Skin Safety Facts

Skin Safety Facts from London Tanning

The benefits of sunlight and proper UV exposure are undeniable, but only if approached responsibly and with the precautions appropriate for each patron. Londoners face special challenges due to the infrequent and unpredictable nature of the weather in our historic city. Sunshine is a hot commodity, and London tanning is as dependent on tanning beds as on the sun itself.

London Tanning Skin Safety

Customers of any tanning salon should never begin a tanning regimen without a consultation with a professional, experience professional. Understanding your own skin is key to making informed choices – and failure to educate yourself can have painful and long-lasting consequences such as skin cancer or burns. The first step in choosing the proper tanning method is to evaluate your skin. Skin is typically assessed using a scale ranging from 1-6.

Patrons with a skin level of 1 are fair-skinned, very sensitive to the sun, usually with blonde or red hair and light eyes. At the other end of the scale, skin levels of 5 or 6 typically indicate naturally tanned or dark skin and dark hair and eyes. Naturally, the middle ranges cover the more common skin types. This scale can be used to determine the levels of UV exposure and protection necessary to achieve the desired tanning result.

London Tanning Skin Safety

Regardless of skin type, there are those individuals who should give careful consideration before tanning, or avoid it all together. Indoor tanning is not recommended for individuals with exceptionally sensitive skin, those who are diabetic or are on medication (as these can increase sensitivity to UV rays). Individuals under the age of 18 and women who are pregnant should also avoid tanning beds.

London Tanning Skin Safety

There are also conditions that can present dangers while tanning, whether indoors or outdoors. Those who suffer from heart disease, irregular blood pressure and epilepsy should consult a physician prior to spending extra time in the sun or in a tanning bed. Individuals who regularly experience migraines, fainting or dizziness should seek medical advice before prolonged UV exposure. Some allergies can also be exacerbated by exposure to UV rays, as can skin conditions such as ulcers and moles. Of course, any pre-existing skin condition deserves medical attention as tanning can result in severe complications.

Tanning can be highly beneficial, but it is important to be intelligent and responsible regarding your skin. While the pros of adequate UV exposure (increased vitamin D levels, improved mood, etc.), they must be carefully weighed with the proper methods of tanning to avoid side effects from overexposure. An educated, well-trained consultant can assist you in developing and maintaining the best tanning program for you.