Tanning Bed Springs

Know the effects of tanning beds and the dangers of sun tanning

Summer is fast approaching, and your mind turns to that perfect tan. So why when you think tan, a tanning bed springs into your mind? Perhaps it’s because we are constantly bombarded with the dangers of sun tanning and the effects of tanning beds.

For many of us not having a sun tan is like not having hair or clothing. It’s simply a must have. Yet every where you turn you hear about how dangerous the sun is and how bad sun tanning is for you.

Yes, studies have shown that increased exposure to UVA whether from indoor or outdoor tanning can increase your risk of skin cancer. Yes studies have shown that increased exposure to UVB rays from either indoor or outdoor tanning will make your skin turn to leather and wrinkle up like an old prune.

What ever happened to common sense? What if you are one of those lucky persons with skin that never burns? What if you have a porcelain white complexion and just thinking about the sun turns you red? Obviously these two types of person are in totally different playing fields for tanning.

We all know that burning is “bad.” So, if you burn really easy use a sunblock if you are going to be out in the sun, or wear light weight protective clothing. If you are planning to try tanning on a bed speak to the attendant to make sure she puts you in a low dose bed with the correct SPF protection. Try once; if you start to burn forget it. You’ll need to get your tan out of a bottle.

Now there’s good news on that front. Spray tan booths are becoming increasing popular. You enter the booth and they air brush a nice golden tan on your body. Your tan will last a week to ten days and it looks as good as the real thing.

You can also buy your tan in a bottle. Yikes – the first thing you think is orange. Nope, those days are gone. Today the tans coming out of the bottle are o-natural. Just be sure to prep your skin properly – exfoliate and moisturize.

For those people that usually burn once and then tan. A tanning booth could be beneficial. A couple of sessions in a low dose bed with the proper SPF protection could eliminate the burn you usually get. Even with a base tan it is important to continue to use sunscreen because you can still burn.

For those lucky souls that never burn and seem to turn instantly brown at the mention of the sun. Stop snickering! Yes you are the lucky group! No burns, you can tan either indoors or outdoors, and you are certain to get that tan that half the population is envious.

Okay great, but you are not entirely off the hook because the worst kind of skin cancer – melanoma, those ugly wrinkles and that leathery skin has nothing to do with the UVB rays that cause burning. They are a result of the UVA results.

So even though you get that beautiful tan every season with no complications, it could come back to kick you in the “you know what” down the road. It’s important for you to also use a sunscreen. Use at least a 2 or 4. I know you’re thinking “yuck” “I don’t need that stuff,” But trust me your skin will thank you 10 years from now when you still healthy and not looking like an old prune.

You should also be sure to use lots of moisturizer, and not just any moisturizer. Use a specialized product designed to keep your tan looking beautiful longer and your skin looking wrinkle free.

The bottom line when it comes to tanning beds or tanning beaches is simply to use common sense. Don’t overexpose yourself, protect your skin with SPF products, don’t let yourself burn, keep your skin moisturized. Know your limits and stick to them.

You can have that tan, beautiful skin, and a healthy life style if you play by the rules.

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