Are Tanning Beds Safe?
Everything you need to know for a safe and satisfying tanning bed session
Much has been said and written under the heading “are tanning beds safe.” Here we will look at
some of the reasons behind the discussion that tanning beds are safe or not.
Tanning beds have come a really long way over the years. There was once this perception that
tanning beds are dangerous and highly unsafe. However, looking at the scores of research done
on both tanning by natural sunlight and tanning under a tanning bed, in terms of safety, tanning
beds have come out as winners.
UVB rays, the source of which is the sun are harmful and the major cause of skin cancer all over
the world. Doctors advise very limited exposure to the sun’s direct rays and recommend the use
of sun block to filter out the harmful UVB rays. Natural tanning or sun tanning is now generally
discouraged everywhere due to the harmful health effects associated with it. Tanning beds are
recommended as an alternative to sun tanning.
So are tanning beds safe then? According to plenty of research over the years, yes it is.
Compared to tanning under the sun, tanning under a tanning bed takes minutes literally and gives
you the same bronze glow in minutes compared to hours under the sun.
A lot of people who have skin types that do not tan easily also frequently ask the question that
are tanning beds safe. The answer is yes, they are. Tanning beds are a great alternative to the
sun for people who not only want no exposure to the sun’s harmful rays but also have a problem
tanning easily. Instead of lying for hours under the sun trying to achieve that perfect golden
brown skin hue, they end up badly burning their skins and with no real color results. Hence
tanning beds are the perfect safe solution for such folks.
Although developments in tanning bed technology have rendered them far safer compared to
what it was back in the 80s, it is still wise to take a few precaution so that you don’t keep asking
yourself that are tanning beds safe:
Medical condition
If you suffer from any sort of medical condition such as diabetes, herpes, lupus etc.
it is best to consult your physician or medical practitioner to be advised of any risks
associated with using a tanning bed before you book a tanning session. Asking your
doctor that are tanning beds safe for your condition is the wisest idea.
Eye protection is a must when using a tanning bed and what’s more, the FDA has made
the use of goggles mandatory while tanning so your eyes remain protected throughout
the session. Tanning salons are required by law to provide eye protecting goggles to all
their customers. So for all those wondering that are tanning beds safe, please make sure
you follow the basic precautions by wearing sanitized goggles.
Quality salon
Always choose a quality salon and a tanning bed with a higher power and a lower
maximum exposure time.
Hygiene
Sanitizing is essential when using a tanning bed. At a quality salon, an employee will
sanitize the tanning bed before and after you use it or provide you with sanitizer which
you can use yourself and also plenty of clean towels. And if you’re asking yourself “are
tanning beds safe” and you do not find any disinfectant around, ask for it. Cleanliness is
really next to godliness!
Safety feature
Before you begin your tanning bed session and if you’re wondering are tanning beds
safe, just make sure you know where the safety power shut off feature is. Use it
immediately in case you feel too hot, uncomfortable, dizzy or sick.
So be safe, book your next tanning bed session keeping the above precautions in mind
and do not worry or wonder that are tanning beds safe, because they are!
