How to Use a Tanning Bed Safely
Getting a safe tan from a tanning bed may be somewhat of an oxymoron, according to a variety of medical studies. Numerous organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, have concluded that tanning beds increase your risk for skin cancer, especially melanoma. However, if you are determined to use a tanning bed, there are a number of steps you can take to minimize your risk.
Instructions
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Limit your time in the tanning bed. The longer you spend in a tanning bed, the greater your risk for sunburn and skin damage. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the governmental agency responsible for regulating the indoor tanning industry, recommends that tanning bed users start with short tanning sessions and limit the use of tanning beds to no more than once a week.
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Ensure your salon follows FDA regulations. All tanning salons are required to post their licensing documents in a public area, so it is easy to ensure your tanning salon is licensed by the proper authorities. The FDA requires that all tanning beds feature timers, warning labels, emergency stop buttons and a schedule of recommended exposure times for your particular skin type.
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Evaluate the facility. All tanning salons should educate their clients about the risks associated with tanning beds, and their staff should require you to fill out a medical questionnaire. Some medications have a tendency to increase the risk of sunburn, so this information will be important for the staff to know as they evaluate your skin and recommend the timing and frequency of your tanning bed use. Also, it is important to evaluate the cleanliness of the facility. Every tanning bed should be cleaned after each user; inquire with the staff to make sure they follow this practice.
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Always wear protective eyewear. UV radiation can damage your eyes and increase your risk for developing cataracts, according to the Health Physics Society. All reputable tanning salons should provide protective goggles to shield your eyes from the UV radiation emitted by tanning beds.
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Use a lip product, such as a lip balm, that contains sunscreen. The skin on your lips is thinner than the rest of your body and does not tan, so it is important to protect your lips from sunburn while using a tanning bed.
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Moisturize regularly. Tanning beds can contribute to dry skin, so be sure to use a regular moisturizer to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Many indoor tanning salons recommend moisturizing immediately after using a tanning bed.
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Consider sunless tanning products. Most indoor tanning salons now offer popular spray-on tanning booths that provide a fake, but realistic, tan with no exposure to UV radiation. This is definitely the safest way to achieve a tan without the risks presented by indoor tanning beds.
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Tips & Warnings
The American Cancer Society has determined that tanning bed users are eight times more likely to develop melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- than people who do not use tanning beds. Even infrequent use can increase your risk, according to studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute. Major cancer organizations like the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute recommend avoiding tanning beds and using artificial tanning products as an alternative. If you are determined to use a tanning bed, take precautions, limit your time in the beds and visit your doctor regularly for skin cancer screenings.
Resources
- Photo Credit Dolar at www.sxc.hu
