10 Steps To Tanning Professionally

Before you step into a tanning salon, it’s crucial to educate yourself on the proper techniques and precautions to ensure a safe and effective experience. Tanning, whether through natural sunlight or artificial methods, comes with risks, including sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. However, by following these guidelines and consulting with a knowledgeable professional, you can minimize these risks and achieve a healthy, sun-kissed glow.

Before embarking on your tanning journey, determine your skin type. This knowledge will guide you in choosing the appropriate tanning bed and exposure duration. Fairer skin types are more prone to sun damage, so it’s essential to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time as your skin develops a natural tan. Additionally, always use protective eyewear to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Prior to each tanning session, thoroughly cleanse your skin. Remove makeup, lotions, and any other products that could interfere with the tanning process. Exfoliation is also beneficial, as it removes dead skin cells and allows the UV rays to penetrate more effectively. After cleansing, apply a high-quality tanning lotion specifically designed for indoor tanning. These lotions contain ingredients that enhance the tanning process and help moisturize your skin.

Choosing the Right Salon

Selecting the ideal tanning salon for your needs requires careful consideration. Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:

Experience and Reputation:

Look for salons with a proven track record of providing high-quality tanning services. Read online reviews and ask for referrals from friends or family members who have had positive experiences. Establishments with experienced and certified technicians are more likely to provide safe and effective tanning sessions.

Number and Type of Beds:

Ensure that the salon offers a variety of tanning beds to cater to different skin types and preferences. High-pressure beds tan more quickly, but low-pressure beds are suitable for sensitive skin and beginners. Determine the type of bed that aligns with your goals and desired level of tan.

Cleanliness and Maintenance:

Hygiene is paramount when it comes to tanning. Opt for salons that maintain impeccable cleanliness in their tanning rooms. Check for freshly cleaned beds, regularly replaced bulbs, and proper ventilation. A clean and well-maintained environment will minimize the risk of skin irritation or infections.

Availability and Convenience:

Consider the salon’s hours of operation and location. Choose a salon that fits into your schedule and is conveniently accessible. If you plan on tanning regularly, it’s beneficial to select a salon within a reasonable distance from your home or work.

Privacy and Comfort:

Tanning can be a personal experience, so make sure the salon offers private tanning rooms or cubicles. This allows for a comfortable and discreet setting during your session. Look for salons that provide amenities such as comfortable beds, music, and magazines to enhance your tanning experience.

Safety Protocols:

Inquire about the salon’s safety procedures. They should provide safety glasses for clients, adhere to recommended exposure times, and have emergency equipment on-site. Ensure the staff is knowledgeable about skin care and can advise you on responsible tanning practices.

Preparing Your Skin

Before you visit a tanning salon, it is important to prepare your skin to ensure a safe and effective tanning experience. Proper skin preparation can minimize the risk of skin damage, promote even tanning, and enhance the longevity of your tan.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating your skin before tanning removes dead skin cells, allowing for better penetration of tanning rays and resulting in a more even tan. Use a gentle scrub or loofah to exfoliate your entire body, paying attention to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows and knees.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing your skin after exfoliation is essential to prevent dryness and promote a healthy, youthful appearance. Apply a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer to your entire body, ensuring that your skin is well-hydrated. Avoid using products that contain oils or fragrances, as these can interfere with the tanning process.

Sun Protection

Even when using a tanning salon, it is still important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to exposed areas of your skin, such as your face, neck, and hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours to maintain protection.

Tanning Salon Preparation Checklist:

Exfoliate your skin 1-2 days before tanning

Moisturize your skin immediately after exfoliation

Apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin

Avoid using products containing oils or fragrances

Remove jewelry, makeup, and deodorant before tanning

Timing Your Session

Determining the ideal tanning time for your skin type is crucial. Start with a short session of 5-7 minutes to assess your skin’s response. Gradually increase the time by 1-2 minutes with each session until you achieve the desired tan. It’s important to note that excessive tanning can lead to skin damage, so it’s advisable to limit your sessions to a maximum of 12-15 minutes.

Determining Your Tanning Time

Consider the following factors when determining your tanning time:

Skin Type	Initial Tanning Time	Maximum Tanning Time
Fair	5-7 minutes	12 minutes
Light	6-8 minutes	13 minutes
Medium	7-9 minutes	14 minutes
Olive	8-10 minutes	15 minutes
Dark	9-11 minutes	15 minutes

These are general guidelines, and your actual tanning time may vary. It’s always best to start with a shorter session and gradually increase the time based on your skin’s reaction.

Maintaining Your Tan

1. Moisturize Regularly
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Moisturizing is essential for keeping your tan hydrated and healthy. Use a moisturizer specifically designed for tanned skin, as these products will help to replenish the skin’s natural oils and prevent dryness.

2. Exfoliate Gently
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Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps to keep your tan looking fresh and even. However, it’s important to exfoliate gently, as over-exfoliation can damage your skin and strip away your tan.

3. Avoid Sunburn
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Sunburn can damage your skin and cause your tan to fade prematurely. Always apply sunscreen when going outdoors, even if you’re already tanned. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours.

4. Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater
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Chlorine and saltwater can both dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade. If you’re going to be swimming, be sure to rinse off with fresh water afterwards and moisturize your skin well.

5. Try Tanning Accelerators
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Tanning accelerators are products that can help to speed up the tanning process and extend the life of your tan. These products can either be applied topically to the skin or taken orally. Some common ingredients in tanning accelerators include tyrosine, tyrosine analogues, and beta-carotene. Different types of tanning products and their effects:

Product Type	Effects
Topical creams	Stimulate melanin production, enhance natural tanning process
Oral supplements	Increase tyrosine levels, promote melanin synthesis from within
Tanning injections	Deliver high doses of melanin or DHA, providing immediate results

Avoiding Sunburn

It is important to avoid sunburn when using a tanning salon. Sunburn can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips to avoid sunburn:

Before Tanning

Start with short tanning sessions and gradually increase the time as your skin gets used to the UV rays.
Use a tanning lotion or oil with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Take breaks during your tanning session to allow your skin to cool down.
Avoid tanning if you have a sunburn or other skin irritation.
Do not use tanning beds if you are under the age of 18.

During Tanning

Lie down or stand in the tanning bed or booth in the position that is most comfortable for you.
Keep your eyes closed during the tanning session.
If you experience any discomfort, such as burning or itching, stop tanning immediately.

After Tanning

Cool down your skin with a cool shower or bath.
Moisturize your skin with a lotion or oil.
Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours after tanning.

Here is a table summarizing the tips to avoid sunburn when using a tanning salon:

Before Tanning	During Tanning	After Tanning
Start with short tanning sessions Use a tanning lotion or oil with an SPF of 15 or higher Wear protective eyewear Take breaks during your tanning session Avoid tanning if you have a sunburn or other skin irritation Do not use tanning beds if you are under the age of 18	Lie down or stand in the tanning bed or booth in the position that is most comfortable for you. Keep your eyes closed during the tanning session. If you experience any discomfort, such as burning or itching, stop tanning immediately.	Cool down your skin with a cool shower or bath. Moisturize your skin with a lotion or oil. Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours after tanning.

Using Protection

1. Tanning Beds and Sunless Tanning

Tanning beds emit ultraviolet radiation, which can damage your skin. Sunless tanning, on the other hand, uses a chemical reaction to create a temporary tan. While sunless tanning is generally considered safer than tanning beds, it can still cause some side effects, such as skin irritation.

2. Protective Clothing

When using a tanning bed, it is important to wear protective clothing. This includes a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit or other clothing that covers your skin. Protective clothing can help to reduce your exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

3. Tanning Lotions

Tanning lotions can help to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. They contain ingredients that block or absorb ultraviolet radiation. Tanning lotions can also help to moisturize your skin and give it a more even tan.

4. Eye Protection

It is important to protect your eyes when using a tanning bed. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the eyes, leading to cataracts and other eye problems. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of ultraviolet radiation.

5. Skin Type

Your skin type will determine how long you can safely tan. People with fair skin are more likely to burn than people with dark skin. Start with short tanning sessions and gradually increase the time as your skin gets used to the ultraviolet radiation.

6. Sun Exposure

Avoid getting sunburned before using a tanning bed. Sunburn can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation.

7. Tanning Bed Maintenance

Tanning beds should be cleaned and maintained regularly. This helps to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs. The bulbs should also be replaced regularly to ensure that they are emitting the correct amount of ultraviolet radiation.

Tanning Bed Type	Protection
High Pressure	High levels of UVA and UVB radiation. Requires protective clothing and lotions.
Low Pressure	Lower levels of UVA and UVB radiation. May not require protective clothing.
Sunless	No ultraviolet radiation. Uses chemical reactions to create a temporary tan.

Skincare After Tanning

1. Moisturize Regularly

After tanning, your skin can become dry and flaky. To prevent this, apply a moisturizer to your skin several times a day, especially after showering or bathing. Look for a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or other soothing ingredients.

2. Exfoliate Gently

Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and improve your skin’s appearance. However, it is important to exfoliate gently after tanning, as your skin may be sensitive.

3. Avoid Harsh Cleansers

Harsh cleansers that contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients can irritate your skin after tanning. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser that will not strip your skin of its natural oils.

4. Use a Tanning Lotion

A tanning lotion can help to extend the life of your tan and protect your skin from damage. Look for a lotion that contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun.

5. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Even after you have tanned, it is important to protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.

6. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, and it can also help to keep your skin looking its best. Drink plenty of water every day, especially after tanning.

7. Avoid Smoking

Smoking damages the skin and can make it more difficult for your tan to develop. If you smoke, try to quit or reduce the amount you smoke.

8. Know the Limits

It is important to know the limits of your skin and to avoid over-tanning. Over-tanning can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Signs of Over-Tanning	What to Do
Redness	Stop tanning and apply a cool compress to your skin.
Blistering	Seek medical attention immediately.
Peeling	Exfoliate gently and apply a moisturizer to your skin.

Common Tanning Mistakes

Going to a tanning salon can be a great way to get a beautiful, healthy-looking tan. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using tanning salons that can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Here are some tips on how to avoid these mistakes and get the most out of your tanning experience:

1. Tanning too often

One of the most common tanning mistakes is tanning too often. It is important to give your skin time to rest between tanning sessions. Tanning too often can damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

2. Tanning for too long

Another common tanning mistake is tanning for too long. The longer you tan, the greater your risk of developing skin damage and skin cancer. It is important to follow the recommended tanning times for your skin type.

3. Not using a tanning lotion

Tanning lotions can help to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is important to choose a tanning lotion that is specifically designed for indoor tanning.

4. Not wearing protective eyewear

The sun’s UV rays can damage your eyes, so it is important to wear protective eyewear when tanning. Tanning without protective eyewear can increase your risk of developing cataracts and other eye problems.

5. Not moisturizing your skin

Tanning can dry out your skin, so it is important to moisturize your skin regularly. Moisturizing your skin will help to keep it healthy and looking its best.

6. Tanning while taking certain medications

Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. It is important to talk to your doctor before tanning if you are taking any medications.

7. Tanning if you have certain skin conditions

If you have certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, you should avoid tanning. Tanning can worsen these skin conditions and make them more difficult to treat.

8. Tanning if you are pregnant

Tanning while pregnant can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. It is important to avoid tanning if you are pregnant.

9. Tanning in a tanning bed before age 18

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tanning beds as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means that they are known to cause cancer. Tanning in a tanning bed before age 18 increases your risk of developing skin cancer by 75%. It is important to avoid tanning in a tanning bed if you are under the age of 18.

Maximizing Your Tanning Results

To get the most out of your tanning sessions, it’s important to follow these tips:

Exfoliate

Exfoliate your skin before tanning to remove dead skin cells that can block the tanning rays.

Moisturize

Moisturized skin tans more evenly and lasts longer.

Use a Tanning Lotion

Tanning lotions can help you tan faster and darker.

Tan Gradually

Don’t try to get a deep tan all at once. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your skin gets used to UV rays.

Use a Timer

To avoid overexposure, use a timer to track your tanning session time.

Avoid Sunburn

Sunburn can damage your skin and make it more difficult to tan evenly.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated helps your skin stay healthy and tan better.

Take Breaks

If you start to feel uncomfortable or dizzy, take a break from tanning.

Tanning Schedule

For best results, tan 2-3 times per week. If you’re new to tanning, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time.

Tanning Bed vs. Spray Tan

Tanning beds emit UV rays, while spray tans use a solution that reacts with your skin to create a tan. Both methods have their own pros and cons. Here’s a table comparing the two:

Tanning Bed	Spray Tan
More permanent	Temporary (lasts 3-7 days)
Can cause sunburn	No risk of sunburn
Can increase skin cancer risk	No known health risks
Can be more expensive	Can be more affordable

How to Use a Tanning Salon

Tanning salons offer a convenient way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without spending time in the sun. However, it’s important to use tanning salons safely to avoid the risks associated with UV radiation. Here are some tips for using a tanning salon:

1. Start with a short session. Your first tanning session should be no longer than 5-10 minutes. This will help you avoid burning and allow your skin to adjust to the UV radiation.
2. Use sunscreen. Even though tanning beds emit UV rays, it’s still important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and hands.
3. Wear protective eyewear. UV radiation can damage your eyes, so it’s important to wear protective eyewear when you’re tanning.
4. Avoid tanning if you have certain skin conditions. If you have a history of skin cancer, lupus, or other skin conditions, you should avoid using tanning beds.
5. Follow the instructions. Be sure to follow the instructions on the tanning bed to ensure that you’re using it safely.