But, unlike fun hours spent outdoors with friends, tanning beds come with a lot of controversies: Are they safe? Will tanning salons even tell you the truth? Or is it ok to go tanning, and not really as big a deal as people make it out to be?
Tanning Bed Tips
I personally can’t go tanning in sun beds because I have a skin condition. Instead, I love my Quick Tan to keep me a nice bronze color all year long. When I want some color with a little more depth? I just use it more often!
However, if you are one of the lucky ones who can handle a little sun and aren’t swayed by potential risks, here are a few tips to remember on Tanning Beds:
Sunbeds aren’t a safe way to tan.
Then again, neither is the sun! So, use the SPF sold at tanning salons for the protection. Also, remember that if you’re using an anti-aging cream, such as Retin-A, your skin is more susceptible to UV damage and shouldn’t be exposed.
The exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer.
You’ve heard that any UV rays can cause skin cancer, but do you know how much they can increase your risk? One report states that “if you use tanning beds before the age of 35, you can increase your risks by up to 75%.”
You can still get a sunburn indoors.
Keep in mind that, just because indoor tanning beds are meant to give you a glowing color, doesn’t mean you can’t get a burn! Tanning beds can lead to possible sunburns, as well as eye irritation, skin dryness, and itching.
While you can’t combat skin damage, be sure to wear protective goggles and don’t forget to moisturize before and after, also.
Saying “No” To Tanning Beds
If you are someone who is worried about aging, you might want to skip the tan beds altogether. Sunbeds accelerate the natural aging process, so a tanning lotion or spray might be a better alternative for you.
Who Should Avoid Tanning Beds at All Costs:
- If you’re under 18 (Did you know it’s illegal to use tanning beds for anyone who is under 18 years old!)
- If you had a bad sunburn as a child
- If you have fair skin that burns quickly
- If you have freckles or moles
- If you are taking medication that makes skin sensitive
- If you have a family history of skin cancer
What To Do If You Can’t Tan?
I know lots of people who get spray tans at salons and they look perfect—no more orange stuff!
Trust me, as you get older, keeping your skin healthy becomes your #1 priority. After all, doesn’t everyone like to hear how young they look? No one is ever going to say “Wow, you look so tan AND so young!” It’s just never going to happen.
Bottom line? If you do decide to tan, ask the tanning salon’s front desk for the safest beds and lotions. However, I think a few extra products now, in the way of self-tanners, are worth looking younger for decades to come!
If you want to try a good self-tanner, check out my article “Self Tanners Never Looked So Good.”
Thank you for reading and please pass this post on to your lovely friends that might have the tanning bug! Also, in the name of great skin, let us know in the comments below if you have a great tanner that works for you.
