How to Get a Nice Glow From Tanning Beds

There are many things to consider to receive a healthy glowing tan from an indoor tanning bed. From skin preparation to what type of bed to use, to lotions, moisturizers and even down to what you eat. I have worked in the tanning industry for over 5 years and have learned several secrets to achieving a healthy glowing tan from an indoor tanning bed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good tanning lotion
• Good nutrition
• Good tanning bed
• Good moisturizer

1. 

   First you will want to prepare your skin for a healthy tan. This means drinking plenty of water to help keep your skin hydrated. You will also want to exfoliate your skin extremely well before starting any type of tanning. Get all that dead skin off and start with fresh new skin. The key to getting a healthy tan is to moisturize and moisturize. Please see the link in the resources for more on preparing your skin to safely maximize your tanning sessions.

2. 

   What many people don’t realize is that different beds have different types of bulbs. There are bulbs specially made do more bronzing than others. One problem is that some of the people who work at these places do not know anything about the bulbs or even much about the different beds. If you tan uneven you will want to consider a stand up bed or one with side bulbs. Some states require that a tanning facility has workers who are certified. These people have special training and should be able to be of more assistance. However, it isn’t always the case because sometimes experience means more. Just go to a trusted salon.

3. 

   To avoid a tanning disaster and achieve a healthy natural glowing tan please stay away from strong bronzer lotions. These contain self tanners that if not applied correctly can streak, turn you orange, make you look dirty and stain the creases of your palms, knees and ankles. If you want a nice bronze look go for a DHA free bronzer. These lotions have natural bronzers to achieve that natural sun kissed glow rather than that fake bake ugly. If you do use a bronzer avoid showering at least 4 to 6 hours after tanning. You can always use a cosmetic bronzer if you want a more bronze look for a day out.

4. 

   To keep that beautiful tan glowing you will need to keep it moisturized. You need a tan extender. This is a special moisturizer made to help you extend the life of your tan. Just like with the bronzers you will want watch out for some extenders that contain high amounts of dark bronzers. A light one will work just fine. To get an even more glowing tan use a moisturizer that helps enhance that glow with shimmer. Again, make sure you drink plenty of water.

5. 

   Avoid foods that contain high amounts of beta carotene. Have you ever heard of people who take pills to make them tan? Well these are beta carotene pills. Yes they will make you darker but will you look natural? NO. You will look like a dark edition of the baby who loves carrots to much... orange.

6. 

   Do not over use the tanning bed. You want to look healthy not like a dark leather shoe. After you achieve a nice glowing tan only go to the tanning bed to maintain your results. Once or twice a week should be sufficient depending on how hard you are to tan and exposure to real sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• All skin and tanning beds and bulbs are different. You should really talk it over with the person who works at the salon you attend about how long you should stay. I can’t recommend a suitable time frame when I don’t know your skin type or bed you are using.
• do not promote using tanning beds but I do promote that if you are going to use them, to use them right.
• As you know using tanning beds increase your risk for cancer.
• Never us a lotion that is not approved for tanning beds in a tanning bed. They contain oils that ruin the beds. A salon and make you buy them new shields which I can tell you from experience are very expensive.

[darlenemichaud]

on 2/14/2009 Great info!