Hardly any effects tanning in the solarium senseless

Using the sunbed to get used to the coming summer sun to avoid sunburn sounds good - but does not work in practice. Nevertheless, many people still hold the misconception that pre-tanning in the solarium can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn. However, the effect is negligible. However, every visit to the solarium increases the risk of skin cancer, which is why the German Cancer Aid and the Working Group on Dermatological Prevention (ADP) fundamentally advise against visiting the tanning bed.

Especially light skin types are more prone to sunburn at the onset of the strong summer sun. Many sufferers therefore try to get the skin used to the higher UV radiation before the summer in the solarium. But "even an optimally tanned skin corresponds to a maximum of a sun protection factor of four to six," quotes the news agency "dpa" the experts of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Claas Ulrich.

Experts advise against pre-tanning in the solarium
In addition, in solariums, only UVA rays are optimally used, whereas sunburn and skin cancer are caused by UVB radiation, reports the "dpa". To harden the skin, the solarium makes no sense. In fact, most would use the "pre-tanning more for cosmetic reasons" and legitimize this with a supposedly lower risk of sunburn, explains Ulrich. The German Dermatological Society (DDG) strongly advises against relying on the German Cancer Aid, to visit tanning beds for pre-tanning. The radiation intensity of the equipment is as strong as that of the sun at noon on the equator. It damages the skin and significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.

Neglect of the real sunscreen?
As another negative effect of pre-tanning called the news agency "dpa" a better protection against sunburn, which could lead to the neglect of the real sunscreen. According to the DDG, comprehensive sun protection is the most important means of avoiding sunburn and thus increasing the risk of skin cancer. "The protective clothing includes a headgear, shoes that cover the back of the foot sufficiently, and a pair of sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection," said the DDG: All uncovered body parts should, according to the association, with a sunscreen be creamed, which has at least the sun protection factor 20 with UV-A and UV-B protection. (Fp)