How to Get A Healthy, Safe, Tan from Tanning Beds

First off, there is no such thing as a "safe tan". Whether you use a tanning bed, or prefer the natural sunlight, you are still running the risks of skin cancer. That being said, there are ways to reduce these risks while using tanning beds. Like anything, you should educate yourself on tanning beds before you jump into using one regularly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   healthy safe dark tan from tanning beds

   When you get to the tanning salon, fill out a questionnaire regarding your medical history. If you are not offered one, ask for one. These are very important, as some prescription medications will increase the skins sensitivity to UVA exposure. Also, answer truthfully on these questionnaires. These will help the attendants advise how long you should go for.

2. If it is your first time at a tanning salon, they will usually recommend that you go for 7 to 9 minutes. Never go for the full time they recommend. Ask for a few minutes less. This will ensure that you will be less likely to burn, an increase risk for melanoma.

3. Before you lay down in your tanning bed, consider cleanliness. Prior to arriving at the tanning salon you should have taken a shower to clean makeup, perfume, or deodorant off of your skin. These products can make your skin more prone to sunburn if left on. Also, moisturize your skin before. For increased protection, wear sunscreen. You wouldn't go out in the sun without sunscreen after all, and the UVA rays of a tanning bed can be two to three times more powerful.

4. When you get to your bed, ask them to clean it for you. This may seem picky, and a bit annoying for the workers, but it will lower the chances of skin infections that can be caught through tanning beds.

5. 
    
   Healthy safe tan from tanning beds

   Now to what you should wear. Many people will go tanning in the buff, but since the skin that you will expose is extremely sensitive you will run the risk of burning quicker. I recommend wearing a bathing suit or a bikini to protect those areas. NEVER go into the tanning bed without the proper eye wear. Most tanning salons will offer these to you or check that you have them before entering. If they don't, always ask. If you are a contact wearer, take them out before you get in, just for your eyes' safety.

6. When you get home from the salon, take a shower, and apply more lotion. This will help your skin tan faster, and decrease any burn. Last, wait three days between tanning. This will give your skin time to recover.

Tips & Warnings

• If you take all of these cautions, your tanning experience won't be risk free, but the risks will be as minimal as possible.

Resources

• Designer Skin Black Tanning Lotion 20x Bronzers
• Bare Escentuals Faux Tan
• Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
• I-Bod Airbrush Tan Bronzing System w/ LED Even Airbrush Tan Guidance Light by Viatek
• Bare Escentuals Minerals Face Color FAUX TAN

[TheMoreYouKnow]

on 1/11/2009 Good information. Thanks for posting. 5ive *tars.

[hollie1974]

on 1/8/2009 This is a great article! I haven't gone to a tanning bed in a long time but the winter blues are trying to get me down so I think I might go once or twice till Spring comes.

[Lilfix]

on 1/4/2009 great tips! I use to live in the tanning beds but I don't anymore...I miss it, but I know it is not good for me...

Great article... 5*

[StarrySkye]

on 1/3/2009 Great tips!! Thanks for sharing!

[sneedc]

on 1/1/2009 There are bottles of cleaner and paper towels where I go, so I KNOW the bed is clean when I start! And 9 mins for a beginner sounds AGGRESSIVE!?!!? I am olive-complected and would go 4 mins the first 5 times at least! WOW!?!! GREAT WARNING and ARTICLE for tanners. 5*