Tan beds are a popular way to get a sun-kissed glow all year long, but they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them right. When using a tanning bed, protecting your face is one of the most important things to do. Your face has thin, sensitive skin that is more likely to get hurt by UV rays than the skin on other parts of your body. We’ll talk about how to protect your face in a tanning bed in this article.
How Do Tanning Beds Work?
UV rays from tanning beds get into your skin and cause melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, to be made more. This process is similar to the way your skin tans naturally when it’s out in the sun. But tanning beds give off more UV rays than natural sunlight, which makes them more dangerous if they aren’t used right.
Types of Tanning Beds
UVA beds and UVB beds are the two most common kinds. UVA beds send out mostly UVA rays, which go deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage. UVB beds, on the other hand, send out mostly UVB rays, which damage the skin more quickly and cause sunburns. If you don’t use them right, both types of beds can hurt your skin.
Risks of Tanning Beds
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Skin Damage
Tan beds can damage your skin in a number of ways, such as by making you age faster, giving you wrinkles, and giving you sunspots. The DNA in your skin cells can also be damaged by UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer.
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Cancer of the skin
Using a tanning bed makes you more likely to get skin cancer, especially melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology says that your risk of getting melanoma goes up by 59% if you use a tanning bed before you turn 35.
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Eye Damage
UV rays can also hurt your eyes. They can cause cataracts and damage to the cornea. When using a tanning bed, it’s important to wear protective glasses to keep your eyes from getting hurt.
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How to Protect Your Face in a Tanning Bed
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Wear safety glasses
Wearing protective eyewear is one of the most important things you can do to protect your face in a tanning bed. UV rays can hurt your eyes and make you more likely to get cataracts and other problems with your eyes. Make sure you wear goggles or other eye protection made just for tanning beds.
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Cover your face with sunscreen
If you put sunscreen on your face before going into a tanning bed, you may be less likely to damage your skin or get a sunburn. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and spread it evenly on your face and any other exposed skin. Apply more every two hours or after you sweat or swim.
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Use a lotion made just for tanning your face.
Getting a tan while protecting your skin by using a lotion made just for your face is possible. Before you go into the tanning bed, find a lotion with an SPF of at least 15 and spread it all over your face. This will protect you from UV rays in a different way.
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Limit Your Exposure Time
You can also protect your face and other parts of your body by limiting the amount of time you spend in a tanning bed. Start with shorter sessions and add time to them over time. It is suggested that you don’t spend more than 20 minutes in the sun at a time. Remember that the longer you stay in a tanning bed, the more likely it is that you will hurt your skin.
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Think of other options besides tanning beds
There are ways to get a tanned look without damaging your skin that doesn’t involve tanning beds. Use a self-tanning lotion or a spray tan instead. These products are made to give you a tan that looks natural and doesn’t hurt your skin as UV rays do.
How important it is to Protect Your Skin
Protecting your skin from UV rays is important for both your looks and your health as a whole. UV rays can cause premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer if you get too much of them. It’s important to take steps to protect your skin so you can still enjoy a healthy glow.
FAQs
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Q: If I go into a tanning bed, can I use the same sunscreen on my face and body?
A: If you’re going to use a tanning bed, it’s best to use a separate sunscreen made just for your face. The skin on your face is more delicate and sensitive, so using a separate sunscreen can help give you more protection.
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Q: If I use a tanning bed, how often should I put sunscreen on my face?
A: If you use a tanning bed, you should put sunscreen on your face at least every two hours. You should also put it on again after you sweat or swim.
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Q: Can I wear my regular sunglasses in a tanning bed?
A: No, normal sunglasses won’t protect you enough from UV rays in a tanning bed. You should wear glasses that are made to protect your eyes in tanning beds.
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Q: How long should I wait after using a tanning bed before putting on self-tanner?
A: It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after using a tanning bed before putting on a self-tanner.
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Q: Does using a self-tanner come with any risks?
A: Most people think that self-tanners are safe, but some people can have allergic reactions or irritation from them. Before using a self-tanner, it’s important to do a patch test and carefully follow the directions.
Conclusion
Using a tanning bed can be a convenient way to get a sun-kissed glow, but it is important to protect your skin, especially your face. You can reduce your risk of skin damage and still get a natural-looking tan by wearing protective glasses, putting sunscreen on your face, using a tanning lotion made just for your face, limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun, and looking for alternatives to tanning beds.