Does tanning in a solarium help fight the autumn blues?
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The autumn blues are a problem that many people struggle with. Less sunlight, shorter days, and a drop in temperature can leave us feeling tired and lacking energy. In such situations, we look for ways to boost our mood. One popular solution is tanning in a tanning bed, which not only helps maintain a summer tan but also—some say—improves our well-being. Does it really help combat the autumn blues? Let's find out.
UV light and vitamin D production
UVB rays are crucial for the production of vitamin D, which in turn plays a vital role in regulating mood and mental health. Research suggests that low vitamin D levels can lead to symptoms of depression, especially during the fall and winter months when sunlight exposure is significantly reduced.
Indoor tanning can partially replace the sun and aid in vitamin D production. However, it's important to remember that not all tanning beds emit adequate amounts of UVB rays—most focus on UVA rays, which are less effective in this process. Therefore, while tanning beds can help to some extent, they shouldn't be considered a primary source of vitamin D.
Light therapy and tanning in a solarium
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) using special lamps that emit bright, high-intensity light. These lamps do not emit harmful UV rays and instead focus on simulating natural sunlight, which helps regulate our circadian rhythm and increases levels of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
Tanning in a solarium is not the same as light therapy, although it can also improve mood through exposure to light. However, this effect is short-lived and not as effective as light therapy.
Psychological benefits of tanning
Tanning in a tanning bed is known for its psychological benefits. Maintaining a summer tan makes us feel attractive and confident. The warmth that envelops our skin during a tanning session often induces a feeling of relaxation and relief, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Furthermore, knowing we're taking care of our appearance, even on gray and rainy days, can positively impact our well-being.
It's worth noting, however, that tanning in a tanning bed won't completely eliminate the causes of the blues—it can only temporarily improve our mood. To achieve lasting improvement in well-being, a comprehensive approach to mental and physical health is necessary. There's no doubt, however, that tanning in a tanning bed can be an ideal complement to this process.
Safe use of solarium
To use a solarium safely, it is worth following a few rules: limit the number of sessions (e.g. 1-2 times a week), use special sun creams and make sure that the tanning time is appropriate for your skin type.
When it comes to tanning lotions, we especially recommend Suncolada, a bronzer enriched with the Happy Skin formula with proven anti-stress and mood-boosting properties.
Summary
Does tanning in a tanning bed help combat the autumn blues? The answer is yes, partially. While it won't completely eliminate the causes, it will improve your mood and self-confidence. It's also worth considering other methods, such as light therapy, regular physical activity, a proper diet (rich in fish, for example), and vitamin D supplementation.