A tanning bed is a device that is used for ‘artificial tanning’. Though it is much in demand with the increasing trend of sizzling bronze look, the risks involved in using it are high as well. One must follow the tanning bed safety tips mentioned in this article to get the look they want, without getting ‘burnt’!
Using a tanning bed is a personal choice. Usually people believe that tanning indoors is not as damaging as tanning outdoors and hence, they do not follow the safety measures while using tanning bed. Remember that following tanning bed safety guidelines properly is a prerequisite for protecting your body from harmful ultraviolet radiations which can cause skin cancer, premature skin aging and other skin and health problems. If you choose to get tan using tanning beds, then the safety rules must be followed so as to decrease the risk of skin damage. Get safety tips for using tanning beds in the following section and make indoor tanning, a happy experience.
Safety Tips to Follow
You can reduce tanning bed side-effects, including risks of any damage to your skin, eyes and other concerns by paying attention to the following tanning beds safety tips.
Salon Precautions
Ensure that the salon you choose for tanning is a reputed one. Make sure that the staff running this tanning bed salon is enough knowledgeable and qualified. They should have proper knowledge, risks associated with tanning, and the equipment itself. Also, they should be maintaining their beds and check that they have tanning safety advice posters in full view.
Tanning equipment should meet standard specifications and compliance with radiation emitting device regulations. Not only will your tan depend upon using a high quality bed, but also will your safety. Even if you are purchasing a home tanning bed, opt for the best quality. With so many options available, be sure to research on each possible bed, in-depth before you make this big purchase.
Right Age for Tanning
Children and teenagers often have a lot of craze about tanning. However, children under the age of 16 should not use tanning beds. Skin of kids is vulnerable to damage due to tanning.
Maintain the Hygiene
Make sure that the bed used and other tanning equipment in the salon are very clean. Once registered and shown to the tanning bed area, you must look for a cleaning solution and towel. Thorough cleaning can cut down skin infections that might be possibly passed from one customer to the next. You must check that all contact areas of the tanning bed are disinfected between uses. If you find that anything is not clean, immediately ask the staff member to get it cleaned before you start with the tanning session.
Read the Warnings
Check the warning labels on tanning lamps used in tanning beds and read them carefully. These labels specify the recommended exposure time to the lamps, for different types of skin. Some also mention, how often should exposure to the lamps occur. Do follow the warnings and don’t exceed the recommendations.
Heat Shield
A heat shield should be present to prevent heat skin burns that may result from contacting the tanning lamps. A clear plastic sheet is probably used as a heat shield. This will also provide protection for an individual in the tanning bed, if there is a lamp breakage.
Tanning Lotions
How much amount of UVA and UVB rays will reach your skin, depends upon the tanning lotion. You can use hydrating tanning lotions specifically formulated for skin while you use tanning beds; these keep your skin, safe from the harmful rays.
Maintain the Time
In the attempt to get that enticing tanned look, some of you might ignore the safety facts and warnings written on tanning beds. Remember that you have to follow the maximum exposure time in the tanning bed, per day. If it is supposed to be twenty minutes, stay in the bed for twenty minutes, do not exceed the timing.
Avoid Consecutive Sessions
Strictly avoid consecutive tanning bed sessions. Wait for a minimum of 48 hours before the next tanning bed session. For ultimate safety, increase the time interval between tanning sessions.
Eye Protection
Proper protection such as goggles is highly recommended. Following this safety guideline is essential to keep your eyes safe and healthy, else your retina or cornea might get damaged. Moreover, you might also end up with cataract which can lead to blindness.
Existing Skin Problems
Before you opt to use tanning bed, consider any skin reactions that usually occur when exposed to sun. You should not ignore the existing skin problems. If you are suffering from skin conditions such as rashes, infections, etc., consult a physician before using a tanning bed. Also, if you are on any medication, ensure that the medication does not increase the likeliness of sunburns.
Stay Updated
Be aware of the dangers and risks of tanning. Keep yourself updated with what’s going on, in the tanning bed industry. Check for new guidelines, regulations and rules to ensure that your tanning experience is the best.
There is nothing as “completely safe tanning”, and therefore, skin cancer or any type of skin damage from tanning beds is always a possibility. Whether you are exposing your skin to the sun’s rays outdoors or indoor, in a tanning bed, you are increasing the risk of skin cancer. Though you may agree that tanning beds are not safe, the fact remains that most of you will use them at one time or another; after all it is so hard to resist the temptation of a gorgeous glowing sun-kissed look! So, follow the aforementioned safety tips and lessen the risk of burns and dangers associated with tanning bed.