Beach– bronzed gods and goddesses, clad in speedos and bikinis, tanning at the beach with a refreshing tropical drink in hand. It’s a common misconception that this is still an accurate portrayal of what most people look like at the beach these days.
Sure, a tan may look amazing and healthy, but did you know that people who tan multiple times a day are at a huge risk of developing melanoma?
Tanning is often glamorized and portrayed as a “cool” thing to do (and even become addicted to), tanning salons are often seen as a “safe” place to tan, and sunscreen is often called out for being greasy and smelly. But the reality is that everyone who goes tanning will not develop skin cancer or other harmful side effects.
As a result, people are starting to ask themselves the very question that sparked this article: can you tan twice a day?
Can you tan twice a day?
The answer is simple: yes, you can go tanning two days in a row. Despite what some may say, there are ways to escape the sunburn and tan your way to a beautiful light brown without putting yourself in danger. However, it’s important to note that most people who tend to tan more than once per day struggle with the addiction to tanning.
If you’re a tanning addict, it’s essential to understand that there are healthier ways of going about achieving your desired bronze without becoming a walking cancer risk.
Why is tanning unsafe?
It’s crucial to keep in your thought that the skin is often referred to as a “barrier” or a “protective shield.” This means that it should prevent anything from getting inside of our bodies. In this case, we’re talking about dangerous UV radiation from the sun. Our planet receives enough natural ultraviolet radiation every day, so there’s no need to be exposed to it any more than we already are.
It’s essential to be aware that most people who tan multiple times a day are at risk of developing skin cancer.
Tanning Salons: Misinformation and Regulation
Many people choose to get airbrush tan in a convenient and cheap place: the salon. Tanning salons claim that they’re safer than the sun and that they only emit “safe UVB” radiation—but what you might not know is that almost all of their UVA radiation goes straight through glass windows.
Tanning salons would like you to think that they’re regulated and up-to-par with safety standards because of their “voluntary,” government-approval process called the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA). In fact, some salons outright claim that they’re ITA-approved.
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a safe tan—but if you must go tanning, make sure you do it at least seven hours after the last time you went. Try making it “occasional.” That way, you can go tanning without any of the harmful side effects. You can read on here about the whole question-answer guide on airbrush tanning.
Short & long term consequences of tanning
People who engage in indoor tanning can suffer from various consequences, including skin cancer, eye damage, and premature aging. The risk of getting cancer is very high, especially among those using tanning beds 1 to 30 times per year. Many studies have shown that regular exposure to UV rays, especially in indoor environments, causes skin cancer.
Short term consequences of tanning
- Sunburned, red skin
- Painful blisters
Long term consequences of tanning
- Skin cancer
- Premature aging
- Eye damage
How to protect yourself from sun damage
If you choose to go out in the sun, ensure that you protect yourself with sunscreen, having an SPF of 30 or higher. It is also recommended that you wear long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.
It is better to be safe than sorry. If you are unsure if the tanning salon is up to par with your safety standards, check beforehand by looking it up online through ratings, reviews, or recommendations from family members or friends.
There are a few steps you can take to mitigate the harm they cause to your body:
- Limit the time you spend in tanning beds and only go every other day or once a week
- Replace tanning with airbrush tanning or UV free tanning alternatives
- Wear sunscreen while you are outside to protect yourself from sun damage, skin cancer, and further skin damage
The dangers of tanning beds
People who utilize tanning beds are at an increased risk for developing melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, a study done by the World Health Organization showed that people who used a tanning bed four or more times per week are 97 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who never used them. Regular exposure to UV rays can cause damage to the eyes, such as cataracts and cancer of the cornea.
Organic spray tanning uses only organic components, so it is free of harmful chemicals. Organic spray tans typically last for 5-7 days, which gives you enough time to choose the perfect shade for your skin tone. Organic spray tans are recommended to protect your skin from negative reactions for those with sensitive skin.
Wrap up
Tanning beds are very dangerous and can cause many health problems. For example, people who use tanning beds are 97% more likely to develop melanoma than those who never used them. Airbrush tans are a safe alternative to tanning beds, although it is recommended that you still limit the time you spend in them as well as how often you go to the tanning salon. Another alternative is using self-tanning lotions, but even they come with risks, so always read the label before purchasing one.
