How to Get the Best Tan in a Bed
For many people, tanning beds are a quick and easy way to achieve a summery glow year-round. Some think they look healthier with a tan, while others like the energizing boost they feel from a session under UV lamps. Follow these steps to get the most effective tan from a lamp, but keep in mind that exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer and eye damage. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of tanning before starting a regimen. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tanning oil for indoor use
- Protective eyewear
- Body wipes
- Sanitizing spray or wipes
Instructions
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Remove clothing from the parts of your body you want to tan. Some people tan while completely nude, while others wear bathing suits. Keep in mind that the genitalia and buttocks are more susceptible to developing skin cancer, according to the UAB Medicine website.
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Spray tanning lotion or oil designed for indoor tanning on the exposed areas of your body. Make sure you apply an even coat. These products help concentrate the UV rays and help your skin tan faster than usual. They also are designed to moisturize your skin, which helps prolong the tan.
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Put on protective eyewear. Exposure to UV rays can cause eye issues such as cataracts and retinal damage, so always guard your eyes.
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Set the timer of your tanning bed. Tan for only a few minutes at a time if you are new to tanning, but you can tan for up to 20 minutes if you are more experienced.
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Lie in the tanning bed until the your time is up. Spread your arms and legs so you get an even tan. When you're done, sanitize the bed with spray or wipes, and use a damp cloth or disposable towelette to remove the tanning oil from your body.
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Return to the tanning salon every other day to achieve the darkest tan and to maintain your color. It is not recommended to tan every day.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are using a public tanning bed, wipe the bed with sanitizing spray before you use the bed as well as after.
Check your medications to ensure that they will not cause side effects. For example, birth controls pills may cause rashes or redness after overexposure to UV rays.
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
