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Pol J Cosmetol 2010, 13(3): 166-170pl,en  Skin complications developed after the solarium exposure and the reasons for acquiring artificial suntan in light chambersAnna Zarębska 1/, Bogusław Antoszewski 2/ 1/ Studium Doktoranckie, Wydział Mechaniczny, Kierunek Aparatura i Sprzęt Medyczny, Politechnika Łódzka 2/ Klinika Chirurgii Plastycznej, Rekonstrukcyjnej i Estetycznej II Katedry Chirurgii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi Summary Introduction. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) exerts both a positive and negative impact on the skin. The outcome of the UV exposure is determined by a number of factors such as the intensity of lights, exposure times, skin complexion or skin thickness. The aim of this paper is to determine the frequency and the nature of the skin changes appearing among the individuals who expose themselves to artificial UV radiation from solar lamps as well as to explain the motivation behind using the indoor tanning in question. Material and method. The survey was conducted among 120 solarium users of both sexes. It was aimed at the individuals whose skin indicated its previous exposure to solaria lights. Results. Nearly half of the respondents (47.5%) admitted to using solaria once up to twice a week, while only 13.3% do it periodically. The research showed that among 75% of those polled, solarium tanning led to some skin changes. The most frequent unpleasant consequences observed by the respondents were skin dryness (32.5%) and dilated blood vessels (18.33%). A vast majority of the respondents justified their undergoing ultraviolet radiation by the desire to raise their attractiveness. Conclusion. Exposure to artificial UV radiation from solaria lamps is not a safe method of tanning and is frequently associated with the occurrence of skin complications such as its dryness or the dilation of blood vessels. The main inspiration for using a solarium is the belief that tanned skin is more attractive. Key words: solarium, UV radiation, skin complications, motivation |