Getting That Healthy Glow -- Should You Use A Commercial Tanning Bed, Sunbathe, Or Apply Self-Tanner

12/6/2009 - Women Interest Just because it's getting colder outside doesn't mean you need to give up that beautiful, healthy glow of a suntan. There are many different ways you can get that sun-kissed look, so which is right for you? Whether you use a commercial tanning bed, sunbathe outside, or use a self-tanner, you'll always look as if you stepped right off the beach.

Using A Commercial Tanning Bed

A commercial tanning bed can help you look healthy and tan no matter what time of year it is. These commercial tanning beds are typically found in tanning salons, but it's possible to find tanning beds for sale for your own private use if you want. These beds work by turning on bright light bulbs which imitate the sun's rays. One of the major benefits of commercial tanning beds over direct sunlight is the ability to turn off the lights after a set amount of time. They also help you control your exposure to UVB rays, the type of rays that are thought to be more harmful than UVA rays. UVA rays, whether from an artificial source or from natural sunlight are good for your body and can help you produce vitamin D.

One concern over beds is exposure to the eyes. For this reason, many tanning beds for sale come with special goggles that block out any UVA and UVB rays.

Sunbathing In Natural Sunlight

Sunbathing is another way to get a natural, healthy glow, but it does have some drawbacks. It's impossible to limit the amount of UVB rays that penetrate the skin. Since UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn, they are the ones with the potential for doing the most skin damage.

Sunbathing in natural sunlight is also impossible in some parts of the world. People who live in places like the Pacific Northwest and Alaska in the United States and the United Kingdom find that getting access to the sun is all but impossible for much of the year because of rainy weather and months of darkness at a time.

Using Self-Tanner

Self-tanner is another way to make your skin glow. There are a variety of self-tanning products on the market, including creams, lotions, sprays, bronzers, and even pills. Except for the pills, these products need to be applied regularly to help you maintain a golden hue. Upkeep can be costly and time consuming since a self-applied tanner can take hours to correctly apply and dry. If you apply the tanner yourself, you'll need to take care to carefully wash your hands or you'll end up with orange palms. Spray on tans are typically done at a salon and can be costly. One application can cost anywhere from $50-$70 and the results will only last for a week or so.

Tanning pills are another alternative, but aren't recommended. The pills contain a substance called canthaxanthin. While canthaxanthin is approved in small amounts for tinting food, you would need to consume a large amount to change the color of your skin. The long term effects are not known, but consuming large amounts of canthaxanthin is thought to lead to hepatitis so these pills should be avoided.

There are a number of options available if you want to achieve a healthy, natural looking glow. Whether you choose to use a commercial tanning bed, sunbathe outside, or use a sunless tanning product, you'll be sure to look healthy and happy.