The Myths

Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are enclosed booths that you lie in which emit only UV light (that’s the type of light that is connected to inducing your skin to tan). The idea is that the amount of light hitting you is closely regulated and timed so that there should be no danger of burning. They do, however, emit a much more concentrated amount of UV rays, meaning your skin is probably going to be more damaged after a tanning bed session than if you were out in the sun for the same amount of time. Also, tanning beds are often thought to be unsafe for those with very fair, sensitive skin but not all facilities will restrict users.

Recently, there have been some new tanning beds designed that supposedly eliminate the risks but so far they are not very common and the long term affects are still uncertain.  Keep an eye out for these “safe tanning beds” of the future.

Tan Accelerators or Tanning Pills
Stay away from these products that claim to increase your body’s melanin production.  There’s no proof that they actually work and they have no been checked over by the governmental regulating agencies. 

Safe Sunless Tanning:

Airbrush Tanning or Spray Booth Tanning
This is one of the newest options for those looking for a safe alternative for that “kissed by the sun” look.  It involves being evenly sprayed by one of a series of mixtures which either induces your skin to produce melanin (the substance that produces the bronze color in your skin) or is an even more gentle mixture of moisturizer and a coloring agent.  Some of the benefits of this method include, eliminating the risk of sunburns, skin cancer or the other affects of UV rays, it only takes about 20 minutes to apply and there is no streaking or dripping as with ones you apply by hand.  These treatments are usually available at salons or special facilities and therefore may end up being a little pricey.

Self Tanners
There are dozens of different styles and brands of self-tanners out there available over the counter.  They come in creams, sprays, lotions, foams, gels, etc.  Self-tanners have gotten a bad rap with stories of skin turning odd shades of orange or of drips leaving strange marks.  It’s true that with self-tanners it takes some concentration to apply it evenly and you need to test them on a patch of your own skin first to see what the resulting color will look like.  In general, though, they are a safe and inexpensive way to get a tan.   

If you have to be out in the sun…

Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a not a miracle lotion that will save you from the effects of the sun, but it can greatly reduce them if you are vigilant about using it.  To be safe, it’s always wise to use sunblock that has an SPF of 15 or higher (30 is usually recommended).  Apply the sunscreen well before you head outside.  It is NOT a good idea to burn a little first and apply the cream.

Most people just grab the sunscreen when they hit the beach or plan on being outside all day, but it’s important to use it more often than that.  “Accidental tanning” happens constantly- while you’re driving your car, doing some shopping, or maybe enjoying a quick lunch outside.  Your hands and face are the most likely areas to be damaged by the “accidental tanning.”  If you don’t feel like constantly smelling like sunblock, look into moisturizers, lotions, or beauty products which have an SPF. 
 
Timing
If you must have a tan, don’t expect to get it all in one day.  Prolonged exposure to the sun is always worse.  Try short sessions of 5-10 minutes, no more than twice a day.  Stay out of the direct sun between 11:00am and 2:00pm, this is when the sun is strongest and most damaging.

Clothing
Cover up when you can.  Dark colors will block out more of the sun’s rays than light colors will.  There are new fabrics which contain sunscreen in them for people who are out in the sun for long amounts of time.  The tighter the weave of the fabric, the better it will be at keeping the sun off your skin. Wear a hat.  A hat with a brim that goes all the way around will prevent the sun from damaging the sensitive skin on your face and neck.  Wearing sunglasses will help prevent damage to your eyes which could cause cataracts down the road.

Take Care of Your Skin When Not Tanning
Being out in the sun can cause your skin to dry out and become flaky.  Make sure to use moisturizers to repair the sun’s damage.  Lotions with Aloe vera are the best for soothing burns and healing sun damage. 

Sometimes tans or burns can actually induce breakouts of the skin- the body produces more oils to try to replenish the moisture and you end up with blemishes.  Make sure to take good care of your face after you have been in the sun, wash it and moisturize to prevent breakouts.