Tans are natural shields against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can damage skin tissue in the form of a sunburn. Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes certain skin cells to produce the pigment melanin, which darkens through oxidation. Those cells will migrate closer to the skin’s surface and produce more melanin, further darkening the skin into a suntan. The pigment absorbs ultraviolet radiation and defends against further penetration of skin tissue. Tans are our body’s natural protection against sunburns, and without them we would be much more susceptible to burns and skin cancer. Tanning beds are great and easy ways to tan in a controlled atmosphere. Check out the benefits…
Body Functions:
Exposure to light has proven to lower the resting heart rate and blood pressure. It also lowers cholesterol because the body uses the liver’s cholesterol as raw material to produce vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption in the body. People get between 90 – 95% of their vitamin D through sun exposure. Sunlight reduces stress and can help the immune system, as well as increase the skin’s resistance to infections. With exercise, sunlight has many beneficial results, as it heightens physical performance. Sunlight can increase cardiac output, as well as increase energy, endurance, and muscular strength. Lastly, it is proven that sunlight stimulates the thyroid gland, which boosts your metabolism.
SAD:
Seasonal Affective Disorder is also known as winter depression, an affective mood disorder that stems from lack of sunlight. Most SAD sufferers experience regular mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depression symptoms during the winter months. Tanning has been shown to release endorphins, a chemical such as serotonin that produces a happy, pleasant feeling. PMS: Exposure to bright light has been found to alleviate some symptoms of Pre Menstrual Syndrome, or PMS, such as mild depression, mood swings, physical discomfort, irritability, and social withdrawal.
Vitamin D:
Osteoporosis and cancer, however, are not the only health risks from vitamin D deficiency that we should worry about. Current research indicates vitamin D deficiency plays a role in causing seventeen varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, and periodontal disease. Individuals with healthy vitamin D levels are much less likely to develop certain forms of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. These life-threatening cancers are much more common in those who do not receive regular sunlight
Physical Appearance:
Tanning adds a young and healthy glow. In addition, a tan makes one look more muscular and defined, and will help hide visible veins, body hair, and impurities in or on the skin. Tanning has proven to help many skin conditions, from acne to eczema, and even psoriasis (80% percent of psoriasis sufferers who tan show improvement as a direct result of their exposure to the ultraviolet light.)
Tanning is a great way to stay healthy and look good!
See our membership page to learn how to maintain your sunshine-related health affordably and conveniently.
