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Whether you tan indoors or
outdoors, the process is the same. Ultraviolet rays stimulate skin
cells to produce melanin, the pigment that makes your skin tan.
There are two types of ultraviolet light rays -- UVA and UVB.
Different indoor tanning units use different combinations of these
two tanning rays. Whatever the combination, your exposure times are
regulated by the federal government to minimize your risk of sunburn
or overexposure.
Smart tanning involves following the exposure schedule designed for
your skin type and avoiding sunburn by tanning gradually.
By controlling the type and amount of UV light you receive in your
bed, there is no doubt that this is the best, smartest place to
acquire a tan. However, there are some precautions you should take
to maximize your enjoyment of your tanning bed.
Protect your eyes.
Simply closing them or wearing outdoor sunglasses while you tan is
not adequate protection against possible long-term eye injury.
Wearing the FDA-compliant eye protection available at this site can
eliminate that risk.
Protect your lips.
They do not produce melanin and will burn easily unless you protect
them with lip balms or sunscreen.
If you plan to tan in the nude,
cover previously unexposed areas for the majority of your tanning
session for the first few sessions. Gradually increase exposure to
these areas, giving the skin time to build melanin production.
If you are taking any medications,
please check with your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications can
cause reactions with UV light.
Moisturize your skin.
The heat and light from tanning sessions can dry your skin. Because
moist skin tans best, we recommend you moisturize before and after
each tanning session to get the most out of each session.
Why Redder Isn't Better
Many people grow up thinking that if they do not experience a slight
red or pinkish tint after they tan that they did not "get anything."
The truth is that the red or pinkish tint you see is actually
sunburn (or erythema) -- your skin's worst enemy. The fact is that
the sunburns we experience due to lack of information when we are
growing up are the very things that lead to skin damage later in
life.
Smart tanners know that the key to avoiding sunburn in moderation in
terms of UV exposure. The best way to ensure a "smart tan" is to
take advantage of the years of research that have gone into tanning
equipment to provide you with a controlled, predictable dosage of UV
light. Also, use lotions to moisturize your skin before and after
tanning. If you do tan outdoors, remember that the sun emits
whatever types of UV rays it wants. Several other environmental
factors come into play with outdoor UV light, making exposure
unpredictable.
Do not rely on the color of your skin to tell you when to get out of
the sun. Overexposure isn't evident sometimes until hours after the
sun has gone down. It's better to use a sunscreen and to wear
protective clothing than to risk overexposure, which can lead to
skin damage.
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