6 Steps To Safe Tanning

Author: Tim Croy

If you're looking for a simple way to get that sun-kissed bronze look all year, use tanning beds, which are widely available in salons and spas. These machines use UV rays, generated by fluorescent bulbs, to tan the skin. Because tanning beds have different effects than tanning by sunlight, you should use caution to protect your skin. Try the following tips:

* Know your limits. You need to know what the maximum amount of
exposure you can tolerate is. Every tanning bed varies in shape, size, and intensity, but they are required by law to display their maximum exposure limit, so you should be able to determine your limits. Usually, you won't want to tan for longer than 20 minutes per session, and never more often than 2 days consecutively.

* Love your face. Many of the body parts most susceptible to damage from UV radiation are on your face, so you need to take precautions to protect them. Don't just close your eyes - wear goggles! If your salon does not provide them, bring your own. Keep your lips safe and smooth by wearing lip balm with sunscreen, and protect the delicate mucous membranes of your nose with nose plugs.

* Think gradually. You need to give your body time to adjust to tanning beds, so you should use increments to build up your exposure limit. Start out at 4-5 minutes per session, and over a period of 3-4 weeks, increase your time. This way, you will safely work up to being able to tolerate the tanning bed's maximum exposure.

* Wear sunscreen. It sounds simple, but it's important to remember that your skin is exposed to UV rays in a tanning bed.
To help prevent UV radiation and skin cancer, use a protective lotion. These are often available at your salon, and if you use one with beta-carotene and vitamin A, your tan will look even more natural.

* Kill germs. Certain diseases and lice can be transmitted when many people share a tanning bed, so if you're tanning at a salon, make sure the management cleans the bed in between uses.
You can usually ask for a complimentary hygienic wipe to do your own quick cleaning, too. Even if you're using a personal tanning bed, make sure to use an antibacterial cleanser before and after every session.

* Use fans. It's imperative that you have good air circulation while tanning. If your bed does not have an internal fan, set up one outside that will blow on the bed during your session.
Although overheating is a common problem, it should never be lightly dismissed.

Remember that you are responsible for knowing whether tanning beds are right for you. If your skin gets sunburns easily, or if it is particularly sensitive to UV rays, a self-tanning product or spray-tanning booth might be a better choice. But as long you follow these tips, tanning beds can keep you glowing all year long.

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