Tanning Bed Burn: The Result of Tanning Too Frequently

If you tan longer than is recommended in a tanning booth you will more than likely receive a tanning bed burn. Frequently, severe burns can occur if the tanner does not follow the rules and regulations outlined by the tanning salon and/or state and local laws.

Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that tanning in tanning beds, in other words without the sun, means they can't get burned or experience any of the other negative effects of the sun. This is not the case because tanning beds and the sun both emit UVA and UVB rays. Granted, the amount of each ray emitted by the sun and tanning bed lamps differs, but it still has the same effects on your body and can burn you.

So, when tanning indoors, you should always follow the guidelines and start out slowly. With the tanning bed, it is best to start out for a few minutes day one, followed by a few additional minutes on day three, and continue alternating days and increasing minutes until you have a good base tan. At this point you will be able to tan longer, but never longer than 20 minutes, and get a dark tan.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because you have a good base tan that you cannot get burnt. New prescriptions or supplements you take and health problems affect how you react to the UVA and UVB rays. If you do receive a severe sunburn from tanning beds, make sure you give your skin time to heal before tanning again.