| General Tanning Information (by Brad Clampitt) |
Many tanners complain about an unusual smell after completing their tanning tession. It is a natural physical occurrence.
Aside from producing a cosmetic tan, indoor tanning units produce heat and generally cause many indoor tanners to perspire. During perspiration, a protein is secreted. Bacteria that live in and on our skin eat away at this protein, which produces an order. In addition, every person has a unique body chemistry that can be influenced by diet and hormones. A combination of personal hygiene habits,
perfumes and lotions also may play a role in producing the “after-tan” smell. Perspiration also may have an ammonia-like smell.
Many indoor tanners have been concerned that they might “wash off” their tans. But in reality, it takes at least eight to 24 hours to visualize the result of a tanning exposure. It is important to note that
tanning tends to rob the skin of the mositure, so it is essential to moistureize the skin in order to
maintain the tan.
In the tanning process, melanin is stimulated, migrates to the epidermis and is oxidized -- resulting in a tan. These skin cells slough off every 28-30 days. So for those individuals desiring a tan, a
maintenance schedule with subsequent tanning sessions in moderation is often desirable.
Before tanning, the skin should be clean and free of cosmetics that may block UV absorption in order to obtain the best results. Whether to shower before or after a tanning session isn’t really the question -- it’s a question of personal hygiene.
Melanin is a dark compound or better a photoprotective pigment. It’s major role in the skin is to
absorb the ultraviolet (UV) light that comes from the sun so the skin is not damaged. Sun exposure usually produces a tan at the skin that represents an increase of melanin pigment in the skin.
Living among the basal cells in inner layer is another type of cell called a melanocyte. Melanocytes produce melanin, which is a pigment that is the source of the golden brown look we call a tan. The melanocytes are usually where your tan starts. Here is what the encyclopedia has to say about melanocytes:
“The color or tone of your skin is determined by melanin, a pigment manufactured by cells called
melanocytes, Skin color differences are due solely to the amount of melanin produced and the nature of the pigment granules.”
So it is clear that the amount of melanin you produce determines how dark you will tan. If your body can produce more melanin you will tan faster and tan darker and most important with less uv
exposure. Less exposure... less risk.
So, now that we know all about the skin we can start to actually understand what creates a healthy tan and what causes sunburn. When you get a tan, what is actually happening is that the melanocytes are producing melanin pigment in reaction to exposure to ultraviolet contained in sunlight.
Ultraviolet light stimulates melanin production. The pigment has the effect of absorbing the UV in
sunlight, so it protects the cells from UV damage. Melanin production takes a fair amount of time - that is why most people cannot get a tan in one day. They produce melanin over the course of hours. By
repeating this process over 5 to 7 days pigment (tan) builds up in your cells to a level that is
protective.
Melanin forms in a special cell called the melanocyte. This cell is found in the skin, in the hair follicle, and in the iris and retina of the eye. L-tyrososine an amino acid found in many common foods is
responsible for the production of melanin. There are supplements, which contain L-tyrosine which when combined with copper and certain vitamins such as E, and D can greatly enhance the body’s ability to produce melanin. You will find these under the search term “Tanning Pills” one company that offers a product with a proprietary tanning formula that has produced excellent results can be found at
www.menshealthtech.com/tanning.htm.
There many steps in the process of converting the amino acid L-tyrososine to melanin pigment. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) is produced by the pituitary gland. MSH flows through the bloodstream and reaches the melanocytes, encouraging them to produce more melanin (for example, a person consuming foods or supplements with L-tyrosine will tend to tan faster and get darker.
Myth: “I have been told from several of my friends that showering directly after tanning will “wash” your tan away. They say its best to wait about 3 hrs after tanning to shower.”
Fact: Taking a shower after tanning will not wash your tan away. A natural tan takes 24-48 hrs to develop. The tanning process occurs within the epidermis when melanocyte cells are stimulated by ultraviolet light that causes them to produce the pigment melanin. Melanin production results in the tanned appearance of the skin and is the skin’s natural defense against the sun and over-exposure, i.e. sun-burning. Melanin travels to the surface, where it eventually flakes off. This process allows us to develop new skin every four to eight weeks. Keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated will help maintain a more radiant and healthy-looking tan.
Myth: “I’ve heard that indoor tanning is more harmful than tanning outdoors because of the UV light exposure is more intense.”
Fact: People tanning indoors are exposed to a scientifically calibrated amount of UV light. When used according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s exposure guidelines (posted on each machine), tanning beds are designed to maximize tanning and minimize burning. Conversely, tanning outdoors is an unregulated environment. There are many factors that have to be considered when you tan outdoors: geography, time of day, weather conditions, the seasons, and the ozone layer. Remember the best way to safeguard yourself from sun damage is to wear appropriate levels of SPF sunscreens outdoors - even if you already have a tan. You should also know that, even with sunscreen protection, UV exposure can still lead to skin cancer and premature aging, even if you don’t burn.
Myth: “My friend said she heard that tanning bakes your internal organs. Sometimes I notice a strange smell after I tan. Could this be my organs baking?”
Fact: The UV Light from a sun bed is similar to UV light from the sun, and cannot penetrate deeper than the skin to harm internal organs. The odor you may notice is what’s commonly known as the
“after tan” odor, a common occurrence when tanning indoors or outdoors, which is caused by
harmless bacteria. Many lotion manufacturers now carry a product line that defends against the after tan order.
Benefits from Tanning
* Tanning stimulates the mechanisms of our body which protect us against potential damaging effects of the sun. UV-B tanned skin is natural protection.
* Tanning is used as an anti-depressive therapy, since it increases the feeling of well-being, probably since it induces endorphin in the blood as is the case with jogging.
* It has a positive effect on our image.
* It prepares the skin for the summer and for open-air sport.
* A tanned skin is considered by many as a sign of health, beauty and strength.
* Tanning can be used as treatment of skin disorders such as:
* Psoriasis
* Certain allergy types
* Acne
(Whenever you wish to use tanning to treat skin disorders, you must consult a dermatologist)
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