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Dieting, working out regularly, and tanning...all key in having that amazing body we

want to show off on - and off-  the beach.

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Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of time to go to the beach and bask under the

sun to get glowing, brown skin. We're too busy these days. Thankfully, there is a more

convenient option for you: indoor tanning beds.

 

Tanning beds may be the closest thing you can get for golden skin without the sun. Yes,

it adds a certain glow to your overall appearance. Before you step inside the tanning

booth, make sure to read and remember these tips and protect yourself and your skin

against damage. 

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 Here are things you need to remember when using any tanning bed, plus tips on how to treat burns, reduce scarring, and skin damage.

 

1. Determine Your Skin Type

The first thing you need to consider before tanning is your skin type. In fact, knowing your skin type is one of the important things you can do to make sure you are getting a healthy tan.

Before you start with your session, let one of our trained staff members help you determine your skin type to identify what is the right bed and healthy amount of tan time for you.

 

2. Wear Eye Protection

Your eyes require protection against the effects of tanning beds. Otherwise, you put yourself at a higher risk of developing ocular melanoma or eye cancer. This is the reason why the Food and Drug Administration made wearing eye protection mandatory. We offer free eye protection, or you can purchase eyewear from us for your own personal use. Use the globe-shaped goggles, which are two separate cup-shaped lenses, in case you don’t want any tan lines on your face.

Be safe, and if you go elsewhere, watch out for tanning salons that claim their beds are innovative and you don’t need eye protection. At the same time, don’t substitute tanning bed eye protection with closing your eyes, placing cotton balls on your eyes or wearing sunglasses. Eye protection is a must, so don’t step inside the booth or go onto the bed without it.

 

3. Tan Time

Most people think that the longer they stay in a tanning bed, the better their tan will be. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. In fact, extended stay in tanning beds could lead to sunburn and other dangerous and risky skin damage. Therefore, make sure to talk with our staff about your last session, so we can set the timer accordingly. Your personal tanning times may vary based on the bed you are using (as some have much stronger lamps) and your skin type. If you buy your own tanning bed, choose a brand with automatic timer system. This way, you will minimize the risk of sunburn and other possible damage to your skin.

 

4. Keep It Clean

We clean and sanitize each bed properly after each session. We also will provide sanitizer for your use should you need it.

 

5. Pay Attention To The Tanning Bed

Sanitation is very important. We also regularly check its physical, electrical condition, and all of the bulbs. If you have any questions about the wattage of the tanning bed you will use, please ask us. Each tanning booth\bed has a safety power-off feature. This is essential and important to minimize the possibility of burns. Know where this feature is located before the start of the tanning session. The same advice applies if you buy your own tanning bed.

 

6. Tanning Is Not An Everyday Thing

You might think that since you stay on the beach for minimum of three days to get a tan, you can have a tanning session for three straight days, too. Sorry to inform you, but that’s not how it works. The FDA requires tanning sessions only once a week, or at least allow your skin to have a breather for 48 hours. This is because the tanning process takes a while. It usually takes six to 48 hours before you notice the difference on your skin. Hence, never consider tanning as part of your daily routine to avoid burns and skin damage, such as skin cancer.

 

7. Watch Out For Burns

Let’s say you have scheduled a tanning session and followed the procedure mentioned above. That’s good. As soon as when you step out of the booth, you also check your skin for any burns.

Some people think that burns before a tan is normal. It’s not. Your burn from a tanning bed won’t turn into a tan like being outdoors. In fact, you should treat tanning bed burns more seriously because they damage your skin. They can also can cause drying and sunspots. It could also lead to the premature aging of your skin, which makes your skin wrinkle like a 90-year old, even if you’re only 30.

Here are the different types of burns that require the appropriate treatment:

• First Degree Burns. This type of burn comes with pain and reddened skin after the tanning session. The good news is it only affects the top layer of your skin and heals within 72 hours, just like a sunburn. Cold compress, taking cool showers and applying aloe vera could help control the pain.

• Second Degree Burns.Aside from the pain and redness of the skin, you will also experience blisters and increase your risk of getting an infection. If you experience second degree burns, cover the blistered area with non-stick gauze dressing or apply antibiotic or burn ointment to promote healing. It may take a month for the skin to heal with the possibility of serious scarring.

• Eye Burns.This happens when you don’t use eye protection. You will feel burning pain in the eyes within six to 12 hours after the tanning session. This type of burn requires immediate medical attention. Eye ointments, eye drops and pain relievers could help you feel better. If you feel pain after two days, see an ophthalmologist to check your eyes for any possible damage.

 

8. Develop A Base Tan

Did you know that one of the best ways to reduce burns from tanning beds is by developing a base tan? This will help your skin against burning from additional exposure to UV rays.

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How do you get this? By giving your melanin a boost.

Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its tan look. Melanocytes, or cells found in the dermis, produce melanin and is triggered through exposure to UV rays. This doesn’t mean you should relax under the sun.

Gradual exposure to ultraviolet lights leads to progressive production of melanin. Thereafter, the melanin will absorb some of the UV lights, act as a filter and stop the harmful rays from reaching your dermis. This prevents long-term skin damage too.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book that indoor tanning session on a gradual exposure schedule. Just to be safe, take it easy, okay?

 

9. Be Up To Date

Being in the loop and knowing the latest trends in the tanning industry could save you a lot, including your skin. Therefore, take time to read about the latest news, updates, guidelines, regulations and safety facts about the use of tanning beds.

Being up to date could do a lot in reducing your level of danger. Knowledge can help you protect yourself against the risks associated with tanning beds.

The more you pay attention, even if it means learning about a new type of eye protection, the higher the chance of reducing the risks. Knowledge is power, ladies. Maximize the World Wide Web to learn about what’s in and what’s out in the tanning world.

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