Originally Posted by
Westsidex
have a read.Its interesting stuff.I had a skin rash at the time and was considering using sunbeds.I didnt in the end because the skin rash was due to me not getting meds for athroat infection.
Here is what he says,
A skin rash is a reaction and a symptom to something else higher up the chain in the body, so to simply treat the rash (symptom or cause) is not the same as addressing the underlying cause. Please keep this in mind.
Having said that, however, you question is about tanning beds.
The two main types of ultraviolet rays that we should be concerned about when talking sun exposure and tanning beds are UV-A and UV-B.
UV-A is primarily responsible for darkening the pigment in our skin. Most tanning beds have a high UV-A output, with a small percentage of UV-B. UV-A is less energetic than UV-B, so exposure to UV-A will not result in a burn, unless the skin is sensitive or excessive doses are used. UV-A penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV-B, due to its longer wavelength.
The ultraviolet wavelength that stimulates our bodies to produce vitamin D is UV-B. It is the primary cause of sunburn. However, UV-B initiates beneficial responses, stimulating the production of vitamin D that the body uses in many important processes. Although UV-B causes sunburn, it also causes special skin cells called melanocytes to produce melanin, which is protective. UV-B also stimulates the production of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH), an important hormone in weight loss and energy production.
If sunlight is not available in your area because of latitude or season (read IRELAND), then special sunlamps can be used to provide a natural balance of UV-B and UV-A. Although not that mainstream just yet, these lamps provide a safe equivalent of sunlight and will not cause burning or even heavy tanning. “Typical” tanning beds are not acceptable as a means of getting your daily dose of vitamin D because they provide high levels of UV-A and very little UV-B so my advice would be to find one that carries these newer bulbs that provide both A and B or perhaps order them yourself.
The current suggested exposure of hands, face and arms for 10-20 minutes, three times a week, provides only 200-400 IU of vitamin D each time or an average of 100-200 IU per day during the summer months. In order to achieve optimal levels of vitamin D, 85 percent of body surface needs exposure to prime midday sun. It is recommended that light skinned people get 10-20 minutes of exposure while dark skinned people need 90-120 minutes.
So, if you can find a tanning bed with lamps that provide a good dose of both UV-A and UV-B then I am in favor of them. If not then I guess it is up to you; but now you know.
More confusion?
Westside.