Tanning Beds and Booths

Are they safer than the sun?

Many people are under the impression that tanning beds are a safer alternative to the damaging UV rays of the sun.

But are they?

Here we will explore the safety of indoor tanning devices.

If you believe that it’s safe to fake and bake, then unfortunately you have been misled.

In reality there is no safe tan, whether you’re sun tanning or indoor tanning.

The sun emits UVA and UVB rays which are responsible for skin damage, burns and skin cancer. For more detailed info on sun tanning go here.

The tanning devices emit mostly longwave UVA rays which penetrate the skin deeper than the UVB rays.

UVA rays are less likely to cause a skin burn, however they still contribute to skin damage, premature aging and skin cancer such as malignant melanoma.

The more time you spend in any tanning device, the higher your chances of developing skin problems.

The safest alternative to the tan is a tan in the bottle. If you need more information go here.

If you still decide to hit the tanning salon, there are a few things to keep in mind to protect yourself as much as possible.

• Limit your exposure. Every skin type is different so you need to find out what the recommended tanning time is for you. Start with the shortest time recommended and increase it very slowly over your next sessions as recommended by the tanning salon staff.

• Stop tanning if you burn yourself. If that happens, you obviously spent too much time in the tanning bed at once. Treat your skin burn and only return to the tanning salon when your skin is completely healed then start off slower.

• Stop tanning if you develop a rash, itchiness or any other skin irritation. Consult your doctor if the reaction is severe.

• Use goggles. Never, ever tan indoors without the protective goggles. Too much exposure to UV rays can damage the retina or even burn the cornea. Make sure the goggles fit snugly around your eyes. It is best to purchase your own goggles, instead of using the ones from the salon. You don’t want to catch an eye infection.

• Consult your physician before hitting the tanning salon if you have a medical condition, take any medications or are pregnant. Some medications and/or medical conditions will make your skin more sensitive to the UV rays.

They both have their pros and cons and which one you choose it’s entirely up to your preference.

Bed’s Pros:

• It’s very relaxing to lie down for 10-20 minutes and pretend you’re on the beach, especially in the middle of the winter’s cold. You can spend that time listening to the music, sleeping or meditating.

Bed’s Cons:

• You don’t tan evenly, especially on your sides unless you keep turning while you tan.

• Some people are claustrophobic and hate being confined to a small space.

• Some people’s skin is sensitive to the chemicals that are used to clean the beds. This can result in a rash or a skin irritation where your body was touching the bed.

• On the other hand if the bed is not cleaned properly you might be lying in somebody else’s bacteria. Yuck!

Booth’s Pros:

• The booth is way faster than the bed. The UV lamps are stronger and will tan you faster, therefore cutting your tanning time by a half.

• The lamps are all around you, so your tan will be even and you don’t have to move around at all.

• It is more sanitary since your feet are the only ones touching the unit. And you can always wear your flip flops if you’re concerned about sanitation.

Booth’s Cons:

• Standing up in the booth is definitely not a relaxing experience, especially if it gets really hot. Make sure the fan works well before you step into one.

• You have to use goggles with an elastic band to put around your head. That might give you white lines like the sunglasses do.

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