Indoor tanning in beds and booths has become a popular way to get a great tan during every season regardless of how busy your schedule is. Some potential tanners may question the safety of these beds and the damage they will have on their skin, but just like tanning in the sun, there are safer ways to get that healthy glow while minimizing the damage.

Understand Your Skin Type

The natural pigmentation in your skin is going to be a major factor in customizing your tanning experience. For fairer skin than is more prone to burning, a very limited exposure should be given to avoid burning. Even once a base tan is established it may be a good idea to continuously limit exposure on much lighter skin as it can be more prone to damage than darker skin. Most salons will have knowledgeable, well trained staff than can help you determine your ideal tanning regimen.

Be Patient with Your Skin

Get your base on before you attempt for a dark bronze. The worst damage you can get from UV exposure is from burning, so get a little bit of colour at first and work up from there. Tanning slowly helps your body produce more melanin which darkens your skin and protects you from burning. Once you’ve got some tan, you can start stepping up your sessions and adding more glow to your skin while avoiding painful, damage-causing sunburns.

Prepare Your Tanning Canvas

A common tip you’ll get from any salon technician is that “moist skin tans better”. They aren’t just trying to sell you on all those fancy lotions behind the counter, moisturize properly and you’ll get a deeper, safer, and longer lasting tan. Keeping your skin moisturized before, during, and after your tanning session will slow your skins exfoliation and you’ll hold your tan better. Apply your lotion liberally on clean skin before you tan and you’ll see a more even bronzing on healthier looking skin.

The Importance of Dependable Equipment

Not all beds are made equally. The lamps on some beds may be more intense than others or some beds may use infrared in addition to the UV lights. While more intense may be what you prefer to get a darker tan, or you want that extra infrared for the anti-wrinkling effect it has on your skin, understanding the equipment your salon uses will allow you to get the tan that’s right for you.

Be sure the equipment you’re using is safe and properly maintained. Fresh bulbs and new machines will ensure you’re getting the highest quality tan at the safest levels. Protective eyewear is a must. Sunglasses, even with UV protection, won’t do in a tanning bed. Wearing proper tanning goggles is the only way to safely protect your eyes.

Tanning and exposure to UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays can be done safely as long as you’re careful, patient, and have done your research. When done right, it can actually be beneficial in helping your body produce vitamin D and securing a base tan that will prevent potential burns from the sun. You’re getting the same rays from natural sunlight, so when using a tanning bed, it’s only a matter of knowing your tanning limits. And as with most things you enjoy, tanning is best done in moderation.