Tanning Salons - Safety Tips

Tanning salons offer a safe alternative to lying outside and soaking up harmful UVA and UVB rays. When you visit a tanning salon it is important to be as safe as possible. Let us look at some significant things to bear in mind when you book an appointment to do indoor tanning.

Wearing some type of eye protection when you go to a tanning salon is important for your good health. The two most common forms of eye protection include goggles and winkies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems it a strict requirement for all tanning customers to wear some type of eye protection. By law tanning salon owners will ask a customer to see his or her eye protection before the individual will be permitted into the tanning bed.

Most salons specializing in tanning provide a selection of eye protection either for free or for a small fee. You can choose amongst the protection for your eyes which type is most suitable for you. For example, many salon patrons choose standard goggles. Standard eye wear resembles the goggles you wear for swimming. These are a good choice if you go to an establishment that has standup beds. The downside is that because of the construction of the goggles you can end up with a tan line stretching across your nose. Globe goggles are the most suitable choice if you go to a place that has beds that you lay down on to tan. These goggles are such that you will not end up with unsightly tan lines after your session is over.

There are certain kinds of medications that are such that they come with photosensitivity warnings. This means that if you use a tanning bed while taking them you can suffer an adverse reaction. Photosensitivity means that you will have an increased and higher risk when exposed to UV light and you will therefore be more likely to burn. This can happen when you tan outdoors as well as when you visit a tanning salon. Examples of medications which can cause photosensitivity include some types of hormonal birth control methods and antihistamines. When in doubt check with your doctor before you visit a salon to tan. A reputable establishment will post a list of medications that can cause photosensitivity. You should avoid tanning while you take these medications. You can go use a tanning bed or booth once you no longer are taking any photosensitive medications.

All salons have guidelines for how long their patrons can spend tanning. Make sure you acquaint yourself with the maximum exposure times before you begin your sessions. Most tanning beds also list the maximum exposure time on the bed itself. If you visit a salon and are not told how long you can spend on a bed then ask.

Before you tan you need to know what your skin type is. In fact this is essential in order to prevent any damage to your skin. If you are not aware of what your skin type is then ask one of the employees at any tanning salons in your local area. You can also go online to determine which type you are.