How to Use a Tanning Bed Once a Week

Using a tanning bed once a week is an easy and convenient way to maintain a tan without becoming too dark, too fast. Unlike tanning more than once per week, one visit will allow you to maintain an even color throughout a season. Some people prefer to tan more often than once per week to achieve darker results. Tanning once per week is a good way for those new to tanning to begin.

Things You'll Need

• An appointment at your favorite tanning salon
• A sticker for tracking the depth of your tan (optional)
• Tanning lotion or tanning accelerator (optional)

Instructions

1. Book an appointment at your favorite tanning salon or spa. Always have in mind two or three times for the week that work well for you.

2. When speaking with the receptionist at the tanning salon, consider booking appointments for once per week for an entire month. Note the time of your tanning appointment and show up promptly for each tanning session.

3. Once in the tanning room, undress to your level of comfort. Some people choose to wear their swimsuit in the tanning booth, while others choose to undress completely. Undressing completely will help you avoid lines from tanning.

4. Turn the tanning booth on according to the tanning salon instructions. Some salons will have the tanning booth ready for you, requiring only the push of a button. Others will ask you to manually set a timer yourself.

5. Lie down in the tanning booth (or stand as may be required) for the duration of the tanning session. Place tanning goggles over your eyes, or keep your eyes closed through the session to avoid damage to the eyes.

6. Once your tanning session has finished, dress completely and then sanitize the tanning bed as instructed by the tanning salon.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider booking appointments for several weeks at once. Doing so can help ensure that you receive your preferred appointment time each week. If the tanning salon offers package deals, consider purchasing multiple sessions at once. This saves money over purchasing each session singularly. Those who are new to tanning should consult with a tanning professional about the length of time spent in a tanning bed. People who burn easily should start at the lowest possible wattage and length of time to avoid sunburn.

• Tanning in a tanning booth is not any safer than unprotected exposure to the sun. They both have been proven to increase the risk of skin cancer, cause skin damage and expedite the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.