Tanning bed safety
When it comes to tanning salons, knowing and practicing tanning bed safety can help keep your skin and your health intact. While we all know that artificial tanning isn't entirely good for you, that doesn't stop millions from gathering in tanning salons.
Tanning in a salon is often seen as the lesser of two evils. On the one hand, tanning in a salon avoids sitting out under the actual sun for hours on end, but on the other hand, tanning beds still emit strong UVA rays, which can cause its own damage. Ultraviolet A light is not responsible for causing skin cancer like its counterpart, ultraviolet B (UVB) but studies have shown that UVA rays do result in long term skin damage. This type of damage normally consists of premature signs of aging: deep wrinkles, age spots, roughly textured skin, etc.
Tanning bed safety measures should always be followed by anyone that makes a trip to the tanning salon often. Before setting foot in a tanning bed, make sure you aren't on any medications that could react negatively with UVA exposure. You'll have to fill out a medical history questionnaire so be sure to answer honestly. Lying about one detail could result in a bad situation for you and your health so don't risk it.
Dealing with tanning salons isn't just about exposure to the actual ultraviolet rays but hygiene as well. Each tanning bed sees its fair share of people throughout the day and if the beds aren't properly maintained and cleaned, you could face some issues.
One of the most important safety steps to be taken is to ensure that the tanning bed you are about to use has been thoroughly cleaned with solution. Also make sure there are fresh, clean towels for you to use. Use the proper tanning equipment, such as tanning goggles to protect your eyes (if you wear contacts, you'll have to take them out during your tanning session). Another tanning bed safety tip involves the use of tanning lotion. Be sure you're using a good quality product that is recommended by the tanning salon and read all of the instructions. Never go into a tanning bed without some form of protection on your skin. Tanning lotion not only helps you get a better tan, it also contains moisturizing ingredients that will nourish and hydrate your entire body.
