Ridiculous as it may sound, it’s become quite the controversial question with people either advocating the idea or disregarding it as an option altogether.

In most cases, when one thinks of tanning, the cons seem to outweigh the benefits in a landslide — skin cancer or warm, glowing skin?

However, with the media constantly bringing forth the negative aspects without following through with the positive, it isn’t too surprising.

It’s rare that people know that UV tanning can clear up the skin disorder psoriasis.

And according to the book Sunlight Can Save Your Life by Dr. Zane Kime, recent studies have shown that it also increases resistance to infections, decreases blood pressure and blood cholesterol, increases sex hormones and lessens menstrual pains.

So even if you’ve never set foot inside a tanning salon, perhaps you should give it a try before passing judgment.

This isn’t to suggest going every day for as long as you possibly can. Progression and moderation are key factors when beginning anything, including tanning.

To help out the tanning virgins and maybe the regulars, I’ve created a cheat sheet to help decipher tanning lingo in the areas of beds, lotions and other items deemed important.

It’s all basic information, but should help you figure out what would be the best method to try first.

Happy tanning!

Lotions

Accelerator: The first lotion you should ever use. It adds extra moisture to your skin to allow for more UV absorption. You actually tan 50 percent faster and darker, and your tan lasts longer when one is used.

Delayed bronzer: A tanning lotion that darkens your skin for two to three days after an application. However, it takes 24 hours to first show results.

Immediate bronzer: A tanning lotion that darkens your skin immediately, but can easily be washed off in the shower.

Tingle: Tanning occurs when UV rays interact with the oxygen in your skin. Tingles cause a lot of oxygen to rise to the surface of your skin, getting you the tannest in the shortest amount of time possible. It does cause immediate skin redness and an unpleasant prickling feeling on your skin.

Sunless tanner: Refers to any means of tanning yourself without the use of the sun or UV light. It comes in the forms of Mystic tans, lotions, wipes and sprays.

Tanning Beds and Units

High-Pressure beds: Also known as Velocity beds, these UV beds use only UVA rays so you get noticeably dark the first time you use it. It also has the lowest possible risk for

burning, but is usually in the higher price range.

Low-Pressure beds: These beds utilizes both UVA and UVB rays. These beds are the basic 20 minute laydown tanning bed, and give you a higher risk for skin damage than the high-pressure beds.

Mystic tan: Made for people who want a tan without using UV beds. It’s a mist that layers itself evenly on your skin for a tan that lasts five to seven

Stand-Up units: Vertical UV tanning beds that require you to stand up while you tan. They’re used to even out your overall tan and reach places like your armpits and sides that laydown beds usually miss.

— Jasmine Ines

arts@thedaily.washington.edu