Risk of Tanning Bed
If you tan on a regular basis, you need to be aware of the risk of tanning bed germs, not to mention the risk of tanning bed related cancers! Tanning is a wonderful relaxing experience, but too often, people don’t take the risks seriously. In fact, many people simply aren’t aware of all of the potential risks!
Before you climb into a tanning bed at a tanning salon, you need to be aware of the risks of germs. Ask the tanning salon owner how often the beds are cleaned, and if a disinfectant is used. Do not feel embarrassed by asking this question. It is a reasonable question, and it is your health at risk! Avoid borrowing goggles at the salon, even if they are guaranteed to be sanitized. Goggles are relatively inexpensive, and you should own your own pair.
Germs aren’t the only risk. There is also an increased risk of skin cancer with over exposure. If there are nicks or scratches in the acrylic shields, the amount of UV rays that are seeping through are increased. Make sure that the beds are well maintained at your favorite tanning salon, but don’t depend solely on the staff to maintain the beds. Instead, inspect the bed yourself immediately before getting into it. If there are obvious nicks and scratches in the shields, request a different bed.
Follow the timing guidelines for your skin type. Most of the better salons will have you fill out a form that will help determine the appropriate tanning time for you. If nothing like this is done or mentioned, you might want to find a better salon. Again, it is your health at stake and over exposure to UV rays is very dangerous! Before your next tanning session, really think about the risk of tanning bed, and make sure that you take all of the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and good health!
