Precautions to take with Tanning Devices

Listed below are several precautions you may take to protect yourself from the side effects of tanning devices.

In order to prevent sunburn, limit your exposure to the sun. Before using a commercial tanning bed in a salon, inquire as to the recommended exposure limits for your type of skin. Then set a timer to which all tanning devices should be equipped. The timer will automatically shut off the lights which will be your signal that your tanning time is complete. Both your skin type, as well as your age are factors that affect how your skin will react to the tanning exposure, and whether it will burn. The younger you start to tan, the earlier that skin injury could occur, because children and adolescents are more susceptible to the exposure of tanning devices than are adults.

Make sure to use goggles in order to protect your eyes. They should be provided at the tanning location. The goggles should fit securely. Inquire as to whether or not the salon sterilizes the goggles in order to prevent eye infections. If you want to play it safe, bring your own goggles.

You need to take your medical history into account. For example if you are being treated for diseases such as lupus or diabetes, or are susceptible to skin conditions such as cold sores, these ailments could be worsened by exposure to ultraviolet radiation for all types of tanning devices. If you are taking certain medications such as birth control pills, antihistamines or tranquilizers, your skin may be more sensitive to artificial sunlight. (Medications will usually have a warning on the bottle as to the increased sensitivity to sunlight while taking that particular medication, so heed the warning.) Make sure you are aware of the medications that could make you particularly susceptible.

USING SUNSCREENS

If you are seeking out the services of a tanning salon, chances are you exposure yourself to natural sunlight as well (or have in the past). If you do need to be in the sun, absolutely wear sunscreen, as it will offer some protection. If you are not sure of the particular ratings, here is a brief summary. If a sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SFP) of 15 or more, it means that if you normally burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, you should be protected for 15 times as long (150 minutes) by using SPF 15. However, you will probably need to keep reapplying the sunscreen as the actual protection is reduced from the effects of perspiration and swimming.

Sunscreens provide a certain amount of protection again UVB rays, however no product will screen out all of the UVA rays. Although some products claim that they offer UVA protection, there is no method by which to rate UVA protection. If you use a sunscreen with a high SPF number, you still cannot determine the level of protection you will obtain by using the product.



 

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All rights reserved. All service marks and trademarks are properties of their respective owners. All articles are the opinion of the author and is not to be used as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before using a tanning bed.