Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,636,046 times. ; Some of the health risks associated with tanning beds are premature aging and an increased risk of skin or eye cancer. Those with paler complexions will tan more slowly, and those with darker skin will tan at a faster rate due to the melanin production in their DNA. Before we got any further, it’s important to know that there is no way to be 100 percent safe when tanning, whether you’re using a tanning bed or are simply soaking up some natural sunlight. Questions continue to rise about the safety of tanning beds, specifically beds that only emit UVB rays. I started using a tanning bed in my mid-20’s and I have never regretted it. Getting a base tan cannot prevent sunburn. Salon and spa regulate the UV. It’s a good idea to shower, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin before tanning, use a tanning accelerator that’s right for your skin while you’re in the tanning bed, and to make sure not to tan more than once in 24 hours. Tanning beds must be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease. of Health and Human Services, National Conference of State Legislatures, Bipartisan, nongovernment organization serving the members of state legislatures and their constituents. Most tanning beds emit UVA and UVB rays, but, recently, beds with only UVB rays are being touted as a healthy alternative to mainstream beds and have been popping up in tanning salons and day spas. If you choose to tan in a tanning bed, how do you do so safely? Tanning beds use UV radiation to damage the DNA of your skin cells, causing a tan. As for Overstreet's contention that most melanoma is associated with a family history, not so, says Fisher. This blog is a place for me to share everything I've learned! Toxicity 101: Ingredients & Understanding Labels for Cleaning Products. Use special cosmetics for tanning in a bed (don’t use sun-block cream). Avoid using harsh soaps that will dry out or coat your skin with a residue. Build up the length of time tanning in 1 minute increments only, and do not rush the process. Factoring in the damage that can be done to your skin by tanning beds, you might want to look for an alternate option. ", "Your information helped me so much! You need to start your tanning schedule slowly, to avoid being sunburned. Both the sun and tanning beds emit U… Tanning Bed Time Chart – For Each Skin... How Many Calories Does A Tanning Bed Burn? Since the lamps in low and medium pressure tanning slowly emit the UVB rays, there is a risk of getting a sunburn. wikiHow's. Hi girls, I know that we love tanning but we have to know how use an Indoor Tanning Bed Safely. Most states only allow adults over the age of 18 to use indoor tanning beds. Without a steady dose of UV rays, some people can begin to feel depressed or fidgety. Excessive amounts of UV exposure can cause a drop in immunity, making the person more susceptible to becoming ill with infectious diseases. A tanning bed is a device that is used for 'artificial tanning'. If you have your heart set on using a tanning bed, you need to practice safe-tanning. So before heading to your local tanning salon to book an appointment, take this time to become knowledgeable about the tanning process, and what you can do to ensure you receive a flawless tan. While we used to think UVA light mostly just caused skin aging, we now know that its longer wavelength penetrates the skin more deeply and is strongly linked to melanoma. In other states, those under the age of 18 may use a tanning bed with a parent’s signed permission. Tanning beds should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Tanning beds use UV radiation to damage the DNA of your skin cells, causing a tan. The time needed in order to see a visible tan varies with everyone. By using our site, you agree to our. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Some tanning salons do not permit nude tanning, so find out what the policies are before you strip down. Once you’re sure that the power is off, you can now start taking the tanning bed apart. Soaps with shea butter or cocoa have natural moisturizing properties. Choose a self-tanner with added moisturizing ingredients, and use additional lotions daily, as self-tanners can sometimes dry out your skin. Some recommended products may use affiliate links. Some sunlamps are marketed specifically for vitamin D production. I'm pretty pale, spray tan just never seems to look just right... firstly, i don't tan easily like some people. If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor and review the policies at the salon before booking an appointment. They found use of the tanning beds before age 35 boosted the risk of melanoma by 75%. I find that if I don't, I get an untanned streak on my sides. UVB starts the tanning process and UVA completes it.UVB stimulates the melanin and the UVA causes the pigment to darken. Things Required: – UV goggles – Sunscreen Lotion – Small Clean Towel – Bikini / Shorts / Underwear. Tanning beds and sun lamps emit the same ultraviolent (UV) light linked to skin damage that radiates from natural sunlight. Tanning oil is not bad for you, but what you do with it can be harmful and dangerous. Some places may have disposable eye stickers that act as goggles instead. Using the right skin care products is the best way to extend the life of your tan. You can also use a foundation brush or sponge to properly blend the lotion into … Read how customers like the tanning service and cleanliness of the place. Just do not remove or lift the goggles completely. Exfoliate: Use a nice scrub to massage your skin. 7. Doing it the day before lets your skin recover from the shaving, and it will not be as sensitive when exposed to the UV rays. Again even a tanning bed can burn your skin. Exfoliating helps prepare your skin before you tan. You can avoid getting pale circles, or “raccoon eyes,” from the goggles by sliding the goggles periodically throughout your tan. "Very efficient article with some humor thrown in that covers all the important points of indoor tanning. Do not tan longer than recommended for your skin type. If you are worried about having to flip and rotate your body inside of a tanning bed, book an appointment for a vertical tanning booth. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Salon Precautions . Exposing your skin to UV rays of any sort can increase your chances of developing skin cancer. Some indoor tanning aficionados say that because tanning machines use mostly UVA light, tanning that way is safer than lying in the sun. ", "I have never used a tanning bed. Tanning beds make your skin age quicker – Those who tan often in the sun or tanning beds will have skin that ages quicker. It's best to tan with a clean face or with a light sunscreen if you use it. Is tanning once a week Safe? Tanning lotions also contain ingredients that help to replace essential minerals, moisture, and nutrients lost during the tanning session. However, you can make your tanning bed experience as safe as possible with a few key pieces of knowledge. Why People Use Tanning Beds They think tanning beds are safer than sun exposure. If you have a base tan or darker skin, your tanning time can be as long as 20 minutes. Creating Signage and Assuring Spa Safety. Use special cosmetics for tanning in a bed (don’t use sun-block cream). Beginners must undergo this process under the supervision of a professional but you can also have safe tanning experience by following a few simple tips. I used a tanning bed for a few times and surprisingly the effect was the same, the acne cleared. I have spent $40-50 each, "Very helpful, as I am new to tanning beds and didn't know a thing after my first session today! Protect your most sensitive body parts – Eyes Never use an outdoor tanning lotion in a tanning bed. Other than drying out your skin, self-tanners are a much safer option for obtaining a gorgeous tan without the damage done by UV rays. Do not use any outdoor tanning lotions or oils. The facts about tanning bed safety are some what convoluted. It is necessary to cover your head as UV radiation adversely affects hair and makes your hair dry and fragile. Exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging and eye damage. Ensure that the salon you choose for tanning is a reputed one. Pay special attention to your knees and elbows. Use lipstick with anti-sun filters. On one side, you have experts claiming that using tanning beds could lead to cancer and other ailments, while experts on the other side are saying that tanning beds are perfectly safe and provide many benefits to users. Tanning bed use can cause a loss of elasticity in the skin, which leads to wrinkling. This is especially important for those with light skin tones. Your eyes will suffer damage if you use a tanning bed without anything covering your eyes. Never wear contact lenses while tanning as they can dry out or damage your eyes. Only spend between 10-15 minutes in the tanning bed for your first few sessions. This makes tanning beds and sunbathing equally dangerous methods of tanning. If there is not enough room inside the tanning bed for you to bend both of your knees at the same time, bend one knee for a few minutes and then switch to the other. For tips on preparing your skin and getting an even tan, scroll down! No. A good insight into the tanning bed tips and tricks can give you the sun-kissed look with little effort. First-time tanners should take the necessary precautions to ensure their first experience is positive. They recommend you should not use UV tanning equipment if you: have fair, sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly Many of you have been asking questions about the sun and the effects that it has on your skin. If this is your first time using a tanning bed, only schedule an appointment for a single use. There are certainly tanning bed safety concerns but as with anything common sense will go a long way to keeping you safe. Your skin will still be exposed to UV rays, which could cause lasting damage, and lead to an increased risk of developing skin cancer. A tanning lotion will help you build a tan faster in a shorter period. Get safety tips for using tanning beds in the following section and make indoor tanning, a happy experience. Once you have experienced multiple tanning sessions, covering yourself will become less necessary. If you want to particularly tan the skin underneath your arms, lift your arms over your head for a few minutes to tan. Tanning safely is the most important tanning bed tip. Step into the tanning bed, shutting the door behind you, and walk to the center. Overall, just try to tan at a slow but gradual rate. Tanning beds don't offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight. It is necessary to cover your head as UV radiation adversely affects hair and makes your hair dry and fragile. Melanoma is the … Many people believe that using a tanning bed to get a base tan will prevent sunburn. Once your skin is perfectly prepped to go into the tanning bed, there are a few more things to remember to tan safely. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Tanning precautions You need to start preparing your skin in the days leading up to your tanning-bed time, to ensure that it is ready to tan safely, and able to hold the tan for longer as well. Tanning Bed Safety Regulations. PBT has bronzers and intensifiers specially formulated for indoor tanning. I used a tanning bed for a few times and surprisingly the effect was the same, the acne cleared. Should I shave before using a tanning bed? Hi! 1. Before you choose to use a tanning bed, you should at least be aware of potential risks associated with them. Most equipment uses a two step process. If you read my article “are tanning beds safe” i explain what kind of dangers one faces when they use a tanning bed. You don’t necessarily have to tan outside to accomplish this. It can also cause an allergic reaction from the combination of heat and makeup. It is not completely true as the former technique produces much more controlled results but the strong ultra violet rays of a tanning bed can cause severe damage in case of negligence. I do not think my information is inaccurate and misleading. Tanning beds are extremely dangerous and should be avoided. You will get a 360 degree coverage just by standing with your arms and legs spread. These are the 7 tanning tricks and tips from doctors and dermatologists that you need to follow this summer 2019. Here, we’ll share our top safety tips, so you can make a better-informed decision. Tanning beds are not safer than the sun – The notion that it is safer to tan in a sunbed compared to tanning in the sun is incorrect. For tips on preparing your skin and getting an even tan, scroll down! Planet Fitness does not have their own line of tanning beds and the beds they have are comparable to most other gym tanning beds. Do I have to wear a bikini in a tanning bed, can't I wear a 1-piece suit? 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