Tanning to get that bronzed look is popular during the summer months, especially at the beach or by the pool. While tanning during the winter months is challenging, there are ways to tan the body all year-round.
Your skin tans from ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial lights at tanning beds. The UVA rays are what penetrate the lower layers of the skin to produce melanin, which is the brown pigment that is responsible for tanning, according to Kids Health at Nemours. Keep in mind that overexposure to the sun increases your potential risk of developing premature aging, wrinkles and skin cancer.
Natural Sunlight
Exposure to the sun in moderation is an excellent way of producing vitamin D in the body, which is important for bone health and the immune system. However, overexposure to the sun's rays can cause damage to the skin, including sunburn. Tanning in the sun can be safe; it just requires some precautions, such as using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF of, 30 or more. You should apply the sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and every hour thereafter. In addition, watching the local reports for the ultraviolet index, which rates the UVA rays from 1 to 10, with higher number equaling more sun intensity, is important when out in the sun.
Tanning Beds
Tanning beds offer you the same UVA rays without having to lie out in the sun. Tanning beds use artificial light and reduce your risk of overexposure to the burning UVB rays. Indoor tanning beds are available at tanning salons and spas, and you can even purchase one for your home.
When you opt to use a tanning bed, adjust it to the lowest setting until you are sure how it will affect your skin. In addition, you can use tanning lotions to help with the process and give you the bronzed look. However, you should keep in mind that long-term exposure to tanning beds increases your risk to developing skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Artificial Tanner
If laying out in the sun or a tanning bed is not your preference, you can try using artificial tanning products, which are available over-the-counter or at salons. Sunless tanning products, such as lotions, bronzers and sprays, contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. The chemical reaction between the amino acids in the skin and DHA causes a chemical reaction that tans the skin and lasts for up to three days. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved DHA for external application, but it should not be used internally, inhaled or ingested, according to EasyTanning.com.
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