To get a perfect tan and enjoy the many benefits of a sunlight therapy session, we first have to address the guidelines. Not only should it be approached sensibly, but that’s also what Responsible Tanning is all about. People who want to enjoy a tanning session should be informed and advised about all the factors involving UV light. But before we get to these guidelines, there’s one rule that everyone should know beforehand, which counts for all skin types: don't sunburn! Here are 14 rules to get the most out of your tanning session.

#1 Follow the Tanning Consultant’s Advice

Always follow the advice and instructions from the knowledgeable staff of the tanning studio. These consultants are experts in indoor tanning and understand how your skin reacts to UV light. Their guidance is invaluable for a safe and effective tanning experience.

#2 Know the Minimum Age Regulations

In some countries, people under the age of 16 or 18 are not allowed to use a tanning device. This minimum age varies and depends upon the country where you live. Please be aware of the tanning regulations in your country before enjoying an indoor sunlight therapy session.

#3 Wear Eye Protection

It is essential that you wear eye protection/goggles during any UV exposure from a tanning machine. If you don't do this, continued exposure could damage your retina and lead to other eye issues, such as cataracts. Also, remove contact lenses before a tanning session.

#4 Know Your Skin Type

It is imperative to know your skin type before you enjoy a sun session. When you don’t know your skin type or are not 100% certain, please fill in a skin type test to determine which skin type you have, as the exposure time per skin type is different. You can also contact a dermatologist to determine your type. Also, your skin type doesn’t change when your skin darkens after being exposed to UV light. When having skin type I (one), it is strongly recommended not to tan! People with skin type I do not tan; their skin only becomes reddish and gets burned very quickly. Therefore, tanning is discouraged.

#5 Use a Moisturiser

A good moisturizer protects your skin from aging. Specific moisturizers, bronzers, and accelerators are formulated to enhance the skin's reaction to UV light and to maintain moisture.

Many special tanning lotions are on the market, specially developed for indoor tanning. When you use a tanning lotion, do not shower 60 - 90 minutes after the session. This allows your skin to maximize the results of the cream. Tanning lotion should be applied liberally to all areas as desired. It is safe to use in sensitive areas as well.

However, avoid eye contact because that can be painful. Although these tanning lotions give excellent results when used with indoor tanning systems, they do not protect against sunlight. Therefore, never use indoor tanning lotions as a sunblock.

Similarly, don't use outdoor sun tanning products with an SPF filter when stepping inside an indoor tanning device.

#6 Do Not Tan when Using Medicines

Some medications can increase your sensitivity to UV light and, therefore, might cause sunburn. Some of these medications include but are not limited to:

- Antibiotics

- Diuretics

- Anti-Depressants

- Drugs for blood pressure

- Antimalarials

- Some Analgesics (in treatment for Rheumatism & Arthritis)

- Some Contraceptive pills

- Psoralens (for Psoriasis)

- Eosin (Lipstick)

Conditions such as Diabetes, Epilepsy, Migraine, and Asthma may be affected by exposure to UV light.

Please also note that UV light can help with some skin disorders, such as eczema and acne. Always consult your doctor when you’re taking medication or contact your dermatologist about whether it is all right for you to enjoy indoor tanning.

#7 Do Not Wear Cosmetics

Perfume, make-up, deodorant, and other cosmetics can affect how UV light interacts with your skin. Being aware of this and ensuring your skin is clean before a tanning session can help you avoid increased sensitivity and potential sunburn. The only exception is tanning lotions, which are safe to use.

#8 Never Exceed the Tanning Time

To prevent overexposure, never exceed the recommended tanning time. The tanning time depends on your skin type and the type of UV lamps inside the device. Please ask your studio's attendant if you need more clarification about how long your tanning session should take. A good rule of thumb is not to overdo it and listen to your body. If your skin becomes irritated, then for the next time, you should cut back the session.

#9 Know Where the Stop Button Is

Immediately stop the tanning session if your skin reacts strangely; for instance, if you get a rash, itch, or start to burn rapidly. Therefore, you should know where the stop button is on the tanning device. Look for this stop button before beginning the session. And be sure to do this every time you enjoy a session in a new sunbed. Suppose after the tanning session, the rash or itch doesn’t disappear. In that case, the best thing to do is to consult a doctor or dermatologist.

#10 Don’t Sunburn

The one rule to Responsible Tanning is: don't sunburn! This applies to both indoor tanning as well as enjoying the sun outdoors. The skin may develop sunburn after excessive exposure. Excessively repeated exposure to UV light from the sun or the tanning machine may lead to premature skin aging and other skin-related outcomes.

#11 Relieve Pressure Points by Moving Your Position on the Sunbed

When enjoying a tanning session, it is important to change your position on the bed. When lying down, the pressure points on your shoulder blades and tailbone may cause white spots. By moving your body, you can prevent this. Of course, this isn't the case when enjoying a session in a stand-up tanning device.

#12 Take Care of Areas that Don't Get Regularly Exposed to Sunlight

These areas cannot be exposed to UV light for a long time because they get sunburned quickly. Therefore, it is important to start with a session of a couple of minutes and slowly increase the tanning time in the following sessions. Make sure you will not get sunburned in these areas. And you can also use tanning lotion on these sensitive, not frequently exposed areas.

#13 Clean the Acrylic After a Session

For hygiene reasons, the tanning device needs to be cleaned after each session with a special detergent. This detergent often is a disinfectant as well. This is to make sure the tanning device is clean.

#14 Stick to the Tanning Intervals

Your skin needs time to utilize UV exposure from the sun and the tanning device. The melanocytes in your skin need time to produce melanin, which gives your skin that tan color. Thus, keep intervals of 48 hours between sessions.

How Often Can I Tan?

It is recommended to leave at least 24 hours between tanning sessions. This allows your skin to fully process the UV exposure and reduces the risk of overexposure and sunburn. Tanning too frequently can lead to premature aging and other skin-related issues. Always follow the advice of your tanning consultant and adhere to the recommended tanning intervals.

Why Do I Need to Wear Protective Eyewear?

Wearing protective eyewear during tanning is crucial to prevent eye damage. UV light can cause harm to the cornea and retina, leading to cataracts and other eye problems. Goggles provide essential protection against UV radiation, which can also cause short-term effects like tired, itchy eyes, headaches, and loss of night vision. Always use proper eye protection to safeguard your eyes.

What Kind of Lotions Can I Use for Tanning?

For indoor tanning, it is important to use lotions specifically designed for tanning beds. These lotions are formulated to enhance the tanning process and provide skincare benefits. Avoid using drugstore cosmetics, as they are not tested for tanning bed conditions and can damage the acrylic plates or prevent tanning. Always choose lotions recommended by your tanning salon to ensure safe and effective tannin