Never do this in a solarium

While atanning session in a tanning bed may seem like a fairly standard procedure designed to improve your appearance and, consequently, your mood, there are a few rules to follow. This time, we'll look at tanning from the perspective of the most common mistakes made by tanning bed users and offer tips on how to ensure a pleasant tanning experience and satisfying results.

Don't use the solarium too often

Moderation is key, and safe tanning requires careful selection of the frequency of sessions. While it might seem that a tanning bed allows for perfect results in a very short time, in reality, to enjoy a beautiful tan, regular, albeit moderate, use of the tanning bed is necessary. Too frequent sessions can lead to burns, which causes the skin to peel. Consequently, you must wait until the skin has fully healed before you can begin building your tan again. To tan safely, adhere to the recommended intervals between tanning bed visits, which should be at least 48 hours. This is the time needed for the skin to regenerate and the tan to develop.

Do not exceed the permitted or suggested viewing length.

As with the principle described above, common sense is paramount. Often, customers come to a tanning salon with the intention of achieving a quick tan, for example, before an important event or a vacation. And then, despite the staff's suggestions and against common sense, they decide on a single, very long tanning session. This behavior most often results in skin burns, which, in addition to aesthetic reasons, is also painful. The aforementioned advice from tanning salon staff should provide customers with guidelines regarding the length and frequency of sessions, as they are familiar with the equipment, know how to change lamps (which requires special care), and can choose the right device for a given client's skin type, among other things. However, if any doubts arise, opt for a shorter tanning session, as this is a safer option, and subsequent sessions can be gradually extended by a minute or two.

Do not use sun tanning cosmetics in the solarium

You've probably seen a message like this in a tanning salon. While it may seem like tanning is the same everywhere, there are actually differences between tanning in a tanning bed and tanning on the beach that need to be addressed. Controlling the amount of UV radiation reaching our skin is crucial. When we spend several hours basking in the sun, we have no control over how much UV rays reach our skin. However, when we use a tanning bed, we do have this option, as choosing the right tanning time allows us to predict the results we'll achieve and, importantly, if used in moderation, protects us from sunburn. This relationship also determines the type of tanning products we should choose when tanning in a tanning bed . Considering that the exposure time is only a few minutes and the goal is to get a tan, using sunscreen—simply put—defies the purpose. It's like using an umbrella in the shower. Moreover, each cosmetic product is tested for its intended use, so sunscreens are not tested in tanning salons, and therefore, the consequences of using them in such circumstances are not completely predictable. The same applies to oils and other skincare lotions, which customers often bring to tanning salons. These can also have undesirable consequences, such as clogged pores or allergies, if used for indoor tanning, contrary to their intended use.

Don't stare at tanning lamps

Proper eye protection is crucial when using a tanning bed, so it's essential to put on special protective goggles before tanning. It's crucial that they have the necessary certifications and provide the required level of protection. It's worth noting that simply closing your eyes doesn't provide adequate protection, as eyelids are so thin they can't block UV radiation. Failure to properly protect your eyes can lead to eye damage or impaired vision.

Do not sunbathe with jewelry, makeup or perfume on

To achieve a flawlessly even tan, small steps like removing jewelry are also important. When wearing a necklace, watch, or bracelet, it's virtually impossible to avoid white lines, which can be unsightly. It's also important to cleanse your skin of perfume—a precautionary measure that can prevent irritation or allergic reactions. Leaving makeup on can not only cause an uneven tan (especially if the foundation contains SPF), but can also lead to discoloration. Most tanning salons offer makeup removal products, but it's worth carrying makeup removal wipes just in case.

Do not use a solarium if you have contraindications to sunbathing.

Anyone using a tanning bed should be aware of the consequences of tanning while taking certain medications or during illness. It's also worth ensuring that any medications they take don't contain photosensitizing substances; this group includes antidepressants, diuretics, and hormonal pills. Obvious contraindications to tanning include being very young (under 18), pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Tanning beds should be avoided after surgery, minor cosmetic procedures, and if there are unhealed wounds, such as those resulting from a tattoo.

Do not use a solarium after sunbathing

A related point to judiciously selecting the timing and frequency of tanning sessions in a tanning bed is combining it with another form of exposure to UV radiation: sunbathing. Although many clients treat tanning beds as a way to achieve a beautiful tan before going on vacation, it's important to remember not to overdo it, and it's also important to maintain appropriate intervals. In other words, sunbathing should be treated similarly—though with even greater caution—to tanning sessions in a tanning bed. Failure to follow this rule can result in sunburn and the loss of a beautiful holiday tan. To reduce this risk, it's worth using sunscreen and using common sense. After returning from vacation, it's worth having a few "refresher sessions" to enhance your tan.

In summary: using a tanning bed requires a great deal of common sense and, sometimes, patience. If the person tanning isn't an experienced tanning bed user, they should rely solely on the expertise and recommendations of professionals in this field. Following the few rules outlined above will guarantee a perfect tan and a great feeling after every tanning bed visit.