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Tanning

What is tanning?

Tanning is meant exposing the body to the sun, or otherwise, to get a tan, and make the skin darker.

Tanning types:

Outdoor (sun) tanning;
Indoor tanning, by using tanning beds, or self-tanning by using lotions, etc;

Type	Sun Tanning	Tanning Bed	Self-Tanning
How it works?	When exposed to the sun, the body produces melanin to protect the skin. This causes the skin color to become darker.	It is a bed-like device, on which the user stretches out to get a tan. It surrounded by lamps emitting the ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause the skin to turn darker.	Lotions (some types of creams, etc.) are used. They contain a color that turns the skin darker without exposure to the sun. Such a tan is temporary, lasting for less than one week, if not reused during this period.
Potential Risks	Exposure to the sun, without applying an appropriate sunscreen and taking the other necessary precautions may lead to: - Fast skin-aging; - Affecting the eyes, especially when not putting on sunglasses; and - Risk of skin cancer.	It may cause skin allergy.
Precautions	- Apply a sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).	- Not to be used by persons under 18 years old.	- Ensure that the lotion is licensed by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA),

Type

Sun Tanning

Tanning Bed

Self-Tanning

How it works?

When exposed to the sun, the body produces melanin to protect the skin. This causes the skin color to become darker.

It is a bed-like device, on which the user stretches out to get a tan. It surrounded by lamps emitting the ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause the skin to turn darker.

Lotions (some types of creams, etc.) are used. They contain a color that turns the skin darker without exposure to the sun. Such a tan is temporary, lasting for less than one week, if not reused during this period.

Potential Risks

Exposure to the sun, without applying an appropriate sunscreen and taking the other necessary precautions may lead to:

- Fast skin-aging;

- Affecting the eyes, especially when not putting on sunglasses; and

- Risk of skin cancer.

It may cause skin allergy.

Precautions

- Apply a sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

- Not to be used by persons under 18 years old.

- Ensure that the lotion is licensed by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA),

Who should avoid tanning?

Sun allergy sufferers;
Skin cancer patients; and
Pregnant women; since the skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy. Sun tanning and tanning beds, in such a case, can cause burns to the pregnant woman, and affect her fetus.

FAQs:

What is safer: sun tanning, or indoor tanning by using a tanning bed?

Both affect the skin. However, the tanning bed is thought to expose the body to a higher level of the UV-rays responsible for the onset of skin-aging symptoms.

Does the use of a tanning bed reduce the risk of sunburns?

No, using a tanning bed does not reduce the risk of sunburns.

Myths & Realities:

Myth: To get vitamin D from the sun, you need to be exposed to the sun without a sunscreen.

Reality: Using a sunscreen is necessary when exposed to the sun. As for vitamin D, you can get it by following a healthy diet. In case you don't get a sufficient intake of vitamin D, you should consider taking Vitamin D supplement.