Tanning Bed Lotion: How to Protect Your Skin While Tanning
Nothing makes us look healthier than having a beautiful golden glow to our skin. Sunlit, beach-bronzed skin gives the look of health and vigor. Unfortunately, the very look that we tend to associate with health is actually a sign of damage to our skin. Achieving a natural tan carries significant risks, not only of premature signs of aging such as sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles but also of skin cancer, including deadly melanoma. While no tan gained through UV ray exposure is free of risk, tanning in an indoor tanning bed with the use of the best tanning bed lotion lowers the risk of over-exposure leading to burns.
According to dermatologists, even a single sunburn significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, while tanning in an indoor tanning bed with the help of the best tanning bed lotion carries virtually no risk of sunburn, making it a safer option than tanning outdoors.
How do Tanning Beds Work?
Indoor tanning beds use specially designed bulbs that emit UV rays. The majority of tanning beds use UVA rays to provide the tan. UVA rays are safer than UVB light. Tanning beds use short, intense bursts of UV light to allow the user to achieve golden, tanned skin. Frequent use of indoor tanning beds—along with the use of one of the best tanning bed lotions to protect skin and increase tan intensity—leads to a deeper, darker, more lasting tan.
Tanning Bed Safety Regulations
Most states only allow adults over the age of 18 to use indoor tanning beds. A good tanning salon will follow the recommended guidelines for the tanning equipment they use. In other states, those under the age of 18 may use a tanning bed with a parent’s signed permission. Most tanning salons also restrict the amount of time a new user without a base tan is allowed to use a tanning bed. This limits the possibility of burning. Burns from professional tanning salon beds are very rare.
Indoor Tanning Bed Safety Tips
- Prepare your skin for tanning by gently exfoliating the day before you plan to tan. Follow exfoliation with light, oil-free moisturizer.
- Be sure to use a chapstick or lip balm with SPF sun protection before entering the tanning bed.
- Never use an outdoor tanning lotion in a tanning bed. Instead, choose one of the best tanning bed lotions available. Indoor tanning bed lotions protect your skin by adding moisture while they enhance the effects of UV rays. The best tanning bed lotions open pores and magnify the UV rays of the tanning bed for a deeper tan without skin drying.
- Be certain to check any medications you are on for photosensitivity warnings. Some medications increase sensitivity to UV rays and using a tanning bed while taking those medications may result in burning and sun damage.
- Protective eyewear is generally provided for you in a tanning salon and must be worn during the tanning session. UV rays are damaging to unprotected eyes.
- Makeup should be removed prior to entering the tanning bed, and no jewelry should be worn during the session. Avoid essential oils and perfumes. Only the best tanning bed lotions should be used in tanning beds. Using an outdoor tanning lotion may damage the tanning bed.
- Build a pre-tan, or base tan, before attempting a deep tan. The tanning professional will advise you how best to achieve a base tan with short sessions before moving on to a deeper tan.
- If you choose to be nude during an indoor tanning session it’s advisable to protect the palest parts of your body by giving them minimal exposure and slowly building to a base tan.
- Avoid over-exposure by strictly sticking to the recommended time of your tanning session.
- Research your chosen tanning salon before scheduling a session. Read reviews and check how well their tanning beds are maintained. Safe-tanning posters and guidelines should be posted in key locations throughout the salon.
- Avoid tanning before age 35. Skin cancer research has shown that those who begin using tanning beds before age 35 are 75 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Studies show that women are most at risk and are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan before age 30.
- You may wish to choose to cover your face with a UV blocking towel. Facial skin is thinner and burns faster than the rest of the body. It also shows signs of aging sooner than other areas. If you do choose to tan your face, you should expose your face to shorter periods of tanning than the remainder of your body. You can do this by covering with UV blocking towel provided by your tanning professional after a specific amount of time has passed. Your tanning professional will help you to know when it’s time to cover.
While no UV ray exposure is safe, following these guidelines will lower the risk level for burning and over-exposure.
Resources— PalmBeachTan.com, AmericanProfile.com, AquaLivingStores
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