Working with your doctor on this topic is a wise choice. Every pregnancy has it’s own considerations so it is always suggested you get input from your doctor when considering tanning while pregnant. At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child, so anything you hear is nothing but myths. Because the UV light used in tanning beds do not reach the child, your baby is not at risk. During the first trimester your doctor will most likely advise you not to do anything that will raise your body’s temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. However, after the first trimester, it may be okay to have moderate sessions while using a tanning bed or booth. The most important thing to remember is to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Your skin during pregnancy is also sensitive to burning, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned.

Healthy skin is the foundation of a successful tan. Indoor tanning lotions are designed to provide critical moisture to skin before and after tanning. The healthier your skin, the longer you keep the tan; this allows you to build upon your foundation tan to get a deeper, darker tan. Dry skin flakes away your tan layer by layer. Indoor tanning lotions provide you with the deep, constant moisture your skin needs during the tanning process. Most tanning lotions have important vitamins and ingredients to help you extend your tan. People who avoid using tanning products will not get the extra moisture or a stable tan since tanning tends to dry the skin; they will lose their tan more quickly between sessions, due to dry skin flaking away. A Special Note: Consumers may not be getting the indoor tanning products that they think they are when they purchase them through unauthorized outlets like discount websites, local flea markets or non-tanning outlets. Outdated, discontinued, damaged and tampered-with products are often the products that are diverted into these outlets. Professional tanning products should be recommended by a qualified indoor tanning specialist to insure proper use. Indoor tanning products have unique ingredients that should be used only as directed to ensure the finest tan possible.

With the risks involved in individuals who overexpose themselves to UV light, it is the responsibility of the tanning salon owner and operator to eliminate the opportunity for consumers to sunburn while visiting an indoor tanning salon. It is also the responsibility of the tanning professional to make sure individuals who cannot biologically acquire a tan (skin type 1) do not tan indoors. The promotion of moderate, sensible and responsible exposure to ultraviolet light is the goal of a professional tanning salon.

Indoor tanning salon owners and operators are obligated to verify every client using tanning equipment is using government compliant eyewear. It is there goal to educate customers about the fact that towels, scarves or eyelids do not adequately protect eyes from ultraviolet exposure. In addition government laws require that tanners wear protective eyewear that block 99.9% of the UVB light and 99% of UVA. It is the operator’s responsibility that ALL tanning clients use governmental compliant eyewear. Acceptable eyewear must state the product’s compliance with government regulations on the package.

This should be avoided as much as possible so as not to exceed the daily dose of UV rays and therefore risk getting sunburn.

It depends on your skin type but 2-3 sessions a week is generally ok. It is important to leave an absolute minimum of 24hrs between each session and preferably 48hrs for skin type 2’s. It is also important to seek advice before use if signs of redness remain from a previous session or from sunbathing.

Different sunbeds have different power and UV output. A professional operator (always choose a TSA member) will advise accordingly with one objective: to avoid over-exposure or burning.

Bottom line, it’s a controlled way to tan – i.e. avoiding burning. An individual tanning programme determines the correct session length for the sun-bed being used and your skin type. Plus, very importantly, it can help maintain your vitamin D levels.