Tanning beds are a great option for those who want to keep a golden glow all year long. To avoid negative effects, it is important to know the right frequency of tanning bed sessions. This article will discuss how frequently you should use a tanning booth and the negative effects of excessive tanning.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I LAY IN THE TANNING BED?
The American Academy of Dermatology advises against tanning beds. But suppose you insist on tanning. It is recommended to limit the number of sessions you have to once per week and to a maximum 12-20 minutes. The risk of skin cancer and skin damage is increased by excessive tanning bed use .
Indoor tanning increases the risk of two of the most common skin cancers — squamous and basal cells carcinomas. American Academy of Dermatology stated
FIRST WEEK
You should first inspect the tanning beds label when you first visit the salon. The FDA requires that labels for indoor tanning products mention the recommended exposure time and frequency of use. This is because sunlamps do not produce the exact same intensity of ultraviolet light.
Do not exceed the instructions on the label. The FDA has recommended that you only do 3 sessions of tanning for the time trial in the first week, or later.
The melanin in the skin may oxidize during these sessions, darkening the cells and causing a tan. Additional sessions may be required for lighter skin.
After the first week
AAD.org recommends that you limit your tanning sessions to one per week, regardless of your skin type, to maintain and darken your tan.
If your tan starts to fade, you should wait at least 48 hours between sessions. This will allow your tan develop properly and your cells to grow, as well as allow your skin to relax and rejuvenate.
IS it possible to tan in a tanning bed twice in two days?
We do not recommend that you tanning for two consecutive days. This is because too many tanning bed sessions can cause skin damage, including burns and premature ageing.
Allow 48 hours to pass between appointments if your tan is fading. This will allow the tan time to develop and for the cells to grow safely. This allows the skin’s damaged cells to be repaired and renewed.
Start tanning at least three weeks before your vacation to achieve a base tan. To protect your skin from brown spots and burning, avoid unnecessary sessions.
A QUESTION THAT IS OFTEN ASKED
FOR HOW LONG IS ONE MINUTE OF LAYING ON A TANNING BED EQUAL TO SUN EXPOSURE
Contrary to popular belief, tanning in a bed is not the same as being outside on a hot sunny day. One minute in a tanning bed is the equivalent of 12 minutes spent in direct sunlight.
You can then calculate how long it will take you to achieve a natural tan as opposed to using a tanning booth.
You should not spend too long in a sunbed unless you are able to stand in the sunshine for a very long time. This is because the intensity of a sunbed can be much higher than just lying in the sun.
Here is a table that compares time spent on tanning beds with time spent outside in the sun.
| A tanning bed is a great way to spend some time | Time in direct sun |
| One minute | Twelve minutes |
| Two minutes is all it takes to get the job done. | 24 Minutes |
| 3 Minutes | 36 Minutes |
| Four minutes | 48 Minutes |
| 5 Minutes | One hour |
| 6 Minutes | 1 hour 12 Minutes |
| 7 Minutes | 1 hour 24 min |
| 8 Minutes | 1 hour 36 Minutes |
| 9 Minutes | 1 hour 48 Minutes |
| 10 | Two hours is a reasonable amount of time. |
Is tanning in a bed safe?
The answer to this question is unfortunately no. People that believe direct sunlight is more harmful than tanning beds are at an increased risk of skin cancer because they have been led into a false belief.
You may suffer from the following disadvantages if you use a tanning booth:
PREMATURE AGING
Indoor tanning emits UVA, which penetrates your skin deeper and causes genetic damage to cells, suppressing your immune system and destroying collagen which is the basic building component of skin as well as elasticity which makes you look younger.
The tanning bed can also cause wrinkled, brittle skin and dark patches. These problems are expensive to treat later in life.
EYE RISE
You increase your risk of melanoma in the eye and cataracts by tanning. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology tanning beds produce 100 times more UV radiation than the sun.
It can harm the external and internal tissues in the eyelids. You should therefore take the necessary precautions to protect your eyes against UVA radiation. Wearing goggles when tanning is a good idea, as well as having an annual eye examination.
MELANOMA
Indoors or outdoors, tanning can be dangerous.
UVB rays, especially those from tanning beds, can increase your risk of developing melanoma. This is the most serious form of skin cancer.
This is because the rays can cause sunburn and cell damage, which are both potential risks for skin cancer. Melanoma is one of them.
It is a fact that the United States Food and Drug Administration (also known as FDA) enforces safety warnings for all tanning bed equipment. According to American Academy of Dermatology a single indoor tanning procedure may increase the risk of developing melanoma in the body by around 20%.
How old can you use a tanning bed?
Evidence shows that teenagers are more at risk of high-risk UV exposure.
Sunburns that are severe and exposure to the sun in youth can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
This is the reason why many states and territories prohibit children from using tanning bed. Each state and country has a law that specifies the age at which you are allowed to use a tanning booth.
In general, younger than 18 years of age are not advised to use a tanning bed. In some states the age limit is as low as 16 years. Aad.org has a list of restrictions on indoor tanning equipment. Please review this before visiting a tanning salon. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/awareness/dangers-tanning
Some allow minors who have a note from a doctor to tan. You can tan as if you were a teenager if your parents give permission.
Avoid tanning beds if you are underage to reduce the risk of cancer.
FINAL CONCLUSIONS
It’s important to only use tanning beds once per week, for a maximum of 12-20 minutes. You should also keep in mind the fact that tanning beds may not be suitable for everyone. This is especially true for those who have fair skin or who have a history with skin cancer. To minimize skin damage, always take precautions and use safe tanning techniques when using tanning bed.
