Using Tanning Beds Responsibly

When tanning indoors, how often and how long you tan in a tanning bed is a decision only you can make. Every person has a different UV tolerance. This tolerance is based on such factors as: your skin type, medications being taken, and how much UV exposure you've already had.

When I use tanning beds I like to keep my exposure to a safe and manageable level. As a personal rule I only use low-pressure beds that mimic natural sunlight, with a UV ratio of 94% UVA to 6% UVB. As well I like to leave a minimum of 48 hours between tanning sessions. Some professional tanning salons recommend a minimum of 24 hours but I like to give my skin a chance to heal. Then as a final precaution I limit my sunbed time to 20 minutes per visit (or less), and to 30 visits per year.

While I do enjoy the benefits of a natural tan, I like to acquire a natural tan slowly. It's very important to avoid a sunburn because that's when the real skin damage occurs. If you want to achieve a tan quickly, or if you have type 1 or 2 skin, I would seriously consider sunless tanning products. I supplement my tanning with such products and find the sunless tanning towelettes excellent. Just remember with sunless tanning products your skin doesn't build-up that natural SPF.