As some of you know, this is the BUSIEST time of the year, so I haven’t been updated as much as I would like. Don’t worry, I will get caught up in the summer, but for now, here are a few recent emails. This question is from a new salon customer:

Dear TanningBeds.org,

I am a newer tanning patron and am looking for advice on what to look for in a tanning bad. There are various bulb amounts (ex. 20 bulbs), reflector lamps, watts (160 watts), time lengths; what should I look for in a bed, to get my money’s worth. I also just want to know if a bed will work better then another in terms of the bed qualities/mechanics.

Also, for new tanner’s can you give any tips for tanning, such as tanning evenly (my sides are getting less tan then my stomach). And do you suggest wearing sunblock on the face when tanning and just using a darker makeup to match to the rest of your skin?

[name withheld]

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Dear friend,

You shouldn’t have to wear sunblock or makeup when you tan. If the tanning bed isn’t tanning you evenly, look for another tanning bed. The 160 watt beds are nice in that they have more power, but most have 100 watt lamps in the bottom, which I never understood since this means you get more power to your front than your back.

I personally look for a bed with a 20 minute session (faster sessions generally mean more UVB and less UVA, thus a less deep tan, only faster). I like a big bed that is wide enough to get my sides, like a 30 to 36 lamp bed. If you want less sun on your face, you can find a bed with face tanning (the purple plate style) and simply turn it OFF while you tan, so much less UV
is getting to your face. This is common.

Most importantly, I look for a salon that is clean, with friendly and knowledgable staff and equipment that is in good repair. Salon owners that care enough to keep the place clean are more likely to care about having better equipment.

Good luck!