TANNING SAFETY
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TANNING
As with exposure to natural sunlight, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning equipment can damage your skin and sometimes your general health. Short-term damaging effects are as follows:
- Sunburnt skin, which becomes painful, red and may blister and peel.
- Skin dryness and itching.
- Bumpy itchy rash.
- Eye irritation or conjunctivitis, (if suitable goggles are not worn). There may also be long-term health effects including:
- Premature ageing of the skin
- Skin cancer – the more exposures, the greater the risks
- Increased risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) later in life, (if suitable goggles are not worn).
PRECAUTIONS
Some people are more prone to skin damage caused by UV radiation than others. We recommend that you avoid tanning equipment if:
- you have particularly sensitive skin
- you are under 18
- you have fair sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly
- you have a history of sunburn, especially in childhood
- you have a large number of freckles and/or red hair
- you have a large number of moles
- you are taking medicines or using creams which may sensitise the skin to sunlight
- you have a medical condition that is worsened by sunlight
- you or anyone in your family have had a skin cancer in the past.
- you are pregnant
If you have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use tanning equipment.
BODILIGHT TIPS: TAN GENTLY
As a general guide it is best not to exceed 20 sessions per year; make a note of your number of sessions so you do not forget.
Tell the staff about your normal skin reaction to sunlight, bearing in mind that you may be exposing parts of your body not normally visible to the sun.
Our trained staff will help guide you on the recommended usage time. Don’t try to get a quick tan by exceeding the suggested times or by having more than one session a day/sunbathing on the same day.
A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER
The Golden Rule of Tanning.. DO NOT Overdo it!
This is the most important rule of all, which means that you should sunbathe no more than once a day. The rule of thumb is a maximum of ten times within a fortnight to three weeks. One to two times a week are sufficient to conserve the tan reached. In addition, the following tips should be observed.
Seek advice about any problems
If you notice any abnormal skin reactions developing during the tanning session, stop the exposure at once and do not use tanning equipment again before consulting a doctor. Always Seek medical advice if you notice any change in the appearance of a mole.
Protect your eyes
Make sure you use the goggles or other eye protection provided, before using the equipment; these should be worn all the time the equipment is switched on; if no eye protection is used, do not use the equipment.
Don’t rely on your tan for protection
The tan obtained from cosmetic tanning equipment can give some mild protection from burning when you go into the sun, but it never gives complete protection. Nor does it provide much protection against the long-term health risks mentioned earlier. You should still follow sensible advice on safety in the sun such by using adequate sun protection.
No matter whether you get your tan from the sun or tanning equipment, you should learn to recognise the early warning signs of serious damage.
TANNING YOU CAN TRUST
Bodilight Tanning Spa is staffed at all times. The Spa is registered with the local Authority and we are members of the Sunbed association. All members of staff are fully trained in operating the tanning equipment and will be able to guide our clients with the recommended usage levels suitable to them. We provide a comprehensive range of tan accelerating lotions and after tan moisturisers for those clients wishing to enhance their tanning results further. Our staff can guide you on this during your visit.