4. CONSIDER VISITING A TANNING SALON

Getting a "fake bake" is a lot like getting special entry into Dracula's crypt (minus the blood and bats). The general process involves you climbing into an enclosed chamber where you will lie for a specified period of time. The person in charge of the tanning beds will then set a time limit for your first session. Usually each session is increased by two-minute intervals. Most beds are equipped with fans so you won't feel too heated. Most tanning salons start to offer bargains during the summer months (since people can go outside and do it for free).

While this is a great way to get a tan without worrying too much about burning, there are some precautions you'll want to take:

  • Make sure the tanning salon has a disinfecting policy. Lots of people will be in the tanning chambers sweating away so if the salon doesn't disinfect your skin could easily become irritated.

  • Make sure that the salon has you fill out a Skin Type Analysis Form. This is a simple form that takes less than a minute to fill out. The form is used to determine how your skin reacts to tanning.

  • If you're taking medications, be sure to tell the salon staff. They may affect your sensitivity to the tanning beds.

  • Get a pair of FDA regulated goggles. Don't worry about getting raccoon eyes. The goggles protect the eyeball and since the eyelids don't tan, you won't be able to notice you had them on. Depending upon the salon, you'll either need to buy these beforehand or you'll be able to borrow a pair at the front desk, so call ahead to find out the salon's policy.

One quick note: Tanning beds are far from being skin-friendly. In fact, most health experts agree that the use of tanning beds increases a person's risk of skin cancer. When a person uses a tanning bed, more layers of the skin are damaged than when a person gets a tan from just being out in the sun. Still, if you're willing to take the risk with your skin, tanning beds do offer some benefits. You'll be able to control what kind of ultraviolet light your skin receives, you won't get sunburned, and your progress will be monitored.