Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Air Force Times

If you must, use tanning bed

If you gotta get that tan, some experts argue that tanning beds are the lesser of two evils. Others insist the high-intensity bulbs can do more damage than the sun. The Food and Drug Administration offers the following tips:

• Know your skin. Match your skin type to the proper manufacturer-recommended exposure times.

• Protect your eyes. Wear goggles that protect against UV light. Make sure there are no cracks and they fit snugly.

• Start short. Never tan for maximum exposure time when starting. This is when your chances of burning are greatest.

• Build slowly. Some experts say you should always stick within 25 percent to 50 percent of your maximum time.

• Maintain intervals. After a tan is developed, tan no more than once a week. Depending on your skin type, you may even be able to maintain your tan with one exposure every two to three weeks.

Do not use tanning beds if:

• You sunburn easily. Skin that does not tan in the sun will probably not tan under a sunlamp.

• You have relatives with melanoma. Family history increases your cancer risk.

If you get frequent cold sores, UV rays may cause them to appear due to immune system suppression.

• You take medicines that can make you more sensitive to UV rays. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.