We just love our tanning bed sessions. It gives a much-needed boost in winter and prepares the skin for summer. However, tanning beds can also have harmful effects when not used properly. While most women are aware of the potential dangers, they still underestimate long-term effects like skin aging and skin cancer. As long as you take the necessary precautions, there is a safe way to use tanning beds. Some guidelines.

Moderation in all things

Start slow and gradually build up over time. Even when your skin is tanned, give it the time to get used to the tanning bed lamps. It’s not because you are tanned and use a sun lotion you can just jump in every day. Your skin needs to repair itself, so  make sure to leave at least 48 hours between two tanning sessions.

Watch yourself

At the salon the tanning bed will be adjusted to your skin type, as not everybody can use a tanning bed with the same strength for the same time. However, don’t rely on the timer alone. Whenever you feel your skin burn, itch or sting, get out as fast as possible.

Sunscreen

Even if you don’t sunburn easily, exposure to UV rays will dry out your skin and make it age faster. That’s why there are hundreds of creams and lotions to protect your skin and keep it in good condition. Don’t know where to start? We like Loving Naturals sunscreen because it has 100% natural ingredients (no chemicals!), is water resistant and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Medication

Some medications can cause an oversensitive reaction to UV rays and lead to rash or skin irritation. Therefore always read your medication’s instruction leaflet before tanning. By the way, some perfumes and cosmetics have the same effect.

Wear goggles

In a tanning salon you will always get protective tanning goggles, although many people don’t wear them because they fear white circles around their eyes. Still the benefits of using the goggles outweigh the drawbacks. UV rays can cause eye disorders like snow blindness, eye burn and cataract.

Alison