts suggest that tanning can be just as addictive as smoking, making it difficult to stop even when you are aware of the consequences. Like smoking and other addictions, these can ruin your life in a variety of ways. For starters, tanning can be expensive. Not only is there a monthly membership fee, there are expensive lotions you are encouraged to purchase to help enhance your tan and make it last longer. Many of these bottles are upwards of $60, and they do not last long if you frequent the tanning salon.
Tanning Beds Can Hamper the Immune System
There is research to suggest that tanning in UV light can actually damage the immune system. While a tan may appear to be a sign of beauty, the body reacts to it much like it does a sunburn. Because the change is not natural, the immune system begins to work to prevent illness from setting in. As the immune system works overtime trying to keep the skin and body well, it can cause it to weaken. Having the immune system working all the time, as opposed to only when it is necessary can actually have you become ill more often.
This spring break, do yourself and your health a favor and give spray tans and sunscreen a try.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Augusta, Ga.