TANNING GUIDLINES
SUNBED QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SENSIBLY USE A SUNBED ?
People with Skin Type 1, children under 18 and people on certain medications that may cause photosensitivity, people with a history of skin cancer in their family should not use a sunbed at all.
Tanning should be done moderately taking sessions of 2-3 per week only for all tanning clients but all clients should allow a skin rest period of at least 24 hours in between sessions and at least 48hours for skin type 2. The European standard advises that you should not exceed 60 sunbed sessions per year.
WHAT IS A SUNBED SESSION?
A sunbed session is the length of time it takes to reach an individual MED (minimal erythemal dose). This is the point prior to over exposure and burning, which must be avoided. A session will therefore depend on the type of sunbed being used, the skin type of the person using it and the development point of their tan. Neither sunbathe outdoord on the same day a sunbed session is taken.
WHY WILL SOME SUNBED SALONS LET ME USE THEIR SUNBEDS FOR LONGER SESSIONS?
This depends entirely upon the type of sunbed being offered. The power and UV output varies considerably from sunbed to sunbed. A professional sunbed operator will advise on the correct session length, dependent upon sunbed, skin type and stage of tanning. The salon will provide you with the information you need on your skin type and length of session that should be taken.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A SUNBED?
Sunbeds offer a controlled way to tan and can provide appropriate levels of UV to ensure sufficient levels of vitamin D are achieved and maintained. Tanning in sunlight means the body can be subjected to different levels of UV rays, depending on the time of day, location in the world, month of the year and so on. With a sunbed, a tanning programme can be developed to ensure skin type and the type of sunbed being used are taken into consideration to ensure that over exposure, including the possibility of burning is avoided.
IS IT TRUE THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SAFE TAN?
No. Tanned skin protects against sunburn, thought to be the main cause of melanoma. If you avoid getting sunburnt, the benefit of moderate sun exposure will far outweigh any risks.
WHY DO I HAVE TO FILL IN A DISCLAIMER BEFORE USING THE TANNING BEDS
A disclaimer card must be completed by every client before using the tanning beds when signing up as a member this is a requirement of the sunbed association to make sure you are given the right information by the trained member of staff of duty. The disclaimer asks all questions allowing us to find out you skin type and any medication you may be on. This allows use to advise you with the best advice for you skin type and tanning time to be taken.