The solarium is especially popular in the winter months, before vacation trips and as a regular tanning option for the skin. The tanning is done with artificial UV light and occurs quickly.
What is a solarium?
A solarium is an establishment where several sunbeds are operated. Each tanning bed has UV tubes with which the irradiation of the whole body takes place. A solarium (also tanning salon) is a business in which several sunbeds (also solarium or solariums) are operated. Each sunbed has UV tubes with which the irradiation of the whole body takes place. There are different strengths of sunbeds. The customer lays undressed on a solarium suitable for him and is then provided with the UV rays for the selected time. Solarium customers appreciate above all the tanning, but there are also many other indications to go to a solarium. These are, for example, skin impurities, such as acne and pimples, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, sun allergy, increased tendency to sunburn (therefore recommended because the dosage of tanning in the solarium can be estimated more easily and determined by qualified personnel. ), vitamin D deficiency and winter depression.
Function, effect and objectives
In the solarium, the proportion of UV-A radiation is the highest, this causes rapid tanning of the skin. The UV-B radiation is present in a small amount and in this dosage range leads to a photoprotective function of the skin and forms a natural sunscreen. However, the exact beneficial fraction is still debated in science. UV-C radiation is very short-wave and aggressive, in nature it is filtered out of the light by the ozone, in solariums it does not occur at all. The UV radiation in solariums is usually higher than in the natural sun, which is why the tanning time is also much shorter. The customer should always consult with professionals and avoid overdosing and sunburn. An overdose is in turn harmful to the skin, causes it to age prematurely and increases the risk of skin cancer. This applies equally to the frequency and duration of solarium visits. In any case, there should always be at least one full day between two visits to the solarium, and two to three weekly visits are acceptable for achieving a tan. In order to obtain a certain tanning strength, the weekly single visit is also sufficient. The choice of solarium and the duration of tanning also play a major role. Beginners and light skin types should start with a light bench and a small amount of time and carefully increase the times. But there are risks for dark skin types, too. While darker-skinned people are protected longer, there are limits too. Each tanning salon has type determination forms, so that a correct and accurate assignment of skin type can be made and the customer can get the best possible tanning under the appropriate solarium for him.
Risks, side effects and dangers
As mentioned above, UV rays can prematurely age the skin and also significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. This can be prevented by type-appropriate, expert advice and responsible use of tanning beds. Too frequent and too long tanning sessions should be avoided. The continuous build-up of a healthy tan is important, one cannot expect to already have the desired tan after one visit to the solarium and should also refrain from tanning too quickly. If a customer notices that despite advice the skin under the tanning bed becomes unpleasantly hot or begins to burn, the tanning should be broken off prematurely and with the tanning time, which has not caused any problems, should be re-entered at the next solarium visit. Sunburn should be avoided in any case. This is not only painful, but can also cause lasting damage, depending on the intensity. The protection of the eyes is particularly important, the retina is otherwise damaged and it can come on a long-term basis to retinal detachments and partly also cancer forms at the eye. Every solarium has appropriate protective glasses. Every solarium in Germany is subject to new regulations and tanning for people under 18 has been banned. In some cases, dermatologists even recommend a visit to the solarium under certain conditions. If used according to instructions, a visit to the solarium is sensible and possibly beneficial to health.
