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The Truth About Tanning
Fifteen facts you probably never knew about vitamin D and sunlight exposure.
(Complied by Mike Adams, based on an interview with Dr. Michael Holick, author, The UV Advantage)
Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and even effects diabetes and obesity. Vitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition. That’s probably because it’s free: your body makes it when sunlight touches your skin. Drug companies can’t sell you sunlight, so there’s no promotion of its health benefits. Truth is, most people don’t know the real story on vitamin D and health. So here’s an overview taken from an interview between Mike Adams and Dr. Michael Holick.
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Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight.
The healing rays of natural sunlight (that generate vitamin D in your skin) cannot penetrate glass. So you don’t generate vitamin D when sitting in your car or home.
It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from your diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your own body.
A person would have to drink ten tall glasses of vitamin D fortified milk each day just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into their diet.
The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. Canada, the UK and most U.S. states are far from the equator.
People with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 – 30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fair skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. That’s why prostate cancer is epidemic among black men – it’s a simple, but widespread, sunlight deficiency.
Sufficient levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption in you intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium, rendering calcium supplements useless.
Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reserved overnight: it takes months of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body’s bones and nervous system.
Even weak sunscreens (SPF=8) block your body’s ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. This is how sunscreen products actually cause disease – by creating a critical vitamin deficiency in the body.
It is impossible to generate too much vitamin D in your body from sunlight exposure: your body will self-regulate and only generate what it needs.
If it hurts to press firmly on your sternum, you may be suffering from chronic vitamin D deficiency right now.
Vitamin D is “activated” in your body by your kidneys and liver before it can be used.
Having kidney disease or liver damage can greatly impair your body’s ability to activate circulating vitamin D.
The sunscreen industry doesn’t want you to know that your body actually needs sunlight exposure because that realization would mean lower sales of sunscreen products.
Even though vitamin D is one of the most powerful healing chemicals in your body, your body makes it absolutely free. No prescription required.
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Tanning Q&A
Why should I use an indoor tanning lotion when tanning?
Healthy skin is the foundation of a successful tan. Indoor tanning lotions are designed to provide critical moisture to skin before and after tanning. The healthier your skin, the longer you keep the tan; this allows you to build upon your foundation tan to get a deeper, darker tan. Dry skin flakes away your tan layer by layer. Indoor tanning lotions provide you with the deep, constant moisture your skin needs during the tanning process. Most tanning lotions have important vitamins and ingredients to help you extend your tan. People who avoid using tanning products will not get the extra moisture or a stable tan since tanning tends to dry the skin; they will lose their tan more quickly between sessions, due to dry skin flaking away. A Special Note:Consumers may not be getting the indoor tanning products that they think they are when they purchase them through unauthorized outlets like discount websites, local flea markets or non-tanning outlets. Outdated, discontinued, damaged and tampered-with products are often the products that are diverted into these outlets. Professional tanning products should be recommended by a qualified indoor tanning specialist to insure proper use. Indoor tanning products have unique ingredients that should be used only as directed to ensure the finest tan possible.
Why should I only buy indoor tanning lotion from my salon?
Consumers may not be getting the indoor tanning products that they think they are when they purchase them through unauthorized outlets like discount websites, local flea markets or non-tanning outlets. Outdated, discontinued, damaged and tampered-with products are often the products that are diverted into these outlets. REMEMBER: Professional tanning products should be recommended by a qualified indoor tanning specialist to insure proper use. Indoor tanning products have unique ingredients that should be used only as directed to ensure the finest tan possible.
Is indoor tanning regulated?
Yes. No matter what state, county or town you may tan in, your indoor tanning facility is subject to the far-reaching effects of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission, and in most cases, state or local regulatory authorities. At the highest level of regulations, the FDA is directed by law to maintain inspection and testing procedures and to publicize standards that will reduce unnecessary overexposure to tanning equipment and other medical and electronic devices.
I heard that tanning happens in phases. What are they?
Tanning is the natural response of the skin to Ultraviolet light exposure. There are two types of tanning which occur. The first is known as Immediate Pigment Darkening which occurs during ultraviolet exposure and increases until exposure ends. It occurs in response to both UVA and certain visible wavelengths. No melanin production is involved. This response depends on various factors including previous exposure and skin pigmentation type. Darker skin will produce a more pronounced effect. The second type is called Delayed Tanning. Delayed tanning occurs 48 -72 hours after exposure and increases for 7 - 10 days. Duration depends on various factors including repeat exposure and may last for several weeks or months. This result is due in part to an increase in the size of melanin containing cells (melanocytes) in the skin and the increase in melanosomes within these cells. Many studies show that this may serve to protect the skin from UVA and UVB damage due to overexposure. Both of these bands will produce delayed tanning, however, much less UVB is required to produce the effect.
Why does indoor tanning offer more control?
Indoor tanners are at a great advantage by having access to the control that goes into the indoor tanning process. In addition to various state and local regulations in place, national guidelines set by the Federal government enhance the controllable factors involved in indoor tanning. Since 1986, the Performance Standards For Sunlamp Products have been in place to cover many of the following aspects of indoor tanning: -Timer control -Protective eyewear -Temperature control -Electrical safety -Protection from lamps -Equipment access and support, and more.
What is a drug-induced photosensitive reaction?
A drug-induced photosensitive reaction most commonly appears as an exaggerated sunburn. It occurs when a person takes certain medications or applies, either intentionally or unintentionally, offending substances to the skin and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A photosensitive reaction should be considered in people experiencing sunburn of greater severity than would normally be expected for them, or who develop rashes in areas exposed to the sun or tanning unit. The pharmacist is in a unique position to counsel tanning consumers on both prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal and other "natural" products and perhaps even cosmetics, shampoos and similar purchases that may make people sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Which medications are most likely to cause photosensitivity?
Many medications and some herbal and other "natural" products have been reported to cause photosensitive reactions. In addition to topically-applied medications, cosmetics, foods and other chemicals may also produce photosensitive reactions, as may agents unintentionally applied to the skin (by handling plants, exposure to airborne allergens or wearing certain types of jewelry or leather). Some ingredients in cosmetics, perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, soaps, deodorants, lotions, shampoos, hair sprays, hair dyes, contact lens solutions and even sunscreens may also cause reactions. As mentioned earlier, the pharmacist is in the best position to counsel tanning consumers on both prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal and other "natural" products and perhaps even cosmetics, shampoos and similar purchases that may make people sensitive to ultraviolet light.
If a tan and a sunburn are different, just what is a sunburn?
Sunburns occur when the skin is exposed to excessive amounts of UV light. The severity can vary from mild pink with only minor discomfort to severe "lobster-red" burns that blister.Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. A serious sunburn is as serious as a thermal burn, and may have the same systemic effects such as blistering, edema and fever.A sunburn is better prevented than treated. When outdoors for an extended amount of time, you should use a sunscreen.
Why won't my tanning salon allow me to tan as long as I want?
With the risks involved in individuals who overexpose themselves to UV light, it is the responsibility of the tanning salon owner and operator to eliminate the opportunity for consumers to sunburn while visiting an indoor tanning salon. It is also the responsibility of the tanning professional to make sure individuals who cannot biologically acquire a tan (skin type 1) do not tan indoors. The promotion of moderate, sensible and responsible exposure to ultraviolet light is the goal of a professional tanning salon.
Why does my salon always verify I am using tanning eywear?
Indoor tanning salon owners and operators are obligated to verify every client using tanning equipment is using federally compliant eyewear. It is there goal to educate customers about the fact that towels, scarves or eyelids do not adequately protect eyes from ultraviolet exposure. In addition to possible state laws, Federal regulations (CFR 21 1040.20 (c)(4) require that tanners wear protective eyewear that block 99.9% of the UVB light and 99% of UVA. It is the operator's responsibility that ALL tanning clients use federally compliant eyewear. Acceptable eyewear must state the product's compliance with federal regulations on the package.
What would happen if I didn't use eyewear?
When proper eyewear is not used during the tanning process, the potential for eye injury is greatly increased. Some eye injuries and disorders include Photokeratitis (Cornea Sunburn), Cataracts, Pterygium (Abnormal tissue growth) and Damage To The Cornea.
Can I tan while I am pregnant?
Working with your doctor on this topic is a wise choice. Every pregnancy has it's own considerations so it is always suggested you get input from your doctor when considering tanning while pregnant. At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child, so anything you hear is nothing but myths. Because the UV light used in tanning beds do not reach the child, your baby is not at risk. During the first trimester your doctor will most likely advise you not to do anything that will raise your body's temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. However, after the first trimester, it may be okay to have moderate sessions while using a tanning bed or booth. The most important thing to remember is to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Your skin during pregnancy is also sensitive to burning, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned.
Content courtesy of American Tanning Institute.
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