Can I sunbathe in a tanning bed?

Everyone wants a dark, beautiful, and even tan. Unfortunately, our climate isn't conducive to constant sunbathing, so the indispensable tanning bed comes to the rescue. The sun's rays energize us, improve our mood, and give our skin a beautiful glow. Many of us use tanning beds because they're the perfect solution outside of the summer season. With 1-2 sessions a week, your tan will surely acquire a golden hue, and you'll be able to enjoy beautiful skin for longer. However, remember to use appropriate tanning bed cosmetics and follow proper use guidelines, and then using this device can bring only benefits.

A tanning salon is a place where you can soak up the sun's rays, but don't forget about the rules of safe tanning, as well as the contraindications when you have to give up using tanning beds!

Do you have very fair skin? Dry, sensitive, and discoloration-prone skin? Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Are you menstruating or taking any medications? Be sure to familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications to indoor tanning.

Contraindications to tanning in a tanning salon!

Unfortunately, not everyone can safely use a tanning bed due to the possibility of allergic reactions or skin problems caused by the imitation of sunlight. The following list of contraindications to tanning beds will certainly help you avoid the unwanted effects of tanning.

1. People with very fair skin, of the Celtic type.
2. Various types of birthmarks, discolorations, and moles.
3. Hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and sun allergy.
4. Dry, sensitive skin, acne, various types of skin diseases.
5. Unhealed tattoos, freshly applied permanent makeup, large unhealed wounds.
6. Very young age.
7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
8. Low-grade fever, fever, inflammation, flu, as well as heart, circulatory system, kidney and thyroid diseases.
9. Active beauty treatments, deep exfoliating chemical and physical peels, whitening treatments, freshly performed waxing.
10. Using cosmetics with retinol, hydroxy acids (AHA, BHA).
11. Use of oral and external photosensitizing agents :

• Herbs (arnica, St. John's wort, burdock, calendula).
• Medicines (barbiturate and sulfonamide drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (analgesics, antirheumatics), diuretics, antibiotics (tetracyclines), some antidepressants, sedatives, some antidiabetic drugs, hormonal drugs e.g. contraceptive pills, retinoid derivatives contained in ointments and oral medications e.g. Roaccutane, Differin).
• Cosmetics (deodorants and antibacterial agents in soaps, some fragrances (musk, lavender, cedar, vanilla, sandalwood and bergamot oils), retinoids (retinoic acid and its derivatives, retinol, with the exception of retinaldehyde, which does not sensitize the skin to sunlight), hydroxy acids (AHA, BHA).
• Sunscreens (benzophenones, cinnamic acid derivatives, oxybenzone, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters).

Safe tanning in a few steps:

1. Always follow the advice and recommendations of the tanning salon staff; if you have any questions, the staff will certainly help.
2. Adjust tanning time to your skin type.
3. Do not use deodorants or perfumes before sunbathing.
4. Before sunbathing, wash off your makeup and remove jewelry.
5. Use appropriate cosmetics that will protect your skin and enhance the tan effect.
6. Choose several shorter sessions instead of one longer one.
7. Let your skin rest for approximately 48 hours between sessions.
8. When tanning, don't forget to protect your eyes! You'll definitely be provided with special protective goggles at the tanning salon.
9. Use an after-sun product – with proper care and hydration, your tan will last longer.