Tanning Booth Safety
Tanning beds can give you a safe, golden tan much faster than natural outdoor sunlight. Follow these guidelines to a safe tanning booth experience, and you will have a deep, healthy-looking tan in no time. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Know Your Family History
-
Find out if there is an extensive history of skin cancer in your family. If there is, your best bet would be to avoid both tanning salons and natural outdoor sunlight altogether, as your are at a much higher risk of getting skin cancer from sun exposure.
Know What Medications You Are Taking
-
Some medications are "photosensitive," meaning they make your body react negatively to UV rays. Ask your doctor if the medication you are on is photosensitive, or ask your tanning salon to provide you with a list of medications that are photosensitive.
-
Know How Long to Tan
-
Ask your tanning salon to help you decide how long to tan each time. All tanning beds have a maximum time limit. If you are fair-skinned, sunburn easily or are just starting to tan, it is recommended that you tan for a shorter period of time. You should typically start out tanning for just a few minutes at a time, and gradually build toward the maximum time limit.
Use the Right Tanning Lotion
-
Your tanning salon will have lotions for sale that they will help you choose from. Do not use outdoor tanning lotions with SPF, as they are designed to allow for extended periods of exposure to natural sunlight. Also do not use tanning oil, as it is damaging to the acrylic coating on the tanning bed, and will also give you a streaky tan. Ask a tanning salon specialist to select the right lotion for your skin type.
Wear Protective Eyewear
-
Federal law requires that anyone using a tanning bed must wear eye protection while the tanning bed is turned on. All tanning salons will either have sanitized eye goggles for you to wear, or will allow you to purchase your own pair for a few dollars.
Allow 24 Hours Before Tanning Again
-
Federal law requires that no one tan more than once during any 24-hour period. Make sure that you allow at least 24 hours before tanning again. Your salon will also keep track of how often you tan.
-
