Tanning Salon Safety

A Look at the Dangers of Tanning Beds and Benefits of Sunless Tans

Oct 31, 2007

A fake bake may be all the rage, but the side effects could be deadly. Learn ways to get that bronze appearance without exposure to UVA and UVB rays.

As the days become shorter, sun worshippers are heading indoors for that golden bronze look. Whether you go to a salon or use a tanning bed at home, the results are the same: exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays.

The American Academy of Dermatology advises:

Avoid the sun during peak times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear a broad spectrum sun screen with a sun protection factor (spf) of at least 15, at all times, year round.
Wear a broad-brimmed hat and long sleeves when you are outside during the day.
Avoid indoor tanning beds, period.

But if you are one of the millions of Americans who frequent tanning salons anyway, at least follow these tips from the United States Food and Drug Administration:

Wear goggles that fit securely and make sure they are not cracked or broken.
Start slowly and build a tan over time.
Never stay in a tanning bed for the maximum time allowed during your first visit. You may burn. And burns are related to melanoma.
Tan no more than once a week. Remember a burn takes 6 to 48 hours to develop. So you may have a sunburn and not even know it yet.

Tanning Pills

No tanning pills of any kind have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. So, don’t listen to sales pitches from tanning salon representatives who tell you they work.

Spray-on Tans

Sunless lotion, creams and sprays have advanced over the years. You can achieve a natural-appearing bronze look from a bottle. These products contain DHA, a color additive that interacts with skin cells to darken the skin. The FDA has approved it for use externally. But avoid applying the product to lips and eyes.

Sunless Tanning Salons

If the idea of lathering or spraying chemicals on yourself doesn’t appeal to you, you might want to try one of the sunless tanning salons that are popping up all over the country. Spas are even adding this service to their menus. Usually you have a choice between air-brush or spray-mist tanning.

Mist system If you choose this method, you’ll simply step into a booth and press a button. The technician will ask you to stand in four different poses while a fine mist covers you from head to toe. (Don’t worry, you’ll receive a hair net before you walk in.) The process takes only a few minutes. Your tan should appear within the next 12 to 14 hours. Wait at least six hours before showering or working out. And your golden color should last about a week.
Air brush tanning A technician applies two coats of tanning solution to your body. With the second coat you can decide how light or dark you want your tan to be. You’ll then receive a moisturizer/sealer spray. The entire process take about 25 to 30 minutes, and you should avoid working out or showering for at least eight hours.
Price Air brush tanning runs anywhere from $45 to $55 for a single full-body application. While mist tanning runs between $25 and $35 for a single session. Salons usually offer a reduced price if you pay up-front for multiple sessions.

Dermatologists agree, a spray-on tan is much safer than exposing yourself to harmful UV rays, either from the sun or a tanning bed. But, clearly, the least expensive route to beautiful skin is to flaunt the "pale" look!

Sources: The American Academy of Dermatology, United States Food and Drug Administration.

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The copyright of the article Tanning Salon Safety in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Tanning Salon Safety in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.