How does a solarium affect the skin and why is it worth supplementing collagen?

Do you long for tanned skin? A solarium, whether traditional or at home, is one solution, but did you know that it also carries risks? This method of tanning exposes your skin to intense UV radiation, which can accelerate skin ageing and impair its hydration and regeneration. Discover how UV radiation affects the skin and why collagen should be part of your ‘beauty’ routine.

• Solarium: How UV radiation affects the skin ☀️
• 👩‍⚕️ Is a solarium healthy?
• Types of solariums
• Horizontal, or lying solarium
• Vertical, or standing solarium
• Classic solarium
• Collagen solarium
• Home solarium
• Facial solarium
• Solarium during pregnancy 🤰
• How often should you go to a solarium?
• Skin phototypes
• Collagen: The key to firm, even and healthy skin
• 🥤 How to replenish collagen?
• Conclusion

Solarium: How UV radiation affects the skin ☀️

A solarium is a device that uses tubes (lamps) to produce UVA and UVB radiation, which are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

• UVA radiation: Penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to rapid tanning, but at the same time causes oxidative stress, DNA damage and increases the risk of skin cancer
• UVB radiation: Promotes a slower tanning process, but excessive exposure can cause redness or irritation of the skin.

Tanning beds work similarly to the sun ☀️ – UV rays stimulate the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the tanned appearance of the skin.

Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin. Its production is a multifaceted process regulated by UVB radiation through various genetic, biochemical and hormonal pathways.

Tanning caused by UVA radiation is not as protective as that caused by UVB radiation. UVA rays only darken existing melanin in the skin, while UVB radiation stimulates the production of new melanin, which provides better protection against DNA damage.

👩‍⚕️ Are solariums healthy?

Some scientists suggest using solariums or tanning devices as a source of vitamin D. Solariums can increase vitamin D levels, but they also pose a risk of cancer due to high exposure to UV radiation.

It is recommended to look for alternative sources of vitamin D, such as diet and supplements, especially during periods when we have insufficient sunlight.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation accelerates skin ageing, reduces its elasticity and can cause damage to cell DNA. There are also serious health risks, including atrophy, pigment changes, wrinkles and the development of skin cancer, especially melanoma.

One of the most significant risk factors for skin melanoma is fair skin (phototype I-II) due to its lower melanin content, which provides less protection against UV radiation.

It is absolutely essential to follow the rules of safe sunbathing and support skin regeneration with appropriate care.

 

Types of solariums

The intensity of radiation, duration and comfort of tanning depend on the type of solarium.

Solariums are classified according to the method of tanning.

Horizontal, so-called lying solarium

• The most common type of solarium, where you lie down on a special ergonomic surface.
• The tubes are located above and below the body, so the skin tans evenly.
• Suitable for relaxation – you can rest while tanning.
• They are often equipped with ventilation, cooling and music for a more comfortable experience.

Vertical, so-called standing solarium

• You stand while tanning.
• No direct contact with the surface of the solarium.
• The tubes may have a higher output – tanning is faster than in a horizontal solarium, but it depends on the output and condition of the tubes.

Another classification of solariums is according to technology.

Classic solarium

• Most commonly used in solariums.
• Standard UV tubes with a combination of UVA and UVB.
• Although it allows for quick tanning, frequent use can damage collagen fibres in the skin and accelerate skin ageing.

Collagen solarium

• Combines UV radiation with red light, which stimulates collagen production.
• Thanks to collagen, it can help slow down skin ageing and improve its elasticity.
• It is gentler on the skin than a classic ‘solarium’.

Home solarium

• Smaller devices for home use.
• They may have lower radiation intensity – tanning may take longer.
• Popular options include facial solariums, which only tan the face and décolleté.

Facial solarium

• Suitable for home use.
• Focuses only on the face and décolleté.
• It is important to use protective goggles – UV radiation can damage the eyes.

 

Solariums during pregnancy 🤰

❌ Doctors generally recommend that pregnant women avoid solariums ❌. Excessive heating of the body can affect blood circulation and cause overheating, which is not ideal for foetal development.

If you are pregnant, it is better to choose self-tanning products.

How often should you go to a solarium?

In order to answer the question of how often to go to a solarium correctly, you need to know your skin phototype. Skin phototype is determined on the basis of a personal interview about your experience with sunburn and tanning, or you can take an online test.

The general advice we can give you is: ‘less is sometimes more’. If you want to avoid premature skin ageing and overexposure to UV radiation, do not try to ‘overdo’ your tanning.

It is important to allow your skin enough time to regenerate between visits.

Skin phototypes

Skin phototypes are classifications based on how the skin reacts to sunlight, primarily focusing on the tendency to burn and the ability to tan. The most commonly used system is the Fitzpatrick classification, which divides the skin into six phototypes (I to VI) based on these reactions.

Fitzpatrick skin phototypes:

• Type I: Very fair skin – always burns, never tans.
• Type II: Fair skin – burns easily, tans minimally.
• Type III: Medium skin – burns slightly, tans evenly.
• Type IV: Olive skin – minimal burns, always tans well.
• Type V: Brown skin – rarely burns, tans very easily.
• Type VI: Dark brown or black skin – never burns, richly pigmented.

The Fitzpatrick classification remains the standard for categorising skin phototypes, but it has its limitations, particularly in terms of subjectivity and the representation of darker skin tones. Genetic factors and melanin production are of fundamental importance in defining phototypes.

Factors influencing phototypes:

• Genetic factors: The ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin, influenced by MC1R polymorphism, plays an important role in determining phototype. This ratio influences pigmentation and the skin's response to UV exposure.
• Melanin production: The synthesis of melanin in melanocytes and its transfer to keratinocytes regulate skin colour and protect against UV damage. Different wavelengths of light can stimulate melanin production differently in different phototypes.

Other systems, such as Roberts' skin type classification, take into account additional factors such as the risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring, providing a more comprehensive assessment.

 

Collagen: The key to firm, hydrated and unified skin

You may have heard that collagen is a miracle for youthful appearance. It is an essential component of the skin, making up up to 75% of its weight and ensuring skin firmness, elasticity and vitality.

Regular sunbathing (not only in a solarium) accelerates collagen loss, causing the skin to lose its firmness and hydration and leading to the appearance of wrinkles and pigment spots.

The effect of collagen on the skin during sunbathing:

• Skin hydration 💧: Helps restore lost moisture. Studies show that women who took collagen peptides for eight weeks experienced up to 28% higher skin hydration levels.
• Skin firming 💪: Improves skin elasticity, reduces sagging and slows down the formation of wrinkles. Scientific research confirms that within ten weeks of taking collagen supplements, collagen density in the skin can increase by up to 8%.
• Supports cell regeneration 🔄: The skin regenerates faster. A 2020 study reported that four weeks of daily intake of oral collagen hydrolysate significantly improved skin elasticity, especially in areas exposed to the sun. This improvement persisted even after the supplement was discontinued, suggesting a potential benefit for skin recovery after sun exposure.
• Contributes to the reduction of pigment spots and helps maintain an even skin tone ✨.

 

🥤 How to supplement collagen?

Collagen supplements are the most effective way to support the skin from within.

Try Hemnia collagen drink with hyaluronic acid in a refreshing lemon and mint flavour 🍋 containing 3,000 mg of bovine collagen peptides, vitamin C (acerola) and natural fibre (chicory inulin rich in prebiotic cultures). Or try the raspberry flavour 🍇, which contains 6,000 mg of beef peptides.

Hyaluronic acid also contributes to skin hydration and vitamin C helps protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation.

Collagen drink is quick and easy to prepare! Just pour the contents of the sachet into a glass, add 200 to 300 ml of water and mix thoroughly.

Want to make it even easier? With the Hemnia shaker, your drink will be ready in seconds. Plus, you can take it with you wherever you go, so you can replenish your collagen at any time of the day 🥤!

💡 Don't miss out on the great value 3 + 1 Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid package.

Conclusion

A solarium is one way to get a tan. It produces UVA and UVB radiation through tubes.

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause immediate darkening of existing melanin, but at the same time cause oxidative stress, DNA damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays stimulate the production of new melanin in melanocytes. Although tanning develops more slowly, it is longer lasting and provides greater protection against UV rays.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation accelerates skin ageing, reduces elasticity and can damage cell DNA, which increases the risk of not only pigment spots and wrinkles, but also skin cancer.

UV radiation also accelerates collagen breakdown, which affects skin renewal and appearance. To keep your skin supple, hydrated and radiant ✨, don't forget to supplement collagen, which promotes hydration, firmness, regeneration and reduction of wrinkles and pigment spots.

  

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

Foto: AI

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