How do I use a sunbed properly?

Question

I'm going on holiday soon and have never used a sunbed before - I want a slight tan before I go so I don't burn straight away!
Anyone got any tips? How long would I go on for? etc.

Answer 1

If you go into a reputable tanning salon, and explain that you have never been on one before, they will probably recommend a short session (8-ish mins) on a lower wattage bed (400-600) This will help you build up a decent base.
Use a good sunbed cream and wear a pair of eye protectors.
Don't make sunbeds a habit though, they ARE bad for your skin.
Have a great holiday.

Answer 2

My tip is not using a sunbed at all! You will not burn on your holiday if you use a high sun protection factor cream. You really should read some material on skin cancer, the ageing effects of using sunbeds prolonged exposure to the sun. If you want a slight tan before hand use a fake tan and you can keep that topped up on your holiday.

Answer 3

There really isn't a safe way to use a sunbed, they really are soooo dangerous. If you must, go to a reputable salon, explain your case and follow their instructions to the letter, saying that, I did that a few years ago and got burnt. I would seriously recommend avoiding them.

If you want some colour before you go away, get a spray tan, and then you use a HIGH FACTOR UVA and UVB sunscreen (Factor 20 minimum for europe, higher elsewhere) and put lots on, frequently. Get a good aftersun as well and drink plenty of water. You will still tan with a high factor, I do and I'm very fair, but you shouldn't burn. Apply more after swimming, even if its waterproof.

Answer 4

as you've never used one before only go on for three minutes. don't go on it again within 48 hours or your tan won't develop properly so twice a week is enough. make sure you have a shower before and wash off body lotions and perfumes. and always shower afterwards as the chemical reaction on your skin will boost bacteria and you will notice a smell on your skin, not unpleasant but you'll want to wash it off. I also recommend you take a towel to cover your face and get a fake tan on this as sunbeds do cause the skin to age and your face will show it sooner. don't be tempted to try tan accelerants as you need to be using the sunbed more often to get the benefit and you coyld burn with it. It does get hot and sweaty on the beds but there are also sun showers that you stand up in which is more comfortable. just remember to keep moving your arms up and down every 30 seconds for three minutes to avoid white marks on your shoulders. always use the goggles and follow the instructions and guidelines given by the salon. Hope that gives you an idea of the experience. enjoy your holiday but remember you'll still need sunscreen.

Answer 5

I did this before going on holiday but I would not recommend you use a sunbed, they are so bad for your skin and not only are the risks of skin cancers higher but also it ages your skin and dries it out. Depending on your skin colour, you should start off with a very short session (on a high speed tanning bed) start off with no more than 3 minutes. Always speak to the staff there in the shop and take their advice.

Answer 6

How To Use A Sunbed

Answer 7

my nana still has a sunbed in her loft room, but its never been used for years, she got it 15 years ago and it was top of the range then but not that good now, I used a sunbed everyday at a tanning shop before I got pregnant in 2005, my grandad died of cancer in 2007, and i would not dream of using one after watching what cancer does to a person. I like a tan and feel better but I like my health and life more

Answer 8

I've just spent a week in Greece, same as you i wanted a bit of colour first.
Forget the sunbed, use Johnsons &Johnsons holiday skin for a week and then factor 30 for the beach, got a brilliant tan!! in fact
a month later i still have as i'm still using it!!.
Much cheaper and safer!, have a good time.
p.s. unless you've got really dark skin, use the medium to light one.

Answer 9

The secret to moisturize before you go in. Regular lotion will work. Dry skin won't hold color as well. And don't go in for 20 minutes on your first time. Try 5. Then try 7, 10, etc. You should go a couple of times before you are planning to "sun it". Cover your eyes!! Tanning beds are safer than they use to be, but you can still do permanent damage to your eyes by opening them. Moisturize again once you get out.

Answer 10

I wouldn't if I were you! I recently got an e-mail from a skin cancer charity and one of their news items was that cases of skin cancer on covered areas of the body (torso, legs etc.) have risen dramatically of the last few years. Their explanation for this was the increasing popularity of sunbeds!