How to Not Burn in a Tanning Bed

Think ahead when tanning.

A painful tanning bed burn is an unpleasant sensation. Burns are harmful for your skin and increase your chance of developing skin cancer. Taking precautions can help you get the tan you want without the burn.

Instructions

1. Discuss how many minutes are appropriate for your skin type with a professional at the tanning salon. All tanning beds are different, so this will weigh into the amount. If you are an experienced tanner, it still is a good idea to consult someone. It might be a different bed or the salon might have changed bulbs since the last time you visited.

2. Keep a close eye on your sensitive areas while working on your base tan. This includes your face, breast and rear end, the most common places that burn. Leave them exposed to the bulbs for half of your tanning visit and cover them up with a towel during your first visit. Increase exposure slowly during each tanning visit until there is no chance of burning. You don't want to use an outdoor SPF lotion for these areas because they are not formulated for the tanning bed. Another option is to use a tattoo stick.

3. Don't go over your time once you've achieved a base tan. Don't do two or more sessions in a day or lie in the sun the same day as your tanning session.

4. Heal and start the entire tanning process over if you do get burned. It is best to tan less and build up than to overdo it, burn and have to start from scratch. Keep track of your progress by using stickers. Adjust as you go so you don't get burned.

Tips & Warnings

• Exposure to UV rays increases your chance of developing cancer.

• Burning yourself increases your chance of cancer.

• Tanning is a contributor to wrinkles.

References

• Sunburn Magazine: Tanning Bed Burn Dangers