For a moment, let’s step outside the debate over whether or not indoor tanning is a good idea. It’s a topic that will not see a friendly conclusion any time soon – each side has its arguments and experts and neither is giving in. Let’s just assume that you are interested in visiting a tanning salon (you’re certainly not alone – 28 million Americans tan indoors every year). Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about how the process works and how you can be prepared.

UV and your Skin

Salons primarily use two types of indoor tanning equipment: beds and booths. Both set-ups use high powered light bulbs to produce a blend of ultraviolet (UV) light to tan your skin. The FDA regulates the devices and sets limits on the levels of UV that may be emitted safely.

Ultraviolet light (at least as far as we’re concerned here on earth) comes in two different kinds: UVA and UVB. Both kinds of light affect your skin and cause it to produce melanin, the protein that makes your skin tan. The more your skin is exposed to UV, the more melanin you produce. UVA has a longer wavelength, which means that it can penetrate the skin more deeply without burning the surface. UVB, on the other hand, is the type of UV that causes most sunburns. Natural sunlight contains roughly 95% UVA and 5% UVB.

When your exposure to UV light outpaces your skin’s process of producing and oxidizing melanin, tiny blood vessels in your skin swell and burst – a sunburn. One point that both sides of the indoor tanning debate will agree on is that you should avoid burning at all costs. When you get a sunburn, the redness that you see is from the bursting of tiny blood vessels in your skin. Sunburns open the door to skin damage and drastically increase your risk of skin cancer (including the deadly malignant melanoma variety).

Smart Tanning

Indoor tanning salons promote a practice they call “smart tanning.” The idea behind it is that by tanning in moderation over time and not burning, you can enjoy the appearance of a tan and also give your skin added protection against the natural sun with the melanin that you have built up indoors. Salons know the intensity of the bulbs in their beds and booths (not all are the same) so be sure to adhere to the tanning schedule they prescribe. Depending on your skin tone and how quickly you tan, it’s smart to begin with 3-5 minutes on your first visit and build from there. Be aware that the skin pressed against the bed is more likely to burn – your calves, backside and shoulder blades will burn before your stomach if you tan lying on your back.   

The key is not to burn. Even when tanning for a very short period of time, there is still the risk of a burn – especially if it’s your first trip to the salon or if you are very fair-skinned. If you decide that indoor tanning is the choice for you, be sure to use sunscreen for your first few visits. (Most salons do not permit you to use your own products, so be prepared to purchase a protective UV block or accelerators.) It may seem like you’re working against yourself, but if you’ve ever felt the agony of an “all over” sunburn, it’s not such a bad idea. And use the protective goggles the salon provides. FDA requires all salons to provide goggles because closing your eyes, wearing ordinary sunglasses or using cotton does not protect your corneas from the intense UV radiation emitted from tanning beds. Although the light in the beds may not hurt your eyes while you’re in there, without proper protection cornea burns are a serious risk when tanning.

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