How do I achieve a safe tan using a sun bed?

Buy Self Tanning Kits Online at:

Safe Tans from a tanning bed - To begin with The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are the governing bodies which have helped set standards and regulations regarding the use and safety of tanning units in the UK. The National Radiological Protection Board also governs over the commercial use of tanning equipment.

Users are only exposed to a controlled dosage of ultraviolet light cautiously formulated to tan while minimizing the risk of sunburn - the effect is a safer tan. All tanning units are passed and tested through the FDA who in turn establishes safe exposure times on each machine for your safety.

There are regulations currently in place for all tanning beds:

• They must have a timer in place to limit and record the amount of exposure in a single session.
• The amount of short-wave UV radiation (UVB) emitted should be limited.
• Come with eye protectors that block UV light.
• Provide a prominent warning about the dangers of overexposure
• Provide information on proper use in the form of notices, labels and consent forms.

Most tanning salons provide introductory sessions designed to help you understand and operate the equipment. To further to ensure user safety panic buttons that will shut the machine down and summon an attendant have been installed in the majority of salons.

As a safe tanning guide, people are advised not to use tanning beds if:

• You are under the age of 16 (parental consent and attendance is required)
• You have a Type 1 Skin Type (People with Skin Type 2 are advised to build up a tan VERY slowly with low exposure times.)
• You were badly sun burnt in childhood, or have a history of it.
• You have a large number of moles or freckles
• You have a medical condition that can be aggravated by UV exposure
• Your family has a history of skin cancer.
• You are pregnant. Concern lies with the tanning equipment increasing the woman's core body temperature which can harm the foetus. Provided there is ample ventilation there is little risk of this occurring.

You should be aware of photosensitivity. Photosensitivity is when the skin becomes overly sensitive to ultraviolet light, and this is often linked to medication, chemicals or conditions which react to UV exposure. The majority of compounds that can cause this are normally cosmetically based. Therefore it is advised that you avoid using cosmetics such as deodorants and skin lotions before your tanning session.

There are a few medications that can cause the skin to become photosensitive. Look out for are those that contain:

• Tetracycline
• Thiazide
• Interferon

To ensure a safe tan people should also be careful with any medications used to treat depression, skin conditions, and diabetes. Do not use any products on a tanning bed, except those produced especially for them. Contact your doctor or local pharmacist before going into a salon if you are unsure.

Keep it Gentle

Experts have recommended that we stick to no more than 20 sessions a year on the tanning bed (the International agreed Standard recommends no more than 50.) A log of your sessions should be recorded.

Be honest when considering you skin type, some of us think that by convincing ourselves that we are another skin type we can score longer on the tanning bed and get a tan faster. Some of us will even try and fit in more than one session a day for this very reason. It is advised we have a t least a 48 hour break between sessions. Remember the guides are there to help you get the best possible safest tan.

Keep Watch

Nobody knows your body better than you, so keep watch over it. Check and lookout for any abnormal skin reactions that occur during your tanning sessions. As soon as you notice anything or even suspect a problem stop the exposure straight away and consult a doctor or dermatologist. Moles especially should be watched and checked regularly by your doctor.

Protect Your Eyes

All tanning beds need to be used with eye goggles to protect the eye from the UV light. For a safe tan these need to be worn at all times from the very moment the machine is switched on. Merely closing your eyes will not shield them and WILL result in serious damage to you eyes.

Pink Fridge Online Magazine > dating online > marriage counselling > wedding planning guide > pregnancy symptoms & advice > how to work at home > car insurance advice > overcome depression > hairloss in women > weight loss > diet pills > skin care > stretch mark removal > baby gifts > planning a funeral > shopping for perfume > shopping for earrings > shopping for engagement rings > shopping for sunglasses > shopping for shoes > shopping for wedding favours > shopping for wine

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2009 - Safe Tan

Contact | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Advertising |  Subscribe in a reader