Tanning Salons: The Benefits and Risks

We have all been warned time and again of the dangers of tanning salons, but women (and men) still flock to them on a daily basis. The fact is, the bronzed look is the trend these days. In the past, porcelain snow-white skin was the vogue, a trend which just happened to be much better for the health of your skin.

Besides the obvious risks of skin damage, premature aging and skin cancer, tanning can also be very damaging to your eyes. I worked at a tanning salon for several years, and although we were required to provide each customer with protective goggles, most of them tried to refuse them. Your eyes should always be protected! There are new styles available that are less likely to leave you with that reverse-raccoon eye effect. I also suggest buying your own pair of glasses if you choose to tan. You should never rely on the facility, no matter how clean it seems, to sanitize the bed or the glasses. It's worth the few bucks to protect the safety of your eyes.

Tanning can also be expensive. Depending on your income and lifestyle, tanning may or may not be considered an unnecessary expense. As a starving art student, it definitely falls under this category for myself.

I've heard horror stories from friends who have developed a fungus from an unsanitary tanning bed or have developed a rash due to a tan-accelerating product or a reaction to the cleaning solution used on the bed. Even though beds are supposed to be cleaned after use, either by employees or other tanners, I recommend always cleaning the bed before you get in. At the salon where I was employed, the tanners were expected to sanitize the bed after themselves. However, I got in the habit of checking to see if they did, and I would say at least 75% of the time, the bed had obviously not been cleaned. If you're going to use a tanning lotion or spray, test it first on the back or your hand or wrist to make sure that it won't irritate your skin.

Another thing I learned is that tanning beds can cause adverse reactions if you're taking medications. Sun exposure warnings may be listed in the literature provided with your prescription or may be mentioned by your physician. However, all tanning salons should have a current list of medications that may be adversely affected posted or otherwise available to you.

People obviously tan mostly for cosmetic reasons. As I mentioned, that sun-kissed glow is what is in these days. Many people feel that to fit in and be attractive, they need to fake bake. I have also heard that it makes you look thinner - I forgot the reasoning, but I know when I tan I feel that it hides many of my imperfections and makes me look slimmer. Although this is a short-term pro, you have to remember the long term effect of premature aging of the skin. It might seem like a long way off as a teenager, but the days when you have to start worrying about wrinkles will come all too soon.

I have also read studies that suggest that using a tanning bed during the winter can help those who suffer from seasonal depression. Apparently, the tanning bed serves as a replacement for the lack of sun during the winter months. However, I have heard mixed reviews and other, albeit more expensive methods such as photo-therapy, are usually recommended.

Tanning salons would lead you to believe that tanning is safer than it really is. The fact is, they are running a business, and your money is more important to them that your long-term health. It is also important to remember that all sun exposure can be harmful to your skin. Not only tanning beds or laying on the beach, but everyday sun exposure is damaging to your skin and eyes. Experts suggest wearing sunscreen and protective eye-wear even on overcast days.

However, if you crave that glowing look, there are other options available. Nearly all salons have spray-tanning these days and methods and formulas have come a long way in the past few years. Even some of the lotions and sprays you can buy at the store are pretty decent. They're not all the streaky, orange creams that you remember from your teenage years.

During the winter (depending where you reside), you're generally not showing a great deal of skin. A light bronzer on just your face and neck can work wonders.

Whether to tan or not is a personal choice. Just make sure that you are well-educated on the risks before you hit the beds.