To tan indoors, you expose your skin to ultraviolet light to stimulate pigment production. Although tanning salons may advertise that indoor tanning is safer than outdoor, this is not necessarily true. According to the Teens Health website sponsored by the Nemours Foundation, long-term use of tanning beds may cause you to absorb more harmful UV rays. This can age your skin and put you at risk for skin cancer. If you do decide to use indoor tanning beds, do so with caution.
Check Medications
Do not use an indoor tanning bed if you are taking certain medications. There are medications that increase a person's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Medications to be wary of include blood pressure medications, acne treatments and antibiotics. Advise the tanning salon if you are taking any of these drugs since they may cause you to experience skin problems.
Lip Balm
Before you use a tanning bed, put on a lip balm that contains built-in sun protection. According to the 20 Minute Tan website, the lips do not produce pigmentation and can easily burn. Generously apply the lip balm with SPF 15 or higher immediately before using the bed.
Tanning Lotions
There are tanning lotions made specifically for use with indoor beds. The tanning lotion is applied before and after a session to keep the skin moist while also stimulating the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning the skin.
Wear Goggles
Most tanning salons provide goggles to customers to prevent damaging their eyes. Contact lenses and eyeglasses should be removed before the session.
Keep Privates Covered
Since the privates are not normally exposed to ultraviolet light, they can sunburn more easily than other parts of the body. If you do decide to tan on a bed in the nude, only expose these areas for half the session.
