Homemade Tanning Bed

A homemade tanning bed is not advised as slight miscalculations can result in serious health complications. It is much safer to purchase a pre-made tanning bed. In addition, The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has stated that UV tanning beds are carcinogenic to humans and are in its highest cancer risk category. Creating a tanning bed at home is possible but does require significant effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Warning

The bulbs used in tanning beds are extremely powerful. Using too many bulbs or bulbs with a high power output can result in severe burns and excess heat. When building a tanning bed it is better to err on the side of caution when adding bulbs. Due to the high power consumption of tanning beds, the bulbs must be correctly connected to a power ballast. This process is not necessarily easy and incorrect wiring can result in a short circuit, electrical fire or damaged bulbs.

Considerations

Tanning beds require a high amount of power (up to 3,000 watts according to hometanningbed.com). The average outlet in a household can barely supply 1,000 watts through one outlet without blowing a circuit. As a result, the tanning bed may need hardwiring to the house's electrical system, a process that requires a licensed electrician. Alternatively, the tanning bed may require a 220-volt outlet, and the standard for households in North America is 120 volts. The only 220-volt outlet in most households is where the dryer plugs in. Installing an additional 220-volt outlet is not difficult, but a licensed electrician should do the work.

Size

The size of the bed would be slightly larger than that of an average person standing, and most tanning beds are between 6 and 7 feet in length. For safety reasons, many homemade tanning beds are vertical instead of the traditional horizontal tanning bed found in most tanning salons. The reason for this is that it is easier to adjust the distance between the bulbs and the tanner if the bed is vertical.

Features

A tanning bed is nothing more than a series of UVA bulbs connected to a circuit and ballast and mounted on a panel. All of these components are purchased separately and assembled at home. The construction of the bed itself is a designer's choice. Many tanning beds are curved to wrap around the tanner, while others are flat. Every tanning bed features an automatic safety shut-off; this ensures not only the safety of the tanner but also the longevity of the bed. Homemade tanning beds do not come with a safety shut-off; it is recommended to add an automatic shut-off feature to all homemade beds.

Cost

Building a homemade tanning bed costs several thousand dollars. A complete set of bulbs may be between $500 and $3,000, the variance in price is due to the variety of bulbs available. Bulbs vary in both quality and strength and both of these factors contribute to price. Power ballasts can cost up to $2,000 for a 3,000-watt power ballast. Circuits, wires and control units can add another $500 to costs. The frame of the bed must be sturdy, and the cheapest pre-made frames cost around $800.

How to Remove Acrylics in a Tanning Bed

Tanning beds need regular maintenance to stay in the best condition and to maximize life of the product. Acrylics should be cleaned after each use, and completely changed after every 1000 hours. You should always make sure you follow instructions closely when working with tanning beds, especially when changing parts such as the acrylics. Does this Spark an idea?

Disconnect all power to the tanning bed. It is crucial that you do this before removing parts of the tanning bed to avoid getting shocked.

Stand in front of the bed. Using the flat head screwdriver, insert it into the acrylic trim strip. Once inserted, slowly begin to pry and grab the edge of the strip. Continue pulling the strip away from the tanning bed unit until it is removed.

Look for the end cap screws on the bed. You may need to loosen these screws before removing the acrylic. It is very important that you do not remove the end cap screws all the way.

Look for a lip in the bed rail. Use your flat head screwdriver to gently pry the acrylic up and over this lip. You may need some extra help from another person while doing this. Grasp the long edge of the acrylic that is now exposed.

Slide the acrylic slowly toward you, while still standing in front of the bed, until it is removed. The edges may be sharp, so make sure you are careful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are a popular way to get a suntan without spending time outdoors. While this approach may provide you with a year-round tan, it also has the potential to be unsanitary or a health risk. Another misconception is that using a tanning bed before a beach vacation will prevent sunburn; however, this is not always the case. Does this Spark an idea?

Are Tanning Beds Sanitary?

Tanning beds require the same high level of sanitation as hotel room beds. Both beds need to be cleaned from previous use to eliminate the possibility of germs. However, while hotel bed sheets are replaced with clean sheets, tanning beds have to be physically cleaned with a chemical to thoroughly remove sweat, germs and body hair. State laws have established criteria about tanning bed sanitation to address this issue.

However, the sanitation chemicals can cause dermatological problems if they are not properly diluted. For example, in one case a girl developed a rash (irritant dermatitis) due to undiluted sanitary chemicals after tanning prior to her prom, according to DermAtlas.

Do Tanning Beds Protect From Sunburn?

Using a tanning bed prior to a trip to the beach might give you a nice base body color, but it cannot guarantee sunburn prevention, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tanning bed use can provide a small amount of pre-sun exposure protection (SPF 4 or less), but it isn't enough to prevent sunburn from extended time in the sun after just a few minutes time at the beach.

The only known ways to prevent sunburn are to cover up or frequently use a liberal amount of sunscreen. It's also beneficial to stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Can Tanning Beds Cause Health Problems

The Utah government, for example, believes tanning beds do pose health threats. Utah requires that tanning salons post warning signs advising customers about these potential dangers. The signs must meet the following stringent design requirements: each sign must use specific colors (white background, orange-colored panel at top, black lettering); use arial font (the word "warning" must be in 80 point font and the words "ultraviolet radiation" in 39 point, both in all CAPS); and the sign must measure 11 inches by 17 inches.

The warning sign must include an internationally recognized safety alert symbol, as well as five health warnings and recommendations, which are as follows: eye protection is recommended to prevent blindness; pregnant women--or those using contraceptives--should speak with their doctor prior to sunbed use; skin cancer or severe skin damage may result from exposure; some types of medicine and cosmetics increase susceptibility to burning; and tanning sessions are limited to one per each 48 hour period.

But Utah isn't the only state that warns citizens of potential health concerns. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 32 states have laws in effect regarding tanning, especially for the health protection of teens, which became a growing health concern addressed legislatively in 2010.

Chest Hair & Tanning Beds

Tanning beds provide color to skin without having to spend hours in the sun or worry about tan lines. However, chest hair can prevent you from achieving an even tone. Does this Spark an idea?

UV Light

Body hair can provide protection from UV rays. However, when tanning, it can also interfere with the process. ReallyTan.com recommends shaving your legs, chest and stomach in order to get an even tan.

Appearance

Contrary to urban legend, tanning beds will not lighten body hair. However, a darker skin tone may make hair less noticeable.

Shaving

It's important to shave correctly in order to get the best effect. You should shave against the hair grain in slow, even motions. Consider an electric shaver for sensitive areas like the chest.

How to Undress at a Tanning Bed

Most people choose to tan in the nude to avoid tan lines and because tanning beds are both private and sanitary. When using a tanning bed, it is important to undress within the time allowed before the bed turns on. You may also need to apply tanning lotion or set up music during the few minutes you have, so it is important to undress quickly and efficiently. Does this Spark an idea?

Beware of tanning-bed cameras before you undress. Some people have fallen victim to hidden cameras in the tanning salon, which employees used to watch them get undressed. Look around for a camera while you undress, and don't take your clothes off completely if you do, or better yet, leave, demand a refund, and call the police.

Take off your outer layers, like a jacket or scarf, and hang them up. Take off your shoes and place them neatly where they won't get anything else dirty.

Take off your clothes, fold them, and put them on a table. If there is no table, drape them over your coat. Don't hang any delicate fabrics directly on the metal hooks. Keep you eye on the timer on the bed, as it counts down, and undress faster if you are running out of time.

Take off your undergarments and fold them into, or place them inside, your pants or shirt. This keeps them clean and stops the spread of germs. If you don't want to get completely undressed, wear your undergarments in the bed or wear a bathing suit.

Tie up your hair and apply tanning lotion or sunscreen. It is not recommended that you go into the booth without anything on your skin. Lotions can prevent you from burning if you go into the bed for longer than you should.

How do I Troubleshoot Sunquest Tanning Beds?

Wolf Tanning Bed's Sunquest line come in a variety of models. If you experience problems with your Sunquest tanning bed, there are several troubleshooting steps you can perform to identify the problem's cause. Does this Spark an idea?

Measure the distance between the back of the tanning bed and the wall to ensure there is at least 6 inches of space. Placing the tanning bed closer than this will cause it to feel very hot and could overheat.

Place a thermometer in the room where the Sunquest tanning bed is located to make sure the room temperature is 80 degrees or lower when the tanning bed is not running. If the normal room temperature is above 80 degrees, the bed could overheat.

Call an electrician and have himexamine the electrical circuit if the tanning bed continually shuts off or trips a fuse. According to the manufacturer, the Sunquest beds should be on their own circuit, with no other devices or appliances plugged into the outlets. In addition, the electrical circuit should be able to handle a minimum of either 15 or 20 amps, depending on your tanning bed model.

Locate the threaded canopy locks on the hinge of the bendable arms and twist them clockwise to ensure they are not loose. Loose locks cause the canopy to continually fall shut. If the locks are secure, call in a technician to service the tanning bed and replace the gas springs.

Replace the bulbs in the tanning bed if they flicker or appear dull. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for bulb replacement on your specific Sunquest model. In general, you will unscrew the clear plastic shield, and then gently twist each long light tube out of the bed. Insert the new bulbs by pressing them into the bulb location and twisting slightly.

Tips

- You should change the bulbs in the Sunquest tanning bed once they have been in use for 400 to 500 hours.

Why Does the Tanning Bed Make You Happy?

Despite the correlation between ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and increased skin cancer risk, tanning bed use to deepen skin color continues. Recent research suggests the practice affects more than just the skin. UV light exposure that occurs during tanning also elevates mood and may be addictive. Does this Spark an idea?

Tanning and Mood

Improved self-image is not the sole mood-elevating factor associated with tanning bed use. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, skin exposed to UV light produces and releases beta-endorphin. Beta-endorphin is an opium-like chemical best known for providing the sense of well-being, or "runners high," that accompanies vigorous exercise.

Vitamin D

According to an editorial published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, low levels of vitamin D have been associated with depression. UV light exposure from the sun or tanning beds stimulates the skin to produce vitamin D. The editorial also reports "exposure of skin to ultraviolet light, which converts cutaneous 7-dehydocholesterol to vitamin D3, is the most important source of vitamin D for most people".

Tanning Addiction

An editorial published in Expert Reviews supports the theory of a possible link between frequent tanning and UV light addiction. It references a study in which tanners were given naltrexone, an opioid-blocking substance, before UV radiation exposure. Fifty percent of frequent tanners experienced symptoms of withdrawal including nausea and jitters. Infrequent tanners experienced no withdrawal symptoms.

How to Compare Tanning Bed Brands

Tanning beds are more common today than 25 years ago. Tanning businesses use to be the primary source for tanning bed usage. Today, however, tanning beds are more common which makes choosing the best tanning bed to purchase a more difficult decision. Does this Spark an idea?

Considerations

While price may be a deciding factor there are many other variables to look at when purchasing a tanning bed. The amount of space available for the tanning bed installation is a key factor in choosing a tanning bed. There are different sizes of beds available.

Features

Some of the features you may want to look for in a tanning bed would be whether the bed has a face tanner, an hour meter to track usage and the types of reflectors and the quality of the reflectors.

Function

The size of the tanning surface and quality of the plexiglass finish is another consideration. This will determine how it holds up under use.

Significance

One of the deciding factors should be the total number of lamps and how easily you can order them or locate them when they need replacing. The lamps are the primary maintenance item on a tanning bed.

Warning

You need to consider whether or not the bed runs on 120 volts or 240 volts and if you have the correct electrical receptacle available or can install the correct receptacle for the tanning bed.

How to Replace a Starter on a Tanning Bed

Starters help ignite the lamps on a tanning bed, and it is what makes the flicker just before the tanning bed comes on. If you have a faulty starter, then your bed will not turn on. Bad starters can also burn out the lamps on your bed. Starters should be replaced annually, but new electronic starters are now on the market and have a 10-year life usage. Does this Spark an idea?

Check the efficiency of your starter by seeing whether there is a delay when turning on the bed. Inefficient starters can also cause bulbs to blacken and should be changed immediately.

Unplug the tanning bed from the wall receptacle, or turn off the power to the receptacle from the fuse box.

Take off the tanning bed's acrylic encasement from both the base and lid. Use a soft cloth to wipe both sides of the acrylic.

Remove the old starter and place in the new one. Often, you can just twist the starter 90 degrees and remove it, and then replace it with a new one.

Replace the acrylic top and base. Use a cloth to remove any smudges or remaining dirt particles.

Instructions for Wiring a Tanning Bed

Over the last decade, the use of tanning beds to have that fresh off-the-beach look has increased dramatically. Many people have trouble finding time in their busy schedules to make it to their local tanning salon. Instead, they opt to purchase a tanning bed for their home. While this is a far more convenient way to tan, it does mean you as an individual are responsible for having the adequate power and wiring to run the bed. Does this Spark an idea?

Check the tanning bed owner's manual to determine the voltage it requires. The usual voltage range is between 120 and 220.

Decide if your home possesses an electrical outlet necessary for running a tanning bed. For example, if the tanning bed runs on 120 volts, then it will most likely work in an average outlet. If you own a larger tanning bed, it will need 220 volts to work properly, and you should contact an electrician to have an outlet installed.

Designate an entire outlet solely for your tanning bed, and do not plug anything else in it. If you overload the outlet, then you may throw a circuit breaker.

Install a buck-booster to your tanning bed. This will lower or raise the voltage in the tanning bed. Buck-boosters can be purchased from the company you bought the tanning bed from.

Warning

- Anytime you are working with high voltages and wiring, you should use extreme caution. You should consult a qualified electrician with any wiring questions or needs you may have.

The Brightest Bulb in the Tanning Bed

Although "the brightest bulb in the tanning bed" is sometimes used in a saying to describe someone who isn't the smartest person around, the phrase brings the importance of knowing your tanning bed facts right into the spotlight. Does this Spark an idea?

How Tanning Works

When a person uses a tanning bed the outer layer of skin, or the epidermis, is stimulated by UVB light. The special cells activated by this stimulation are called melanocytes, which produce a pigment known as melanin. Melanin spreads through the epidermis, being absorbed by surrounding skin cells, and is then oxidized by UVA light, which causes the skin to darken.

Types of Beds

Tanning beds are made either with 16 bulbs, 24 bulbs or 32 bulbs. There are also stand-up tanning booths, or vertical tanning booths, that have bulbs located behind Plexiglass completely surrounding the person tanning, much like with a regular tanning bed. Both of these methods of tanning expose the user to controlled amounts of radiation for a set amount of time.

Types of Bulbs

Several different types of light bulbs may be used in tanning beds. The most common one is called a bi-pin light bulb, which has two pins that slide into the bed's lamp holders and are rotated into place. A newer style of bulb being used is the recessed dual connector bulb, which allows the bulb to be sprung in and out of the bed's lamp holder. Most tanning beds today use 80- or 100-watt high output bulbs. For the bulbs to be the brightest they can be, they should be changed as specifically suggested by the tanning bed manufacturer.

Can Tanning Beds Blow Up or Explode?

There have been no reports of tanning bed explosions; however, tanning bed fires do occasionally occur. As with all electric appliances, proper installation, maintenance and regular inspection can prevent tanning bed fires. Does this Spark an idea?

Installation

Tanning beds require more electrical voltage than most electrical outlets can provide. A device called a buck booster can remedy this situation; however, great care should be taken to be sure that the correct buck booster is used to provide just the right amount of electricity. Many salon owners prefer to hire a professional electrician to install tanning beds.

Dust

Dust can accumulate in the ballast tray that holds all the electrical components of the tanning bed. Tanning bed owners should vacuum this area every four to six weeks.

Health Warnings

According to WebMD, the use of tanning beds can triple your chance of getting skin cancer. Other tanning methods such as spray tanning and self tanning lotions do not carry this risk.

How to Change a Tanning Bed From a T-Max to a 220 Plug

A T-Max electrical connector on a tanning bed allows the operation of the bed to be timed and controlled. The T-Max connector is wired into the tanning bed between the bed and the electrical outlet so the bed will turn off when the timer is complete or remotely shut off. This allows a bed to be run in a commercial tanning salon that sells tanning packages based on time in the bed. For home use, you may wish to remove the T-Max timer and use a direct plug instead. A 220-volt outlet may be required by your tanning bed (check the specifications), and once you remove the T-Max timer you will need a direct cord to the outlet. Does this Spark an idea?

Unplug the tanning bed. Disconnect the T-Max connector from the tanning bed. There will be screw terminals on the back of the T-Max connector connected to wires that lead into the tanning bed. Unscrew the T-Max terminals and follow the wire to the tanning bed.

Open the panel on the tanning bed where the electrical connections are located. You may need to unscrew it or it may be held in with clips (consult the instructions for you bed if you need more help opening the terminal). Locate the terminals for electrical connections. Depending on the configuration, you will either have three or four terminals on a 220-volt device. There will be two hot terminals (that carry electricity), one ground terminal and, in a four-terminal configuration, a common terminal. Black and red are always hot; ground is always green. White can be either hot or common, depending on the number of terminals.

Screw the pigtail end of the 220-volt cord (the end with the wires separated out and fitted with U-shaped metal clips) to the terminals on your tanning bed. Make sure you attach the hot black and red wires to the hot terminals on the bed and the green wire to the ground terminal. If you have a white wire, connect it to the common terminal. If you are not sure what type of cord to get, check the number of connections on your tanning bed (three or four) and look at the 220-volt outlet you have available (see Resources). Purchase the cord that will interface with the outlet and the tanning bed.

Close the tanning bed and plug it into the 220-volt outlet. Do not connect any other device to the same outlet.

How to Repair Cracks in an Acrylic Tanning Bed

Tanning beds are equipped with acrylic sheets. These are designed to allow UV rays to penetrate your body, while protecting your tanning bed bulbs. Acrylic sheeting requires careful cleaning and inspection to prevent cracking. When cracks do occur there are no gels or glues that will successfully fix the cracks. To repair acrylic cracks and nicks, full acrylic replacement is required, to prevent injury and extend the life of your tanning bed. Does this Spark an idea?

Position your tanning bed in an upright position, ensuring all power cords are unplugged from the electrical source. This eliminates the risk of electrocution. Make sure that your tanning bed canopy is fully opened, to allow you ample space to work, without risk of injury to you or the bed.

Locate the bed profiles that hold your acrylic in place. These are made of pliable materials, and form a hinge over your acrylic, running the entire length of the tanning bed. Pull up at the middle of the open side, to release your acrylic. Some beds contain two sets of profiles for additional stability, therefore you may be required to repeat the release process, on these additional profiles.

Grasp your acrylic by the outer edge nearest you. Avoid sharp edges, as they pose a cutting risk. With the outer edge firmly in your hands, carefully slide the acrylic towards you, releasing it from the inner profiles.

Set your damaged acrylic against a wall, out of your working space. Firmly grasp your new acrylic by the outer edge, as you did for removal of the old one. Position your new acrylic to line-up perfectly with the inner profiles of your tanning bed -- and carefully slide it into place.

Press gently on the new acrylic, around the profiles to secure. You will hear and feel a soft click, letting you know that the acrylic has been positioned properly.

Follow installation with a thorough cleaning, using a non-alcohol based cleanser specifically formulated for acrylic surfaces.

Specifications for a SunQuest 3000S

The SunQuest 3000S is a tanning canopy manufactured by Wolff Tanning Bed, owned by New Bern, North Carolina-based Master Tanning. Now discontinued, the SunQuest3000S is portable, folds and stores easily -- even in an upright position for storage in a closet or up next to the wall. Attached casters make the machine easy to move around. Compared to tanning beds, one disadvantage of the SunQuest 3000S tanning canopy is that you have to turn over to tan both sides. Does this Spark an idea?

Indoor Tanning History

The indoor tanning industry first took off in Germany, where Dr. Friedrich Wolff gave birth to the industry. Wolff had exposed athletes to ultraviolet (UV) light to offer them the benefits of more sunlight. After noticing that athletes he had exposed to the UV light developed tans, Wolff created the first tanning beds. Initial tanning beds produced in the U.S. relied too heavily on UVB light, which is good for eliciting production of the melanin responsible for tans, but also increased the risk of sun damage from UVA light.

Exterior Construction and Operation

The SunQuest 3000S frame is made of extruded aluminum and steel and is attached to a patented "hydrolift" arm with gas-shock hinge control which the consumer can manipulate to place the canopy at the desired height and angle, lending the tanning canopy great flexibility. The canopy does not require assembly and measures 74.25 inches by 30 inches.

Tanning Lights

Tanning power is provided by 12 high-output, 100-watt lamps. According to the manufacturer, the Bio-Tech tunnel design of the SunQuest 3000S provides tanning power equal to the top half of a commercial tanning bed. The curved design of the canopy delivers light from side to side. An internal, "superflow" cooling fan works to maintain optimum lamp output, says the manufacturer.

Electrical Requirements

The SunQuest 3000S tanning canopy needs a dedicated, 120-volt household circuit. Other electrical requirements include a 120-volt, 20 amp receptacle and 20 amp circuit breaker.

Information on Tanning Products

With the many tanning products available today, it may get confusing when deciding which product is right for you. Some products require exposure to ultraviolet radiation to get a tan, while others provide an instant tan right out of a bottle. You also want to protect your skin from premature aging and cancer. Knowing how the different tanning products work may help you decide which one is right for you. Does this Spark an idea?

Sunless Tanning Sprays and Lotions

Sunless tanning products allow you to get a sun kissed appearance without having to bask in the sun or visit the tanning salon. The sprays, lotions and creams are available over-the-counter. They work by coating your skin with dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical that darkens your skin color by attaching to the amino acids in the epidermis. Use a sunless tanning product on exfoliated and clean skin to get the best results. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors because most sunless tanning sprays don't contain sun protection factor (SPF).

Sunscreen and Sunblock

When tanning, protect your skin by wearing a sunscreen or sunblock. Sunscreen filters UV light and keeps the harmful rays away from your skin. Sunblock acts as a wall between your skin and the sun. It scatters and reflects UV light. Both products still allow you to get a minimal tan while protecting you from sunburn. The SPF in sunscreen and sunblock tells you how long you are protected against sunburn. The higher the SPF, the better the sun protection. Apply sunblock or sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply the lotion every two hours.

Tanning Pills

Getting a tan by swallowing a tanning pill is not considered safe, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tanning pills may contain canthaxanthin, a color additive that causes the skin to turn anywhere from orange to brown when ingested in larger quantities. Tanning pills with canthaxanthin have been associated with hives, liver damage and eye disorders.

Tanning Accelerator

Use tan accelerators, also known as tan promoters, to speed up your tanning process. Tan accelerators contain psoralen or tyrosine, which both stimulate the body to produce more melanin when exposed to the sun. You can spend less time basking in the sun or on the sun tanning bed. If you use a tan accelerator that also contains sunscreen, you may have to tan for a longer period because the sunscreen slows down the tanning process. Tan accelerators will also moisturize your skin.

Sunquest Tanning Bed Installation Instructions

SunQuest Pro tanning beds are delivered to the client almost fully assembled. According to Wolff Tanning Beds, the beds are delivered on an 18-wheeler, 98 percent pre-assembled. The remainder of the assembly should only take about 20 minutes for one person. Does this Spark an idea?

Unpack the unit from the packaging. The bed comes in two cardboard cartons. Simply remove the plastic sheets and pull the bench from the carton bottom. It would be best if you had help for this step. Pull the canopy from the packaging in the same manner. Check all items for damage.

Lay the bench upside down on the floor and find the two stand legs. Remove the six bolts and washers that come installed in the bench. Use these bolts and washers, attach the stand legs. Tighten with the Allen wrench.

Turn the bench back over. Install the hinge brackets to the ends of the bench. Secure using the included bolts and Allen wrench.

Install the bushings into the hinge brackets. Lift the canopy of the bed and place the hinge bracket between. Insert the bolts with nylon washers into both hinge brackets. Tighten the bolts into the end-cap threaded inserts until snug.

Locate the mechanism on the gas springs that causes them to lock. Remove the locking clip and then install the gas spring. Have someone hold the canopy of the bed open while you align the ends of the gas spring ball joints with the pivot studs and push them into place. To verify that the gas springs are working, lift and lower the canopy a few times. This will also lubricate the gas springs.

Locate the canopy to bench power cord. Align the terminals and firmly push until the cords are connected. Tighten the threaded locking ring to secure it in place.

Plug the 120-Volt AC power cord into an outlet. Use this outlet as a dedicated outlet solely for the use of the tanning bed.

Tanning in Beds Without Goggles

A quick tanning bed session may seem like no big deal. Yet just five minutes under the ultraviolet (UV) rays can have serious health consequences. UV rays emitted by tanning beds can increase the risk of cancer and lead to premature wrinkles. Tanning in a bed without goggles or eye protection can cause irreversible damage to your vision. Although a few minutes under the lamps without eye protection may seem harmless, the effects can be life changing.

Rules and Regulations

Federal law requires tanning salons and facilities to provide eye protection for customers. If you forget your goggles or do not have a pair, the salon will have them on hand for you to wear. Under the law, the eye protection provided must be sanitized and must block 99 percent of of UV rays. Sunglasses or cotton balls are not sufficient protection. Tanning salons are not to let customers tan without approved goggles. Before allowing a customer to use a bed, they must ask to see the person's eye protection.

Burns

Tanning in a bed without goggles can cause the eyes to burn, even if they are closed. Eyelids are thin and do not offer enough protection against UV rays on their own. The rays can penetrate the eyelids and cause burns to the cornea. While this damage goes away with time, an eye burn can be very painful. The Eye Center reports a cornea burn can take anywhere from six to 12 hours to develop, meaning you may not even know that your eye has been burnt until much later.

Cancer Risk

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has placed tanning beds in the highest cancer risk category. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, indoor tanning raises the risk of developing melanoma by 74 percent. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. The eyelids and skin around the eyes are just as susceptible to developing cancerous cells as any other area of skin. Tanning without protection raises the cancer risk even more.

Permanent Eye Damage

UV rays in the eyes can lead to a condition known as cataracts. According to the Mayo Clinic, cataracts are characterized by a clouding of the eyes. People with cataracts are sensitive to light and have difficulty with their vision at night. Cataracts can be helped with glasses but eventually may require surgery.

Macular degeneration can also result from tanning without proper eye protection. This eye disorder causes permanent damage to the retina, leading to vision loss and possibly blindness. Currently there is no cure for macular degeneration.

What Happens If You Don't Wear the Goggles in a Tanning Bed?

When you practice indoor tanning at a tanning salon, you will be handed a special pair of goggles prior to entering the tanning bed. You might disregard them in fear of getting tan marks around your eyes, but these goggles do not serve an important purpose. They are necessary during indoor tanning because they help protect the eyes from damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Purpose

The main reason you are handed a set of goggles when entering a tanning bed is for the safety of your eyes. These goggles protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. These ultraviolet rays are the same as the UVA and UVB rays from the sun, which are dangerous. Wearing goggles is not the same as keeping your eyes closed. Your eyelids alone won't protect your eyes from the rays.

Necessity

You may refuse to wear goggles thinking that you will get a "set of raccoon eyes," as stated by tanning-advisor.com. However, the eyelids neither tan, nor do they provide enough protection from UV rays. Therefore, you need to wear these goggles in a tanning bed. You may also think that since there is no harsh glare, no goggles or shades are needed. This is misleading; the lack of glare does not mean that the tanning bed's UV rays are not dangerous for your eyes.

Consequences

When you don't wear the provided goggles in a tanning bed, you are exposing your eyes to extreme danger. Your eyes may seem fine at first, but you can develop long-term damage to your eyesight over time. According to the Federal Trade Commission, long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays may damage the retina, and overexposure may burn the cornea. As a result, repeated exposure causes the lens to cloud and form a cataract which, when left untreated, can lead to blindness. You also may speed up the creation of wrinkles around the eye area if this sensitive skin is exposed to UV rays.

Expert Advice

The Food and Drug Administration requires that tanning salons urge their customers to wear these protective goggles when tanning in a bed. Natural sunlight exposure can cause eye damage as well, but in the sun, you feel burning, whereas in a tanning bed, your skin may remain cool. The UV rays are also more intense in a tanning bed, and therefore more dangerous than the UV rays of the sun.

Tanning Tools & Products

Tanning is the process of darkening the skin through the sun or through artificial sources that emit ultraviolet radiation. There is no better way to show off a summer body than to have beautifully tanned skin. However, there are many concerns, such as skin cancer, associated with tanning directly under the sun and in tanning beds. Today, there are many tanning products that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the only approved self-tanning ingredient by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as of March 2011. These products will enable you to tan safely without the risks involved. Does this Spark an idea?

Tanning Lotions

Tanning lotions with dihydroxyacetone (DHA) are convenient and easy to use. Applying these lotions on the body will produce a tan that looks real and healthy, and these tans usually last more than a month. Lotions can also come in different textures such as mousse, gels and heavy creams. There are many products that use DHA along with other tan-enhancing ingredients to make tanning more easily and healthfully achieved. SkinCeutical's Sans Soleil combines DHA and erythrulose, which the company claims enhances DHA and doesn't dry the skin. Another tanning lotion is Avene's Sun Care Moisturizing Self-Tanning Lotion, which contains thermal spring water that aims to soften the skin while tanning.

Sunless Tanning Airbrush

Airbrush tanners usually have the same active ingredients as the tanning lotions, with the difference being that they can be sprayed on the entire body. The airbrush approach to sunless tanning is aimed to make application of tanning products easier and more even around the body. Spraying on the product will ensure the product reaches hard-to-reach parts of the body such as the back. There are many manufacturers who offer airbrush tanning, such as Aqua Sun Sunless Tanning Airbrush System, Luminess Tan and Oasis Airbrush Tanning System.

Makeup Bronzers

Perhaps the safest way to tan, a bronzing powder is makeup that is designed to make you look bronzed or tanned, especially in the face. It lasts only until you wash it off, however, so this is for those who want to look for a special occasion. Bronzers for the face and body are applied using a large makeup brush. Many makeup brands offer bronzing powders in varying shades such as the Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder from Eyes Lips Face cosmetics and Product Reviews

Sephora Collection's Sun Disk bronzer.

Other Products and Accessories

There are some products and accessories you can use to make tanning even more effective. It is highly recommended to exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells before tanning to ensure an even tan. You can use body scrubs and facial scrubs along with cotton washcloths. For a more effective exfoliation, use scrubs with alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA. Having gloves are also essential especially if you are using a tanning lotion. Buy disposable gloves to use when applying the lotion.

The Differences Between a Natural Tan & a Tanning Bed Tan

Many people like tanning because of the golden glow it can give the skin. Although natural tanning by the rays of the sun is obviously more economical, bed-tanning has its own advantages, which is why many people may prefer that method. There are differences in risk and effectiveness between the two tanning options. Does this Spark an idea?

Degree of Risk

The process of tanning involves exposure of body to UVA or UVB radiation lights, which can be dangerous. UVB rays are short rays that are harmful to the outer layer of the skin only, while UVA rays are longer and can cause permanent damage such as wrinkles and skin sagging. According to The Female View website, U.S. Public Health Services states that the risks of skin cancer, premature aging, skin wrinkles and sun spots are higher from tanning beds than from the sun's rays. A person receives three to eight times more UVA lights from tanning beds than from sun tanning. Moreover, natural tanning has more UVB rays, which involve slightly less risks than UVA rays. Sun tanning helps stimulate the body's production of vitamin D, which is required for calcium absorption.

Time Duration

Achieving a natural tan is more time consuming than artificial tanning, in which a session may be just 10 to 15 minutes. However, a natural tan can last for weeks, while an artificial tan may start to fade after a few days. To keep the artificial tan maintained will require weekly or every-other-week tanning-bed treatments.

Skin Type

The difference between a natural tan and bed tan depends on skin variation as well. If you have light or pale skin, sunbathing can cause the skin to get dry instantaneously, causing sunburns and wrinkles. For this reason, it may be difficult to achieve an even tan, and you may end up with more freckles. For this type of skin, artificial tanning may be the solution. Natural tanning is more effective for darker skin since it is not predisposed to sunburn.

Controlling the Process

Artificial tanning gives the advantage of controlling the exposure of skin to radiation lights. Many tanning beds come with an automatic shutdown process, which stops the tanning at a certain time limit. This way, you can control the intensity of tan without getting burned. From natural tanning, you may get sunburned since it is difficult to keep track of time and the amount of rays your body is absorbing.

Tanning Products for Tanning Bed

According to the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA), moderate tanning, for individuals who can develop a tan, may minimize the risk of contracting sunburn while maximizing the enjoyment and benefit of having a tan. The American Academy of Dermatologists disagree, however, saying "indoor tanning is an unhealthy activity and UV radiation exposure increases one's risk of skin cancer."



Still, 30 million Americans visit tanning salons each year, according to the ITA. For those who still plan to deepen their skin tone, there are many products made to use in tanning beds. Choosing the right type of product will help you get the most out of a tanning session, and can preserve your color. Does this Spark an idea?

Moisturizing and Amplifying

Products made for indoor tanning all contain moisturizing ingredients. These products can be used before, during and after tanning. Exotic oils, extracts and botanicals provide moisturizing benefits to help counteract the drying effect of the sun lamps.

Moisturizing oils in different brands include grape seed, hemp seed, sunflower seed, olive, black currant, kukui, and carrot seed oil. Many of these moisturizing oils are used in formulas called tan amplifiers. When used while tanning, they reduce the skin's capacity for reflection, allowing more ultraviolet light to penetrate the skin.

Tan Extenders

Some products go a step beyond moisturizing and contain ingredients to help deepen a tan's color. The darkening effect will last a few days after your tanning session. These products are called tan extenders, sunless tanners or self-tanners. A darker color is produced when the product interacts with the protein on the surface of the skin. Look for products that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers to be the most effective sun-free tanning additive.

Tan Accelerators

Some indoor tanning lotions called tan accelerators contain the amino acid tyrosine or its derivatives. These products claim to stimulate the body's own tanning process. Some products that contain this ingredient claim to maximize ultraviolet absorption through increasing melanin formation and accelerating the tanning process, when used in conjunction with ultraviolet exposure. However, the American Cancer Society cautions users and says that these products are not effective and may be dangerous.

Additional Skin Benefits

Some indoor tanning products, especially high-end brands, typically contain additional ingredients for even more skin benefits. They are meant to be used before, during and after tanning.

Products that claim antioxidant benefits, such as slowing the aging process by helping to repair skin damage, often contain green tea extract, white tea extract or acai oil. Diminishing fine lines and wrinkles might be achieved with a formula that includes vitamin E. Caffeine is used to provide firming or toning benefits. Products that include CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) or collagen might claim to improve the skin's texture.

List of Medications That Interfere With the Tanning Bed

Some people use tanning beds to achieve glowing skin, but tanning beds aren't safe for everyone. If you take medicine, you may be at an increased risk for sunburns and skin cancer due to photosensitivity caused by some drugs. Photosensitivity is an abnormally heightened reaction of the skin to sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light, such as that used in tanning beds. It is important to know what medications increase the danger of tanning beds.

Antibiotics

Many antibiotics list photosensitivity as a common adverse reaction and come with warnings against the use of tanning beds while on antibiotic therapy. Tetracycline antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline, cause light sensitivity in some people. Sulfonamide antibiotics, including Bactrim, Septra and other sulfa brands, also increase your risk of sunburn and skin cancer due to increased photosensitivity. You may experience severe sunburns, red rashes and widespread redness due to drug-induced photosensitivity. In severe cases, blisters that resemble sun poison may occur. Photosensitive reactions often occur within 24 hours of combining photosensitive medications with tanning light exposure. If your physician prescribes an antibiotic for you, ask if tanning is safe while you are taking the medicine.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are commonly used for arthritis, back pain and chronic joint pain associated with autoimmune disorders. NSAIDS treat the pain, stiffness and inflammation from these disorders without the side effects of oral steroids. There are many NSAIDs, but prescription naproxen and piroxicam cause a greater risk of light sensitivity. Naproxen is also sold over the counter under several brand names to treat pain, swelling, menstrual cramps and inflammation. The naproxen sold in stores is a lower strength than prescription naproxen, but you can still have a reaction to ultraviolet light. If prescribed an NSAID, ask your doctor if you can safely use a tanning bed.

Cardiac Medications

Physicians often treat cardiac conditions with a variety of medications, including blood pressure medicines, diuretics and anti-arrhythmia medicines. Diuretics prescribed under the generic names furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are often ordered for cardiac conditions, but both medications commonly cause heat sensitivity and photosensitivity to ultraviolet light. Other heart medications that can interfere with tanning are the prescription drugs timolol, amiodarone and quinidine, which are prescribed for arrhythmias and blood pressure control. Talk to your pharmacist about cardiac medications and sun sensitivity. In addition, check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine for photosensitivity warnings.

Retinoids

Dermatologists prescribe oral and topical retinoids to treat acne, wrinkles and certain skin disorders. Common retinoids include acitretin, tazarotene and tretinoin-based products. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and a popular ingredient in most retinoid medications. Tretinoin works by irritating the skin to promote new cell growth, resulting in fewer wrinkles, smoother skin and fewer breakouts. Limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light while using retinoids, because they increase your chance of severe sunburn and heat rash. Speak to your dermatologist before combining retinoid medications and use of tanning beds.

The Best Tanning Bed Products

Despite all of the controversy over the link between UV rays and skin cancer, tanning beds remain a popular option. Women and men may use tanning beds prior to special events, such as a prom or a wedding. Others may tan on a regular basis to maintain a sun-kissed glow. Certain products are beneficial for a tanner's health, while others offer beauty benefits. Does this Spark an idea?

Eye Protection

Tanning without eye protection can lead to serious eye injuries, including cataracts and cancer of the eye. Podz protective tanning lenses, which come with a key chain holder for convenience, fit perfectly over the eyes. Since they do not have a bridge to connect them together, they are an ideal option for individuals who do not want tanning lines around their eyes. Keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend tanners to wear snug-fitting goggles that are not cracked.

Hair Protection

The UV rays from tanning beds can cause hair to become dry and brittle. It can also cause color-treated hair to fade. Tanning bed hair protectors work similarly to shower caps. Although there are several on the market to choose from, the Tannie tanning bed cap is the one that is most often sold at tanning salons. It is a washable cap that slides over the hair to protect it from UV ray damage.

Tanning Lotion

Tanning lotions do not offer UV ray protection, so tanners are recommended to use sun block. However, most individuals find that using tanning lotions speeds up their tan. There are a wide variety of brands to choose from. It is ideal to ask the salon workers for a recommendation based on skin tone. Individuals who have fair skin may want to avoid using accelerating lotions, which increase the skin's melanin for a deeper tan. These products can cause temporary tingling and redness.

Nipple Protection

Nipples are very sensitive. Women who tan topless may find that their nipples are more prone to painful burning and darkening of the areolas. The skin may dry out, which can lead to peeling and itchiness. To keep the nipples protected, it is ideal to invest in a pair of nipple protectors, such as Tanning Tips. These protectors, which are made of silicone, adhere to the nipples and protect them from the UV rays in tanning beds.

Nail Protection

Women who get acrylic nails and manicures may find that they tend to look yellow after tanning. Others may find that tanning beds causes their cuticles to dry out. The best way to prevent this problem is to use fingernail protectors, such as Nail Savers, which are placed over the fingertips. Toenail protectors, such as Toe Savers, can be used to ensure that a pedicure stays intact.

How to Get Rid of White Shoulder Blades in a Tanning Bed

Many men and women enjoy the convenience, comfort and effectiveness of tanning beds. In just a few minutes, you can get a nice bronze glow sans the sand and crowded beach parking lots. If you tend to notice that, while the rest of your body is achieving a nice golden brown color, your shoulder blades still look pasty white, there are a few things you can do to remedy this. Does this Spark an idea?

Apply tanning lotion to your entire body, concentrating on your should blades. Skin that has been moisturized will tan easier and more evenly than dry skin. Since your shoulder blades can be a little difficult to reach, you may tend to miss this area when moisturizing.

Flip over half-way through tanning. Although the beds are designed to tan your entire body, pressure points--like your shoulder blades or backside--can remain untanned. Varying the way that you're laying during the session will help you achieve an even tan everywhere. Turning over onto your stomach releases the pressure points at your should blades and will help them tan more effectively.

Apply a self-tanning lotion when you're finished in the tanning bed. A self-tanning lotion will give you a little boost of color and help blend your tanned skin with areas that may not have as much color.

Apply a light dusting of bronzer to your shoulder blades using a makeup or bronzer brush. This will give you a bit of color exactly where you want it. Choose a matte bronzer. Shimmering bronzer may be too shiny for the shoulder blade area.

Try a spray tan booth or airbrush tanning at your salon. Although this is a little more expensive than the tanning beds--and it will last only seven to 10 days--spray tans will give you a natural-looking tan without streaking.

Tanning Bed Positions to Tan Sides & Underarms

Besides traditional sun, a deep golden tan can be acquired using tanning beds that emulate the sun's natural UVA and UVB rays. Those who choose this method of UV ray acquisition often find themselves being left with white underarms and sides. To avoid such issues, lie in specific positions while tanning, to allow maximum exposure and penetration of rays to all areas of the skin. No matter the position, for best results, exfoliation and and tanning lotion application should be practiced. Does this Spark an idea?

Spreading Arms

Lie in the tanning bed on your back, arms spread out from your sides and legs slightly apart from each other. Doing so allows the tanning bed's UVA and UVB rays to disperse to your sides, underarms as well as inner thigh area.

Extended Arms

Lay in the tanning bed on your back with your arms positioned above your head. Doing so ensures the rays are dispersed to all areas of your body, including the armpit and side regions. Practice this position at least half of your total tanning time to dramatically decrease the whiteness of the side and underarm region.

Stomach Tanning

While laying in the tanning bed on your stomach, place your hands on the back of your head. This position completely exposes your armpits and sides to the tanning bed rays.

Stand Up Booth

By tanning in a stand up tanning booth, individuals can achieve an all-over body tan without having to roll over, change sides or positions to avoid white areas. Because the entire surface of the tanning capsule is evenly covered with bulbs, every body part gets an even tan at the same time, including sides and underarms. Standing with your arms and legs slightly apart assists in achieving an even tan. Handles that offer arm support can also be grasped, extending arms above the head to totally expose the white areas of the underarms and sides to the UVA and UVB rays.

How to Get a Suntan Faster

Getting a golden glow is a desire for many people. Although the sun does carry dangers, such as increased risk of cancer, many choose to ignore the risks and get a suntan. If you are going to try to get a tan, remember to do it in moderation. Getting a bronzy skin tone is easy. Does this Spark an idea?

Exfoliate your skin. Whether you tan in a tanning bed or in the sun, freshly exfoliated skin will welcome the new color. Use a gentle body scrub and a washcloth to massage your body. Rinse off with warm water.

Apply tanning accelerator lotion 15 minutes before tanning. Use your hands to apply it all over your body and face. The tanning accelerator lotions help get a tan faster and keep it longer.

Tan in short bursts every day for six to seven days. If you are indoor tanning in a bed, this means tanning approximately five minutes per day, depending on your skin. If tanning outdoors, lie in the sun for one hour each day.

Moisturize the skin morning and night. This is essential to keep from your new tan from peeling. Apply moisturizer to your skin before bed and in the morning. Choose a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as shea butter and aloe vera. Drink water constantly.

Warning

- The UV rays in the sun can lead to skin cancer.

Tanning Bed Features

Tanning beds are most commonly found in tanning salons, although more frequent users can buy one for home use. They are equipped with light bulbs that emit ultraviolet rays in order to tan the user's skin. Because of the competition amongst tanning salons for business and advances in technology, modern tanning beds are equipped with a variety of features in order to give the user the most comfortable experience possible while tanning. Does this Spark an idea?

Horizontal Beds

Horizontal beds feature UV bulbs on the base and lid of the bed, which are located behind Plexiglas in order to give the user an even tan without burning his skin. Horizontal beds are preferred by users who want to lie down and relax, or even take a short nap while tanning.

Vertical Beds

Vertical tanning beds, also called stand-up beds, are almost identical to horizontal beds in how they work. In a stand-up bed, users can raise their arms more easily than in a horizontal bed in order to tan the undersides of their arms. They are also preferred over horizontal beds for some users, because they do not cause pressure points on the underside of their bodies. These pressure points can result in a slightly different skin tone.

Timer

One of the most important tanning bed features is the timer, which causes the bed to shut off after the pre-set tanning time is over. This is especially convenient for users who tend to fall asleep while tanning. The timer can be set from a computer system or manually on the bed itself.

Fan

Most tanning beds are equipped with fans that can be turned on or off at any time during the tanning process. This is to keep users cool while they tan, because the bulbs can get very hot.

Radio

For users that get bored easily while tanning, many beds are equipped with a built-in radio that can be turned on or off during the tanning process.

How to Upgrade From a 20-Minute Tanning Bed to a 15-Minute Bed

While you have a decent tan, you've been craving something darker. Unfortunately, you do not want to spend any more time tanning than you currently do. There is an easy solution for your problem. Most tanning salons offer different levels of tanning. You can upgrade from a 20-minute bed to a 15-minute bed in order to receive a darker tan in less time. Does this Spark an idea?

Discuss with the operator of the tanning salon what length of time you should tan. Tanning beds emit two types of UV lights: UVA and UVB. UVA is the ray which will cause your skin to tan and UVB is the ray which will cause your skin to burn. There is usually less UVB rays in the tanning bulbs in higher level beds. Since there is more UVA rays, you can tan for a shorter amount of time, but still develop a fantastic tan. If you have been tanning for the full time in the 20-minute beds, you should have no problem tanning for 15 minutes in the upgraded tanning bed.

Follow the same tanning procedure as you have been. Use protective eye wear. Continue using a tanning lotion prior to tanning. To preserve your tan, apply moisturizer after tanning and throughout the day.

Visit the tanning salon twice a week. Since you are in an upgraded bed, you will not need to tan as often as you did in a 20-minute bed. As previously noted, there is more UVA rays in the tanning bulbs in a 15-minute bed. UVA rays will last longer than UVB rays which means your tan will last longer. However, you will still need to stop at your tanning salon twice a week to maintain your golden glow.

Special Clothing That Filters Out the Dangerous Rays of the Sun

To protect yourself from the dangerous rays of the sun, you can stay in the shade, wear sunscreen, a hat or other items of clothing that cover your exposed skin. To keep yourself from overheating on a hot day, purchase clothing that blocks UV rays as well as keeps you comfortable. Does this Spark an idea?

Fabrics

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing made of tightly-woven fabrics and features darker colors. A pair of jeans, for example, protects you better from the sun than a white T-shirt. Though lighter-colored and lighter weight clothing feels more comfortable during the summertime, expect to experience some damage from the sun as a result. To see how much protection your item of clothing offers you, hold it up to a light. If you can see the light through the material, that means the sun will burn right through it, too. One exception to the rule is light-colored silky or satin fabrics. Thanks to the reflective nature of the material, it protects you from harmful rays.

UV Clothing and Detergents

Manufacturers now treat clothing with chemical sunscreen, which may protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays. These types of clothing usually come with a sun protective factor of 50 or more. Another alternative is to wash your clothes with a laundry additive called Sun Guard. Add it with your laundry detergent to increase the sun protective factor of your clothing. Keep in mind, both UV clothing and laundry additives wear down if the item of clothing is worn or washed often.

Daily Wear

A regular T-shirt blocks about 50 percent of the sun's harmful rays. UV ray-protective clothing, such as those from SunGrubbies.com, offer a sun protection factor of 15 or greater on a wide variety of products such as shirts, pants, skirts, hats, swimwear and swim accessories for men, women and children. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the company's line of shirts for men and women. Available in a wide variety of colors, styles and textures, these shirts sufficiently protect against sun-induced skin damage.

Swimwear

Whether you like to surf the waves or swim in the pool, spending large amounts of time under the sun can lead to harmful skin damage. Protect your skin with UV-protected swim wear, such as those from Solartex.com. Endorsed by the Skin and Cancer Foundation of Australia, the company provides a wide variety of outdoor clothing for men, women, infants and kids. The company's line of swimwear blocks 98 percent of the sun's dangerous rays and can be worn at or in the pool or beach. The clothing also protects against minor skin irritations and chlorine.

How to See Quick Results From a Tanning Bed

Tanning beds allow you to get a darker skin color without spending hours in the hot sun. Although it will likely take you several weeks of regular use to see a major difference in your skin color, you can see quicker results from tanning beds by following a few simple tips. Before you start tanning, consult with the tanning salon staff for a suggested tanning time, based upon your natural skin color and tanning tendencies. Build up to the maximum tanning bed time gradually every day until you can tan without burning. Does this Spark an idea?

Exfoliate your body to remove older skin cells and ensure that the newest skin cells will receive the rays from the tanning bed. Pay special attention to your knees and elbows where skin is tougher.

Apply a tanning lotion specifically made to work with a tanning bed. For best results, use the lotion a few hours before you tan. Check with your tanning facility for suggestions and prohibited tanning lotions.

Choose a high-quality tanning bed. Many tanning salons offer several levels of tanning at different prices. For example, lower quality tanning beds run for a max of 20 minutes, but higher quality beds may run for a max of 12 minutes while yielding better results.

Keep your skin regularly moisturized throughout the day. Dry cells flake off your body causing you to loose what color you have achieved. Consider using a tanning accelerator or tinted moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized.

Warning

- Some medications may react badly with tanning beds so check with your physician before starting a tanning regimen. For example, medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma may negatively impact your tan, or may cause your medication to be less effective.

- Don't use an outdoor tanning lotion with tanning beds; it may actually damage the bed.

How to Use Beets to Get a Good Suntan

There is a health move afoot to replace traditional tanning and sunless tanning products with a fake tan that is not only better for your skin, but also for the environment. Using beet-based dyes, there are products on the market that can give you a vibrant and healthy suntan. Tanning salons are now offering beet-based tans and you can purchase beet-based suntan sprays and lotions. The active tanning agent in beets is the Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that comes from the beet sugar. It is FDA approved and natural. Does this Spark an idea?

Decide whether you will tan in a salon or at home.

Prepare your body for the tan by shaving, or otherwise removing body hair from the areas where you want a tan -- such as your legs and arms.

Exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells using a loofah sponge, a rough washcloth or a body scrub. The beet tan stains your skin and the fresher the layer of skin, the longer the tan will last.

Dress in loose clothing to give the tanning application time to set. Tight clothes will rub against your skin and remove the beet tanning spray or lotion, before it finishes penetrating your skin. If you get a spray tan at the salon, it takes 10 to 20 minutes to dry. At home, the length of time you should wait depends on the thickness of the lotion you applied. It needs to be completely dry.

Prolong your new tan: Take quick showers and don't scrub your skin too hard.

Repeat the tanning session every couple of weeks. Like a real tan, a beet tan will fade in a week or two.

Warning

- Beet-based tanning does not include sun block, so make sure to protect your skin when you are outside in the sun.

How to Get Rid of Raccoon Eyes From a Tanning Bed

Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet rays make the difference between maintaining healthy eyes and having permanent eye damage. Without proper protection, ultraviolet rays from a tanning bed penetrate through your eyelids and damages the cornea, lens and retina. Cataracts and even blindness can eventually occur. Tanning goggles, which tanning salons are required by law to provide for their clientele, may cause raccoon eyes. A simple makeup application can help you get rid of these eye circles. Does this Spark an idea?

Find a waterproof foundation in the color of your tan or one shade lighter. The area underneath your eyes is lighter than the rest of your face, so going one shade lighter is optional.

Dot foundation on the circle around right eye. Pat and blend the liquid into your skin using your ring finger. Work your way around, covering the entire circle. Avoid rubbing and pulling the delicate skin around your eye. Blend the foundation with your tan, so no visible color difference is present. Allow the foundation to dry and set for two minutes. Repeat this process on your left eye.

Dust loose setting powder over the foundation to help seal and set it. Use a powder that's translucent or in a similar shade as your tan.

Avoid having to deal with raccoon eyes by preventing them. Slightly reposition your tanning goggles several times while tanning. Move around the tanning goggles' elastic band so this won't leave a tan line either.

Use disposable eye wear when tanning to avoid raccoon eyes. Disposable eye wear is only used once and is more hygienic than sharing goggles. The adhesive eye wear sticker is folded into a cone-shape and placed over your eyes. The cones take up less space than goggles do, so more skin around the eyes gets tanned.

Tips

- Practice caution if you decide to use sunless tanning lotion to even out the tan around your eyes. Sunless tanning lotion used on your dry under-eye area is absorbed easily and may come out darker than the rest of your face.

- When in a rush, a dusting of bronzing powder helps even out raccoon eyes.

- Always wear eye protection when tanning, and never remove it during the tanning session.

Difference Between Tanning Bed Levels

Indoor tanning darkens your skin by lying or standing in a bed under florescent bulbs for a short period of time. The tan can be enhanced with the use of indoor tanning lotions. Most tanning salons have five levels of tanning beds, with the higher numbers being more expensive and offering higher-quality bulbs with less UV rays. Low and high pressure refers to the pressure of the vapor inside the bulb. Higher pressure bulbs filter out more UV rays, which are harmful to the skin. Does this Spark an idea?

Level One

Level one is the cheapest, simplest bed offered in tanning salons. These beds use standard 100-watt bulbs and generally have 24 to 32 lamps. Lamps are the numbers of long bulbs installed in the bed. This is the most economical bed to tan in. The maximum time you can tan in a level one bed is 20 minutes.

Level Two

Level two beds can also be defined as medium-pressure beds. There are 35 to 54 lamps in a level two bed. The tan builds slower, but lasts longer. They are more expensive than the level one, but cheaper than the high-pressure beds.

Level Three

Level three is a high-pressure bed, emitting less UV rays compared to levels one and two. You are less likely to burn and more likely to have a longer-lasting tan. This bed contains about 60 lamps. The bulbs are stronger at 160 watts. Level three also installs different, lower-watt bulbs, specifically for the face, to prevent burning.

Levels Four and Five

These beds are high-pressure and block out a majority of the UV rays. These beds are also the most expensive, but the tan lasts longer. Thirteen to 15 minutes is the maximum amount of time you can tan at this level. The highest level also has special bulbs for the face, preventing burning and promoting a softer tan. Each model and brand of tanning bed changes this aspect.

How to Adjust Your Color Tone on Your Airbrush Tanning Kit

Airbrush tanning offers a golden hue without the need for skin-damaging sun exposure. Among the most natural-looking choices for a faux glow, airbrush tanning can offer more color control than lotions, creams and other types of sprays. With airbrush tanning, you can adjust color tone with relative ease, opting to go more pale or bronze at will. Although color tone adjustment may be as simple as turning a dial in many cases, the preparation work and airbrushing technique you use also affect the overall color, evenness and longevity of your airbrushed tan. Does this Spark an idea?

Cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Before airbrush tanning, wash the entire area to be sprayed, and then exfoliate it well using a loofah sponge. Because self-tanning solutions' active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), adheres to dead skin cells, sloughing off excess cells results in a more even airbrush tanning color tone.

Choose a sunless tanning solution based on your desired color tone. Different airbrush tanning solutions contain varying amounts of the skin-darkening agent DHA. A higher concentration of DHA results in a darker airbrush tan. DHA concentrations range from 2.5 to 10 percent, with the majority falling in the 3 to 5 percent range.

Adjust the airbrush tanning kit's air pressure regulator valve to make the pressure higher for a darker color tone or lower for a lighter color tone. The kit's air compressor forces air through the opening of a hand-held tool. The air propels the spray of tanning solution from the airbrush onto its target, skin. A higher air pressure results in a faster spray and more solution expelled from the machine, which leads to a darker color tone.

Allow the skin to air-dry fully after airbrush tanning and before dressing, using a towel or bumping against objects. Letting the sunless tanning solution dry completely helps to ensure a color tone that is more even than is otherwise possible.

Tips

- Use less tanning solution on thicker skin, such as elbows and knees.

Warning

- Airbrush tanning solution usually does not contain sunscreen, and, therefore, offers no protection from the sun.

How to Finance a Tanning Bed With Bad Credit

Having a tanning bed at your home can save you a significant amount of money in just a few years of use, especially if you are an avid tanner. Beds are expensive, however, and individuals with credit trouble may find themselves unable to finance their bed. For people who have a poor credit history, finding a tanning bed will be a balance between doing research to find the best possible price and saving money for a hefty down payment. Does this Spark an idea?

Research tanning beds on sale in your area. Search the classifieds section of your local paper for tanning bed suppliers and outlets. Go online to Craigslist.com to find people who are offering tanning beds.

Contact sellers and ask what their financing rates are. Some sellers may be willing to let you finance a tanning bad with bad credit in exchange for a high interest rate.

Save as much money up as possible for a down payment. Tanning beds range in price from a few thousand on the low end up to $10,000 to $15,000, and you will want to pay at least 20 percent of the cost of the bed up front. (Reference 1)

Make your final offers to the sellers when you have saved up enough to comfortably cover 20 percent of the cost as a down payment. Negotiate the lowest interest rate you can, but keep in mind that sellers will likely value a large down payment over a high interest rate for those with bad credit. (Reference 2)

Signs You Are Allergic to Tanning Bed Sanitizer

Use of tanning beds is supposed to improve your skin's texture and tone, so what could be causing the rash you might notice after basking under the UV lamps? You may be allergic to the sanitizer used to disinfect tanning beds, which reputable tanning salons use to prevent infection and disease. Tanning salons purchase sanitizer wholesale from tanning bed supply chain managers. Even diluted, the harsh chemicals in tanning bed sanitizer can produce an allergic reaction in certain people. Does this Spark an idea?

Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Reaction

An allergy to tanning bed sanitizer will be superficial; that is, you'll see the reaction on skin that contacted areas of the bed treated with the sanitizer. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include irritation, redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions or hives, which are itchy bumps or welts. Some superficial allergic reactions can spread; don't touch or scratch the irritated skin.

Keeping Track of Allergic Reactions

If you're unsure whether a tanning bed sanitizer is causing your allergic reaction, keep track of when your allergic reaction flares up. Write down your day-to-day activities, and record the days and times of day when your allergic reaction appears. If it always appears not too long after you tan at a salon that uses a commercial sanitizer, you can deduce that you have an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in the sanitizer if no other aspect of your routine has changed dramatically.

Cross-Checking for Allergies

You may be concerned about an allergy to a particular ingredient in tanning bed sanitizer. If so, ask your tanning salon staff which tanning bed sanitizer they use, and write down or take a picture of the ingredients list. Check whether any of the major chemicals in the tanning bed sanitizer are also present in some other household products and cleaners you may have. Most household cleaners are designed not to harm skin --- with the exception of harsh chemicals used in plumbing liquids --- so feel free to test a small, hidden area of your skin with a different product to see whether it produces the same reaction as what you experience from the tanning bed sanitizer.

Avoiding Allergic Reactions

If you do have an allergy to tanning bed sanitizer, avoid outbreaks by inquiring at different tanning salons what kind of sanitizer they use. Many salons may use alternative sanitizers or sanitizers with natural ingredients that may be gentler to your skin. Also investigate sunless tanning, with cream tans or spray tans, which can produce the desired golden-brown look but without the risk of sanitizer allergies.

How to Get Lines From the Tanning Bed Off My Legs

Getting a tan in tanning beds is not fool-proof. Often people use this solution to get an even tan on their bodies. Due to the position of the body, and the UV bulbs that are in the tanning bed, you can end up with lines on the legs. This is less common in stand-up beds. To get tan lines from the tanning bed off your legs, minimize the lines or add color to them to blend it all in together. Does this Spark an idea?

Exfoliate the legs with a washcloth and body scrub. This will remove the lines from the tanning bed as it will remove dead skin cells. The skin around the lines will go back closer to their original color. Apply the body scrub to a wet washcloth while you are in the shower or bath. Rub it in circles on the area with the lines. Rinse off with warm water.

Apply body lotion that contains alpha hydroxy acids. These are responsible for fading spots and pigmentation, including tans. This will get rid of the lines by lightening the dark areas so that there are no visible lines. Apply it once per day before bed. Continue to use it until you see results.

Put sunless tanning lotion onto the light part of the lines. Apply a light layer of sunless tanning lotion on all of the light part of the lines. Take care not to put it on the darker areas. By evening out the skin tone, there will no longer be lines on your legs. Wash your hands after applying sunless tanning lotion.

Warning

- Apply sunscreen on your legs when using a lotion containing alpha hydroxy acids.

How to Tan Gradually in a Tanning Bed

Because it can take three to five hours for your skin pigment to change, you may be on your way to a sunburn before you even realize your skin is tanning. A tanning bed can give you more control over the amount of UV exposure you receive, allowing you to formulate a schedule and tan gradually. Discuss the bed's intensity and your skin type with an associate at the tanning salon to come up with a plan for gradual tanning. Does this Spark an idea?

Ask the salon about tanning packages. To tan gradually, you will need to make multiple visits, and you often can save money by purchasing more than one session upfront.

Tell the associate that you plan to tan gradually, and you would like a medium or low-intensity bed. Ask her to recommend how much time you should spend tanning on your first session. The actual time will depend on your skin type, the bed's intensity and the age of its light bulbs. For example, your first session in a medium-intensity bed with new bulbs might be four minutes if your skin is very light, or up to eight minutes if your skin is naturally dark.

Allow two to four days between tanning sessions. If your last session resulted in a light tan, ask the associate to set the tanning bed for the same amount of time. If you burned, reduce the time, and if you didn't tan at all, slightly increase time. Continue tanning sessions two to four days apart until you've reached your desired level.

Tips

- If you don't tan in the sun, you won't tan in a tanning bed.

- Remove all makeup before tanning.

Warning

- The World Health Organization recommends you avoid using a tanning bed if you tend to freckle, have a frequent history of sunburn, have many moles or precancerous skin lesions or are under 18 years old.

- Do not use a tanning bed more frequently than every other day.

How to Use a Tanning Bed and My Arms Won't Tan

A golden tan can warm up just about any skin tone. If you desire to add some color to your skin, consider using a tanning bed to achieve that desired tan. The UV rays are concentrated and therefore you do not need to spend as much time in the tanning bed as you would tanning in the sun. If you tan in a tanning bed and your arms will not tan, there are a few ways to help them get tan. Does this Spark an idea?

Exfoliate the skin on your arms the night before you go tanning. Removing the dead skin on your arms allows you to tan better and keep a tan longer. Use a body scrub and washcloth to scrub your arms while in the shower. Rub the washcloth gently on the skin in circles and rinse with warm water.

Apply tanning bed accelerator lotion to your arms right before tanning in a tanning bed. The lotion will help your arms get a better tan. Rub it on evenly before getting into the tanning bed. Use it every time that you go tanning.

Spread your arms out while tanning in the bed. If they are close to your sides, they will not tan as well or as evenly. Change the position of the arms slightly during each tanning session.

Apply rich body lotion every day to your arms. Do so once per day at a minimum. Using the body lotion twice per day is optimal. Keeping your arms moisturized helps skin to tan more quickly. Use body lotion with ingredients that include shea butter and aloe vera.

Warning

- Exposure to UV rays when using a tanning bed carries the risk of melanoma.

The Difference between UVA and UVB Tanning Beds

When you go into a tanning salon, you have several tanning choices. Whether it is your first time using a tanning bed or you are have used them a lot, it is important to know the difference between tanning beds. You can choose a UVA only bed or a few different UVA and UVB beds, depending on your tanning goals. Does this Spark an idea?

UVA versus UVB

Ultraviolet rays are forms of radiation from the electromagnetic spectrum, or the light spectrum. Ultraviolet rays are not as long as visible light, so you do not know you are being exposed. UVA rays are long rays that penetrate deep into the skin. They are 320 to 400 nanometers. UVB rays are short rays that penetrate only the outer layers of skin. They range from 290 to 320 nanometers. Both UVA and UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere and react with your skin causing it to tan or burn.

UVA Only Beds

UVA bulbs cause the production of melanin from melanocyte cells, deepening the color of your skin. UVA tanning beds are comprised of 100 percent UVA bulbs. If you want to get a quick tan, the UVA only beds will give you a tan in only three to five visits of 20 minutes. UVA tanning beds are more expensive per minute, however. These beds maximize your color, but you should already have a good base tan before using these beds.

UVA and UVB Beds

Tanning beds that are mixed are typically 93 to 99 percent UVA bulbs and one to seven percent UVB bulbs. The addition of UVB wavelengths can cause sunburn. To get a tan in a UVA and UVB combination bed, you must visit three to five times per week for 20 minutes each. Although tanning beds give off three times more UVA rays than the sun, they reduce the UVB exposure by 40 percent, according to Elizabeth Carruth of Vanderbilt University.

Dangers

Both UVA and UVB rays cause premature aging, skin cancer and damage to your eyes. Tanning beds compromise your immune system, so your body cannot fight off disease. UVA rays damage keratinocytes skin cells, the outer part of the epidermis, and do contribute to and may initiate skin cancer. Tanning beds emit UVA rays that are 12 times the intensity as the sun, so users are 2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Because UVB rays are shorter, they cause superficial damage to the outer layers of the skin; however, they do contribute to both aging and cancers also. Tanning beds damage eyes through cataracts, macular degeneration and eye disease.

Tanning Bed Tips to Tan the Arms and Legs

Most people love the way they look with a tan, whether it's deep and dark or just a sun-kissed glow. If you don't have the time to lie outside in the summer sun or you want that tanned look during the winter, consider spending a few minutes in a tanning bed every week. You may opt to tan just your arms and legs if you don't plan on wearing a bikini or having your stomach show. Does this Spark an idea?

Preparation

Shower, exfoliate and moisturize before heading to the tanning salon. Exfoliating will remove any dead skin cells and allow your skin to tan faster. You shouldn't have perfume, deodorant or scented products on your skin. These may cause a rash when they mix with the heat from the tanning bed and your sweat. Apply tanning lotion to your arms and legs before getting into the tanning bed. Tanning lotions are designed to protect your skin from drying while helping you to get a deep tan quickly.

Time

Set a time limit that's long enough to tan but not long enough to burn. If your skin burns quickly when you're in the natural sun, you'll also burn when you're in a tanning bed. If you're new to tanning, start off with a short five minutes. If you're not prone to burning, you can start off at six or seven minutes. Gradually increase the length of time each time you visit the tanning salon.

Coverage

Cover the skin that you don't want to tan. If you're aiming just to tan your arms and legs, wear a one-piece bathing suit or wrap a towel around your torso as you tan. You may want to protect your face too --- you can put a hat or towel over your face as you tan. At the very least, make sure that your private areas are covered. The skin in these areas is extremely sensitive and can burn quickly.

Warnings

There are health risks that come along with using a tanning bed. If you're pregnant or on prescription drugs, you should consult a doctor before tanning indoors. Wear goggles while tanning to prevent damage to your eyes. If possible, bring your own goggles so you know that they're clean.