Who wouldn’t want a radiant tan that leaves your skin glowing and bronzed? In the summer, there’s not always time to spend all day laying out. And in the off-season, getting just an ounce of sun can feel like a far-fetched dream. The solution is simple, it’ll just take a few trips to the tanning salon, where you’ll be able to achieve your desired shade in as little as a few minutes. But how do you choose the right tanning bed for you?
Tanning precautionsBefore heading over to the tanning salon, you should always remember that UVA and UVB rays can cause serious damage to the skin. So if you do plan on indulging in some indoor tanning, you should properly protect yourself as best as possible.
When you’re just starting out, it’s best to set your tanning bed timer at five minutes or less to shield yourself from burning. Remember, less is more. That goes for regularity of use too—take a break for a few days in between tanning sessions. Always use the provided protective goggles when indoor tanning. Don’t forget the sunscreen either. Using a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF can further help protect your skin from overexposure.
To avoid an uneven tan, or worse, an allergic reaction, make sure to remove all perfumes, deodorants, and makeup. And while you’re taking that off (along with your clothes), remember to remove your jewelry as well!
Lay-down tanning bedsThe lay-down tanning bed is probably the version that comes to mind when most people picture a sunbed. It’s the traditional “bed” style, lined with UV lamps, that closes horizontally. The biggest advantage of this bed is that you can lay down and completely relax.
The downside? The places that touch the tanning bed the most, like the backside and shoulder blades, become pressure points that turn out less tanned than other parts of the body. And because the bed doesn’t fully close, the sides of the body won’t get much UV light.
Since the body directly touches the tanning bed, this type of tanning bed can also cause you to sweat more. Tanning beds are always disinfected after each use, but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re filled with sweat and bacteria on a daily basis. So there’s always a chance of coming in contact with something.
Stand-up tanning bedsBuilt similarly to lay-down tanning beds, stand-up beds serve the same purpose but are positioned vertically. The main difference here is that the body doesn’t come into contact with the bed, so it’s considered to be more hygienic. Standing cabins also close completely and have lights on each wall, so you’ll be able to evenly tan your whole body.
However, if you’re planning on getting the full tanning salon experience, complete with time to lay down while soaking up UV rays, you may not find this option nearly as relaxing since you’ll be required to stay on your feet.
Spray tanThis one doesn’t necessarily count as a tanning bed, but it can count as a tanning booth. Like a stand-up bed, you’ll be in a standing position for this one. But no UV lamps are necessary! This one is by far the safest option for indoor tanning.
During a spray tan session, you’ll wear a cap over your hair to protect it while self-tanner is misted onto you from nozzles within the booth wall. Spray tanning can also be done manually, with a tanning specialist using a spray gun to gently coat your body in the solution. The effects of a spray tan usually last around 10 days. And it’s a good option for anyone who wants to enjoy a sun-kissed glow, even pregnant women and people with an extremely sensitive and fair complexion.
If you’re having a hard time deciding on which type of tanning bed (or booth) to try out, think about what effect you want. Spray tanning unfortunately isn’t long-lasting compared to tanning beds, so if you want a tan for the long run, go for a bed with UV lamps.
While searching for the right tanning salon to go to for indoor tanning, keep your eyes open. Ask yourself: Are the tanning beds relatively new? Can the specialist working at the salon provide me with factual information? And most importantly, does this salon have the necessary health and safety certifications?
And of course, whenever you can, sunbathe outdoors in the sun—this is the healthiest and cheapest option.
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