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.

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.