The benefits of indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning are widely discussed in the cosmetic and health industries. It is ultimately up to you to decide which method is healthy and convenient for you.

When you visit an indoor tanning facility, your skin produces a tan in the same way that it does when you bask in the sun -- through the absorption of ultraviolet light.

Compared To Outdoor Tanning... Indoor Tanning Offers Control & Comfort

Indoor tanners are at a great advantage by having access to the control and comfort that is part of the indoor tanning experience. 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, Federal Performance Standards for tanning devices have been in place to cover and control 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

Outdoor tanners are at the mercy of many uncontrolled elements. Here is an example of a few things to consider if tanning outdoors:

• Solar elevation (height of the sun in the sky)
  

  The intensity of outdoor ultraviolet light (the sun), and especially UVB, depends on the height of the sun in the sky. This will vary depending on the season of the year, time of day and latitude in which you live. UV intensities are highest during the summer months in the 4-hour period around noon (or 13:00 if daylight saving is in effect).

• Atmospheric Scattering
  

  Solar UV is composed of direct and scattered radiation. The sky looks blue because the blue rays from sunlight are highly scattered by the atmosphere. UV is scattered even more than blue light, and this can lead to an increase in a person's exposure.
  
  

• Clouds and Haze
  

  UV intensities are highest under cloudless skies. Clouds generally reduce UV intensity, but light or thin clouds have little effect and under certain conditions may even enhance the UV intensity. Hazy days generally have higher amounts of water vapor; UV scatter in the atmosphere increases and can result in a higher personal UV exposure. Thus, even though haze or cloud cover can cause one to feel cooler, the UV exposure can still be high.
  
  

• Ground reflection
  The reflective properties of the ground have an influence on UV exposure. Most natural surfaces such as grass, soil and water reflect less than 10% of incident UV. However, fresh snow strongly reflects (80%) UV. During spring in higher altitudes, under clear skies, reflection from snow could increase UV exposure levels to those encountered during summer. Sand also reflects (10-25%) and can significantly increase UV exposure at the beach.
  

One of the main benefits of indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning is that regular doses of ultraviolet light are given to you in a controlled environment that suits your schedule.

A session in an indoor tanning facility is an excellent way to improve your health while at the same time minimizing your risk of sunburn. The many benefits of indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning, should be carefully considered the next time you are tempted to slather on sunblock and lie out in the sun. Some studies have shown that exposure to UV can help with improving mood and depression conditions, especially in winter when the suns UV levels point during the year.