No matter what type of tanning bed you are using, if you don’t know your skin type you could land up in trouble. There are five basic skin types. The lightest being albino the darkest being naturally dark pigmented skin such as Asian or African. And then there are the ones in between.

The type of skin you have will determine how long and how often you can tan. Some skin types burn much quicker, while others seldom burn at all when tanning. The salon you tan at will help you determine your skin type. If you are tanning at home then refer to the manual that came with your tanning bed when you purchased it.

Tanning Lotions

always use a tanning lotion that is designed specifically for indoor tanning. Stay away from the oils. They are messy and they get all over the acrylic which then blocks the rays from reaching you and makes the bed tough to clean.

Use a tanning lotion appropriate for your skin. So if you burn easily choose a lotion with a higher SPF. Never use inside lotions outside or outside lotions inside. Each is designed to protect you from specific rays associated with that type of tanning.

Doesn’t Let Yourself Burn

avoid a sun burn at all costs? In the tanning world this is the golden rule. Some people will burn much easier than others and you need to take steps to avoid burning at all costs. If you are really fair and you never tan without first getting a burn, then don’t tan. It’s that simple. Burns are dangerous to your health and the cause of skin cancer. No tan is worth risking skin cancer. Tan smart!

Choose Your Bed carefully

you should always start with a lower watt tanning bulb bed just to make your skin use to the UV rays. The beginner beds aren’t as powerful as the mega beds and it will give you pigment time to develop. Once you’ve got your base tan you can move to a bed that has stronger tanning bulbs. If you stop tanning and you loose your tan then you have to start all over again from the beginning with a low watt bed. The strong tanning bulb beds are very powerful and you will damage your skin if your skin is not ready for them or haven’t had a tan for a while.

Home Tanning Beds

you might want to consider purchasing your own bed. Although the commercial beds are great you have to work your schedule around their schedule and it seems you’re always rushed. With a bed at home you can relax and enjoy your tan and you can tan in the privacy of your own home. It’s a great end to a busy day.

Home tanning beds can be purchased for a reasonable price, especially if you calculate how much it cost to go to a commercial bed. Remember there is not just the cost of session but the gas to get there, the wear and tear on your car, and the cost of your time. It’s something to consider.

Of course there are advantages to commercial tanning beds to. They always have the latest and greatest beds. They absorb the cost of replacing bulbs that have become weak, and they do all the maintenance and repair. All you have to do is show up the rest is their worries.

However you decide to get your indoor tan, just be smart and tan in moderation. You can have that beautiful golden tan if you play you’re tanning bulbs right!