Eye Damage From Tanning Beds

Know the dangers of the tanning bed and tips for using them safely

Eye damage from tanning beds is one of the main dangers of the tanning bed, but not the only concern. Here are some tips for using tanning beds safely.

• 1. Always wear eye goggles designed to stop UVA and UVB from reaching your eyes. Tanning beds can cause conjunctivitis, corneal infections, as well as serious damage to the cornea and retina.
  
• 2. Always use a sun tan lotion or oil designed for indoor tanning and containing SPF protection. SPF 15 is the recommended strength.
  
• 3. When choosing an indoor tanning lotion, start with a beginner lotion and work your way up. Don’t ever start with a Pro lotion or you’ll be crispy critter and heading for the hospital. Pro means just that. These products are designed for people that have deep dark tans already.
  
• 4. Don’t use tanning oils designed for outside use. They will make the acrylic dirty and prevent you from tanning.
  
• 5. If you use the tanning bed a lot, and you have room in your home, consider buying your own bed. This gives you the freedom to tan on your own schedule, as well as the added comfort of being in your home. There are plenty of good beds available for home use at great prices.
  
• 6. Moisturizing is key to good tanning and keeping your tan looking good. Whether you are tanning indoors or outside always apply a good moisturizer after tanning. Buy one of the specialized moisturizers specifically designed for tanned skin. You tan will last up to 50% longer when properly moisturized.
  
• 7. Know your skin type. There are five skin types ranging from Skin Type 1 [albino] to Skin Type IV [very dark]. Your skin type determines the how long and how often you use the tanning bed. Most salon attendants are trained to recognize your skin type and instruct you accordingly.
  
• 8. More is not always better. The Golden Rule to Smart Tanning is very simple – do “not” allow yourself to get a sun burn. If you are one of those fair skinned people that cannot get a tan without burning, then don’t tan period! For most of tanning without burning is very doable. A little bit of patience will go along way. Let your tan develop slowly and avoid the burn stage completely.
  
• 9. If you own your own tanning bed be sure to do the regular maintenance. Change the bulbs at their scheduled times. Weak bulbs won’t tan you. Do all maintenance as instructed by the manufacturer to keep your bed operating optimally and to keep your health safe.
  
• 10. When choosing a salon to tan at, ask the attendant how often their beds are maintained and how often the bulbs are changed.
  
• 11. If you are using a salon ask how the attendant what type of disinfectant or germicide they use. Ask what there cleaning regime entails. Check the tanning bed yourself for cleanliness. They should be using a disinfectant equivalent to what a hospital uses. The last thing you want is to pick up some nasty fungus or bug.
  
• 12. Use moderation. As with everything moderation is often the key. Don’t tan for too long, and don’t tan everyday. If there is a genetic skin cancer risk then don’t use a tanning bed at all!

No one can deny that having a tan makes you look better and feel better. But having a tan and being blind or dead by age 45 is no ones goal. So take some simple precautions to keep you eyes and body healthy. You can look great and stay healthy with a little common sense!

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