Military Health, military health and wellness, military physical fitness - Military 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.