Tanning Beds Do’s And Don’ts

1. Tan in moderation – more isn’t necessarily better, even though you really want that gorgeous tan quickly.

2. If you’re not familiar with indoor tanning follow the guidelines the salon provides and the staff’s expertise.

3. Split up tanning sessions into shorter more frequent sessions. So if you want a 20 minute session but the salon says that’s too long, do a 13 minute one day and a 7 minute the next day.

4. If you have SAD talk to your doctor about using tanning sessions to make you feel better

5. Use proper sun tanning lotion. Purchase products that are made for indoor tanning. These are best purchased from knowledgeable salon staff who can ensure you get a product that will work for you

6. Use a sunscreen based product

7. Cover sensitive areas such as genitals and breasts. Areas of skin not used to exposure will burn much quicker

8. Make sure you know the salons cleaning procedures for their tanning beds

9. Ask questions if your not sure about something

10. Wear eye goggles at all times

11. Relax and enjoy your session

12. Moisturize thoroughly after every session to keep your skin soft and glowing.

1. Overextend the recommended tanning session length

2. Use the tanning bed every day

3. Let yourself burn

4. Tan if you are pregnant without your Doctors permission

5. Tan if you have had skin cancer in the past

6. Use a tanning bed if you have an infection or illness that could be transmitted to others

7. Suntan if you are on medication that may cause photosensitivity such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines.

8. Expose sensitive areas to tanning

9. Use outdoor tanning products. They are “not” the same.

10. Continue tanning if you develop a rash, blisters, a burn, or any skin irregularities.

11. Allow your children to use a tanning bed

12. Allow your teenagers to use a tanning bed unless they are supervised

Things You Should Know:

1. Tanning beds use either UVB or UVA rays to tan the skin. Both types of rays have been contributed to health problems with long term exposure

2. Tanning both indoors, and outside have been attributed to increased skin cancer risks, eye damage including retina and cataracts, premature aging and wrinkling, and weakened connective tissue.

3. Some medications and foods may contribute to the development of skin rashes, or other irritations.

4. Some experts believe that indoor tanning may actually be riskier than outdoor tanning, since you don’t get the “burn warning”

5. Whether you are tanning indoors or outdoors limit your exposure time

6. The amount of damage UV rays causes to the skin depends on genetic factors

7. The skin of children is much more sensitive

8. Exposure to UV rays can weaken the immune system making people more susceptible to infection and disease

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million people visit tanning salons every day, so it’s quite apparent we are not ready to give up our golden tans.

The skin is the largest organ of our body, responsible for protecting and regulating the body. Yet it is the organ we abuse the most. No I’m not saying give up the sun or your tanning bed sessions. After all everything we do in life has risks. What I am saying, is simply use common sense.

Play by the same rules whether you’re tanning indoors or out. By following the tanning beds do’s and don’ts you can tan safely. Take care of your skin and it will take care of you, and enjoy that tan!