People, anxious for convenience, cleanliness and
privacy, are bringing them home. Tanning bed manufacturers are
marketing beds for every kind of home use -- from the
very portable to the solid and professional style you
could previously only see at a salon. There are many
tanning bed options and you should be able to find one
that suits your needs and your wallet if you look
around.
Horizontal tanning beds are one
home option. These tanning beds, also called capsules
or clamshells, are relaxing and soothing. Comfortable
benches and room to "flip over" are critical features
to look for in a horizontal tanning bed because to get
a nice, even tan, you will be spending time on both
your belly and your back.
Vertical tanning beds are another
very popular option. Sometimes referred to as
"stand-ups" or tanning booths, these tanning beds have
the advantage of tanning you all over at once, which
cuts down the time you will spend in the booth.
In a different category altogether are the portable
tanning beds. Solariums, which are
small units that will tan only one part of your body at
a time, are cheap and convenient. The disadvantage is
obvious -- a solarium only tans one part of your body
at a time. Larger portable tanning beds usually have
wheels; they can be fairly easily moved from area to
area and have better tanning coverage. Portable tanning
beds are easy to store and great for small spaces.
Depending on your tanning needs, space and finances, a
portable tanning bed might be the perfect type of
tanning bed for you.
With either the horizontal or vertical
tanning bed, it is important that you
evaluate the placement of the ultraviolet lights and
the reflectors. This system is what actually tans you,
so it's important that they cast an even reflection so
that you get an even tan!
The most important part of any tanning system is the
lighting and reflecting. You should make sure that the
tanning bed you purchase uses a low
UVA to UVB ratio in the lamps. They should also be high
pressure lamps as well. This is important for your
health safety. Proper UV ratios will help (not prevent)
reduce skin damage, which brings us to the last point
-- safety. No one under 18 should use a tanning
bed.
Tans are damaged skin and those under 18 are at an
especially high risk of excess damage. Do not get
carried away by the convenience of having a tanning bed
at home. It is too easy to become overexposed and harm
your skin. Follow guidelines carefully and stop tanning
when you've got some color. Light-skinned people and
people with freckles have skin that damages easily.
People with moles and lesions should never get into a
tanning bed. Always check with your
doctor if you see something unfamiliar on your
skin.
